¶ HC-12 Wireless Module
The HC-12 is a versatile wireless communication module operating on the 433 MHz frequency band. It offers a simple, serial-based communication interface, making it an ideal choice for projects that require long-range, reliable data transmission. With a range of up to 1 km in open areas, it bridges the gap between the transmitter and receiver modules in this project.
¶ Why use the HC-12?
The HC-12 is perfectly suited for this project because:
- Long Range:
Capable of transmitting data up to 1 km, ensuring reliable communication even in larger spaces like restaurants. - Ease of Integration:
Works seamlessly with Arduino boards using a UART interface, requiring minimal configuration. - Low Power Consumption:
Consumes minimal power in operation, which will be beneficial when transitioning to battery-powered systems. - Customizable Settings:
The module allows configuration of baud rates, power levels, and channels to tailor performance for specific use cases.
¶ Potential Alternatives
If the HC-12 module isn't available or doesn't meet your project requirements, consider the following alternatives:
-
nRF24L01+ Module
A low-cost, 2.4 GHz transceiver with excellent range and power efficiency. It requires a more complex library for setup but provides robust communication. -
ESP8266/ESP32 Modules
Wi-Fi-enabled microcontrollers that allow wireless communication over longer ranges using standard Wi-Fi protocols. Ideal for projects requiring internet connectivity. -
LoRa Modules (e.g., SX1278)
Long-range, low-power RF modules with ranges exceeding 5 km in open areas. They are great for IoT and remote sensor networks but may require more configuration.
¶ Antenna Upgrade
This project replaces the default HC-12 antenna with a high-performance external antenna. The HC-12 module features an IPEX (U.FL) connector, which allows you to attach the external antenna easily.
Using this external antenna improves signal stability and range, making it better suited for environments with obstacles or interference. For more details, you can view the antenna used in this project here: Amazon: 433 Mhz SMA Gmrs Antenna.
¶ Key Specifications
- Frequency: 433.4–473.0 MHz (configurable)
- Communication Range: Up to 1 km (line-of-sight)
- UART Baud Rate: 1200–115200 bps (default 9600 bps)
- Power Supply: 3.2–5.5 V
- Default Transmit Power: 20 dBm (100 mW)
- Size: 27.8 × 14.4 × 4 mm
¶ Pinout
| Pin | Description |
|---|---|
| VCC | Power supply (3.2–5.5 V) |
| GND | Ground |
| RXD | Serial data input |
| TXD | Serial data output |
| SET | Mode configuration (optional) |
¶ Applications in this Project
In this project, the HC-12 module:
- Transmitter Module:
Sends data from the Arduino Nano Every to the receiver, including toggle switch states and time increments. - Receiver Module:
Receives data and processes it for controlling LEDs and the I2C display.