Hi, Everyone,
I read in one of Gunner's posting about installing an antenna onto EZ-B's Bluetooth to extend its range.
Anyone tested it and which point do I solder the external Bluetooth antenna onto the bluetooth board?
I did a test and found my $5 USB bluetooth & EZ-B could not connect if there is wall in between. (max. 1 to 2m range availability only)
I need a minimum 10m to 15m connectivity.
I will purchase a high power 300m USB bluetooth for my PC, but worried the smaller EZ-B's Bluetooth range is too limited.
Another option I have is to install Wi-FI onto EZ-B (my home is totally Wi-Fi covered).
Anyone can give me the instructions on how I can replace EZ-B's Bluetooth with a Wi-Fi mod.? (if it is possible and supported by ARC software?)
Thanks All !
Regards, Woon
Hello again @Woon
Another forum member, @R2D2 has done the EZ-B Bluetooth antenna mod; check this link, but if all you need is 15m then I think you will find the better Bluetooth USB dongle all you require... they tend to not only have more transmission power but better receiving sensitivity as well.
I haven't yet switched from Bluetooth myself but will soon, either to a TTL-USB direct link to an on-board PC or possibly to WiFi as you are thinking. The connection is technically simple and the choices of adapters many, but I myself haven't yet seen a successfully detailed how-to. But you can check this older link for some ideas.
You can always get a couple of these
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/2000m-2km-Long-range-Bluetooth-Transmitter-USB-Highpower-Bluetooth-Adapter-/150873042479?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2320bbee2f
Thanks, Gunner & Putt Putt
Awesome long range Blue tooth transmitter !
Could be an over-kill solution and me losing a few teeth & $.
I will try the external antenna and a USB 300m bluetooth route as it is the next cheapest option.
Regards, Woon
Seriously, I would take a look at these modules from SparkFun Electronics, they are easy to use and vary in price and power.
I have 3 of the series 2 on one of my bots and they work just great.
Take a look at their specs and you will see that their range ( depending on which you use ) can vary from a few meters to 40 miles!
https://www.sparkfun.com/categories/111
If you remove the class 2 bluetooth plug-in that is installed on the EZ-B and install a class 1 bluetooth like this one: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10268 you should be able to increase the operating distance to around 300 feet when used with a class 1 bluetooth on your PC.
@Robot-Doc Thanks for that referal
... And I just got a class 1 dongle for my PC.
That looks like a drop in replacement (once a header is soldered in) as the VCC GND Tx Rx pins are all in the same order. @DJ, will this be seamlessly interface with the EZ-B firmware?
Just bought USB Bluetooth Class 1 with Antenna and extended my range by 1m.
Total cost: US$9
Just sufficient range for my current project.
Should increase the range further when I add the external antenna onto EZ-B board's bluetooth module later.
Cool I just bought one of those , sounds good you get a extra 4 ft range. Maybe you will get another couple meters by adding a external antenna to your ezb.