Build a 500 metre radio data link for under $40.

Step 7 Lower power module and neighbourly relations

To keep neighbourly relations happy, especially with digital TV, send the data as far as it needs to go but no further. One can argue about the legalities of higher power transmitters but the best solution is to keep the RF on your property and send data infrequently in brief packets. This lower power module is half the price and goes about 200 metres. The lower power does have the advantage that it can have an antenna mounted directly on the module and can be soldered next to the picaxe, so the coax and balun are not needed.

Range tests were done through trees and over a hill which explains why a module listed as "4000m" only went 500 metres.

Next up will be an instructable on building self contained solar power supplies suitable for the these units, as well as sensors such as temperature, pressure, humidity, soil moisture and tank levels.