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easy way to boost range of wireless thermometer?

J

Jack Rulo

Jan 1, 1970
0
I have a cheap Accurite wireless thermometer from Walmart. Is there any
easy way to boost the range? I tried lengthening the short wire antenna
inside the indoor receiver, but this didn't help. Maybe I should have
lengthened the sensor antenna as well?

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Right now, I'd say the unit has about a
30-50' range and I'd like to double that if possible.

Thanks,
Jack
 
A

Andy

Jan 1, 1970
0
I have a cheap Accurite wireless thermometer from Walmart. Is there any
easy way to boost the range?

You could try placing it on a ground plane. Something like a biscuit
tin lid should do. Probably won't double range but might get you some
of the way there.
 
I have a cheap Accurite wireless thermometer from Walmart. Is there any
easy way to boost the range? I tried lengthening the short wire antenna
inside the indoor receiver, but this didn't help. Maybe I should have
lengthened the sensor antenna as well?

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Right now, I'd say the unit has about a
30-50' range and I'd like to double that if possible.

Thanks,
Jack

Well, it depends on how much of a science project you want to make out
of this.
You could add a cheap mini-circuit rf amp 'tween the rf output and the
sensor antenna.
A ERA-33SM gets you about 15dB of gain (dc-3000MHz) and only cost
$1.72
http://www.minicircuits.com/pdfs/ERA-33SM+.pdf
 
E

ehsjr

Jan 1, 1970
0
Jack said:
I have a cheap Accurite wireless thermometer from Walmart. Is there any
easy way to boost the range? I tried lengthening the short wire antenna
inside the indoor receiver, but this didn't help. Maybe I should have
lengthened the sensor antenna as well?

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Right now, I'd say the unit has about a
30-50' range and I'd like to double that if possible.

Thanks,
Jack

Experiment with a corner reflector behind your
sensor and aimed at the receiver. See
http://www.northcountryradio.com/Published/cnrrefl_0796/cnrrefl_0796.htm
to get the concept if it is unfamiliar.

Ed
 
R

Rich Grise

Jan 1, 1970
0
I have a cheap Accurite wireless thermometer from Walmart. Is there any
easy way to boost the range? I tried lengthening the short wire antenna
inside the indoor receiver, but this didn't help. Maybe I should have
lengthened the sensor antenna as well?

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Right now, I'd say the unit has about a
30-50' range and I'd like to double that if possible.

Use antennas that are actually cut to resonance, or even directional
antennas.

Good Luck!
Rich
 
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