Re: Radio Boost/Range Extender?
 

Nick,

There are two things you can do with antenna location to improve range, in addition to the suggestions already made in this thread. The first is to mount both the robot's and the base's antennas as high as conveniently possible. This gets the direct transmission path between the antennas as free of obstructions as possible, and reduces the effect of the ground reflection. Since it's just for a demo and not a competition, you could mount the radio on a separate, higher mast to raise it. The second is that if you can't get the robot's antenna very high, at least make sure that it's got as much clearance between it and the metal in the frame and manipulator as you can manage.

Al's suggestion of moving the driver's side radio closer to the field with a longer serial cable is a great cheap way to get a lot of the extra range you're looking for. Good luck with your demo.

- Steve

Re: Radio Boost/Range Extender?
 

The FCC is who.

Anyway: To maximize range read Al S's post twice and do what he says. Specifically: Parallel antennae, and ALL of BOTH modules as far from all metal as possible.

You should see 200 feet reliably.

Don