Raspberry Pi Zero W receiver / transmitter

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around using a Raspberry Pi Zero W as both a receiver and transmitter for a project requiring a communication range of at least 3000 feet. Participants explore various options for achieving this range, including the use of RC receivers, telemetry radios, and alternative communication methods.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to use the Raspberry Pi Zero W as a receiver for a project, seeking cost-effective solutions for a communication range of 3000 feet.
  • Another participant notes that the Raspberry Pi Zero W is not a dedicated receiver and suggests looking into RFD900 Radio Modem or SiK telemetry radios for long-range communication.
  • A participant mentions that for bidirectional communication, two RFD900 devices can be used, as they function as both transmitters and receivers.
  • Concerns are raised about the cost of devices, questioning why a participant would consider more expensive options if cheaper alternatives are available.
  • One participant suggests using a modulated laser diode for communication if the devices are fixed and have a clear line of sight, while also proposing cellphone communication as an alternative.
  • Clarification is provided that the RFD900 Radio Modem is indeed both a transmitter and receiver, emphasizing the importance of understanding device functionalities before purchasing.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of using the Raspberry Pi Zero W for the intended purpose, with some suggesting alternative devices and methods while others defend the initial approach. No consensus is reached regarding the best solution for achieving the desired communication range.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully clarified the specific requirements for data bandwidth or the physical setup of the devices, which may affect the proposed solutions. There is also uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of various communication methods in achieving the desired range.

nduka-san
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TL;DR
I'm currently trying to make a remote control for a robot using a raspberry pi 0w as its cpu
For a project that I'm making it has a raspberry pi 0w as its cpu for running autonomously, But I want to make use the raspberry pi 0w as the receiver as well. The range needed is about 3000 feet minimum. Currently I have been looking at some rc and drone receivers that would work as well, but I want to use a raspberry pi to save money.
here are the links for the receivers and transmitters I am looking athttps://hobbyking.com/en_us/turnigy...149&indexName=hbk_live_magento_en_us_products

https://hobbyking.com/en_us/turnigy...367&indexName=hbk_live_magento_en_us_products
 
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It is not clear what kind of functionality you need. Raspberry Pi Zero W is not a receiver per se, although it has a built in WiFi module. 3000 ft will be too much for both WiFi and standard RC transmitters/receivers as the ones you linked. I would look into solutions used by Ardupilot and Pixhawk, things like RFD900 Radio Modem or SiK telemetry radio.
 
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Borek said:
It is not clear what kind of functionality you need. Raspberry Pi Zero W is not a receiver per se, although it has a built in WiFi module. 3000 ft will be too much for both WiFi and standard RC transmitters/receivers as the ones you linked. I would look into solutions used by Ardupilot and Pixhawk, things like RFD900 Radio Modem or SiK telemetry radio.
Thanks for the advice the RFD900 Radio Modem looks good but what about a transmitter, since it only a receiver?
 
As far as I am aware for bidirectional communication you just take two RFD900, they are both transmitters and receivers.
 
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If a $30 device (one of your links) is too expensive, why are you looking at two $80 devices?
I think you need to be clearer as to your requirements.
 
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nduka-san said:
For a project that I'm making it has a raspberry pi 0w as its cpu for running autonomously, But I want to make use the raspberry pi 0w as the receiver as well. The range needed is about 3000 feet minimum.
Are the two devices fixed in position? Do they have a clear line of sight between them?

If so, you could consider using a modulated laser diode and optics to complete the link. What data bandwidth do you need?

If not, can you just use cellphone communication? Be sure to sign up for the unlimited data plans for the two devices... :wink:
 
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nduka-san said:
Thanks for the advice the RFD900 Radio Modem looks good but what about a transmitter, since it only a receiver?
As @Borek has pointed out, that device is both a transmitter and a receiver ##-## just as the term 'modem' is a contraction for 'modulator-demodulater', the term 'transceiver' is a contraction for 'transmitter-receiver' ##-## please look around before buying ##\dots##
 
Vanadium 50 said:
If a $30 device (one of your links) is too expensive, why are you looking at two $80 devices?
I think you need to be clearer as to your requirements.
I'm willing to shell out the money for higher quality. I'm just trying to decrease the cost of my project so I can distribute it to other things .