Adafruit RFM69HCW 868MHz for Pi

This is a new Adafruit bonnet which will allow you to upgrade your Raspberry Pi with a sub-GHz radio transceiver, so it can communicate over long distances, giving you wifi, bluetooth, and radio capabilities. You not only get a radio module, but also a 128x32 OLED display for status messages and three buttons you can use for creating a custom user interface or sending test messages.



Compared to the 2.4 GHz WiFi/Bluetooth radios on the Pi already, these modules run at 433 or 900 MHz (sub-GHz). You can't send data as fast but you can send data a lot farther. These packet radios are simpler than WiFi or BLE, you don't have to associate, pair, scan, or worry about connections. All you do is send data whenever you like, and any other modules tuned to that same frequency (and, with the same encryption key) will receive. The receiver can then send a reply back. The modules do packetization, error correction and can also auto-retransmit so it's not like you have worry about everything but less power is wasted on maintaining a link or pairing.

This is the 900 MHz RFM69 radio version, which can be used for either 868MHz or 915MHz transmission/reception - the exact radio frequency is determined when you load the software since it can be tuned around dynamically. These are +20dBm FSK packet radios that have a lot of nice extras in them such as encryption and auto-retransmit. They can go at least 500 meters line of sight using simple wire antennas, probably up to 5Km with directional antennas and settings tweakings.

Quick Spec

• Packet radio with ready-to-go CircuitPython libraries
• SX1231 based module with SPI interface
• +13 to +20 dBm up to 100 mW Power Output Capability (power output selectable in software)
• 50mA (+13 dBm) to 150mA (+20dBm) current draw for transmissions, ~30mA during active radio listening
• Range of approx. 500 meters, depending on obstructions, frequency, antenna and power output
• Create multi-point networks with individual node addresses
• Encrypted packet engine with AES-128
• Uses the license-free ISM band: "European ISM" @ 868MHz or "American ISM" @ 915MHz
• Use a simple wire antenna or spot for uFL or SMA radio connector
• Dimensions: 65.2 x 30.7 x 7.5mm
• Weight: 10.7g

Resources

• Product Page
• Product Wiki
• SX127x Datasheet
• RFM9X
• Schematic and board files on GitHub

Shipping List

• 1 x Adafruit RFM69HCW 868MHz for Pi