Range Extender

Question

Hi DJ, I understand from communication with your sales department that the range is 10 -20 meters depending on the antennae in laptop bluetooth. In on of your forums you mention 50 meters. For my project will need about 30 meters of range. Will I be able to get this with a good bluetooth dongle (class 1)? https://www.gridconnect.com/bluetooth-usb.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=North+America&utm_term=bluetooth+usb+dongle+b&gclid=CL6dmuuDgK0CFQSFhwodwGurRg Or do I need to have you quote me on the xbee / ez-robot setup?

Thank-you

Putt Putt · Answer

Hi, I'm not speaking for DJ but from my own experience X-Bee's are the best way to go..you can get X-Bee's in 1MW, 2 MW, 50MW and even a unit that can transmit 40 miles...check them out at Sparkfun Electronics. I have no trouble in my house with the 2 m-watt version through walls with all kinds of other wireless stuff running and glitch free, I'm actually planning on upgrading to the 50 MW version 2 which would serve any roboteers needs in the hobby level. The 50 mil watt could operate a block away glitch free. Dave

Bookmaker · Answer

For me I would love to know if the class 1 would extend the bluetooth any?????????????

Putt Putt · Answer

Are you referring to the series 1 X-Bee? if so they come in 1 Miliwatt and 60 Miliwatt versions. Class 2 Bluetooth devices have a communication range of 10 meters (30 feet), and Class 1 adapters provide a communication range of 100 meters (300 feet). Dave

Bookmaker · Answer

No, I am talking about the bluetooth. The easiest and cheapest would be to buy the class one bluetooth if it actually extends the distance. Anyone know if it actually works???

TopView · Answer

I am with Bookmaker. The x-bee looks great and would certainly offer greater range solutions but for my application if I could plug in a class 1 bluetooth dongle (link in first post) and get the 100 foot range I would be set for $30.00.

budel0 · Answer

There is a different way how you could extend your BT reception. It's instructed in this thread, link, it starts at post 13.

jstarne1 · Answer

You can buy a higher output bluetooth however that only works one way. You must also purchase a better bluetooth for your computer as well. Or do it easier get a mini pc with wifi like me and connect to it with anither pc , remote desktop from tablet or a thin client. Its easier to get wifi extended and good range than bluetooth , cheaper too. This does strongly depend on if you have enough room for the 6.5 x 6.5 in motherboard and a 3.5 in hdd to have onboard control.

TopView · Answer

Can I ask which mini pc you are using?

budel0 · Answer

@ jstarne1 Did the exact same thing. But I removed the BT and control it via USB. @ TopView  I'm using an Asus eee pc 900hd, its an antique, but it works and is small.

TopView

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