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Updated Simple ESPSomfy RTS device (markdown)

rstrouse 2023-04-12 14:05:14 -07:00
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Simple-ESPSomfy-RTS-device.md

@ -44,6 +44,18 @@ For the final 3 production prototypes that I built I preferred the E07-M1101D-SM
![image](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/47839015/224562238-bbe93774-0b70-4997-b0d6-8d313b0a00cd.png)
### Enhanced Range
The range of the transceiver for both receive and transmit is very good. However, if you need extended range you may want to look at changing the little 2 inch duck antenna that comes with your transceiver. Initially, I expected to install my ESPSomfy RTS device in a server rack located at the far reaches of my home. The obstacles between this location and the first motor are daunting. This includes two six inch exterior stucco walls, 1.75 inches of travertine and a solid hardwood ceiling. While I could get ESPSomfy RTS to transmit through this kryptonite the remote was simply not strong enough to notify ESPSomfy RTS of button presses.
So I bought what was advertised as a 433Mhz full wave antenna. For reference it was a 433Mhz antenna for a Mighty Mule gate opener. Although I do not have a spectrum analyzer I can assure you this antenna was not tuned to 433Mhz. It effectively killed the transmit range of the ESPSomfy device. You also needed to be within a few feet to get any response from the remote. So I sucked it up and installed the ESPSomfy RTS device in my office eliminating one of the stucco walls. Still, I was amazed at how far the range was and the 2 inch duck antenna, despite its diminutive size was incredible. Happily the device never missed a command from my office for months.
I had been going on happily sharing my office with this rather unassuming black box tucked into the corner of the room, then a user purchased a transceiver without an antenna. After a bit of back and forth they bought a 3dbi antenna from Amazon and posted the link. Intrigued by this seemingly simple device I decided that I would buy one to troubleshoot the issue they were having with their transceiver. After all the blue-gray truck would arrive the next morning and this magical device was less than 6 bucks.
The truck showed up and I ripped open the package thinking it couldn't be much better than the mighty 2 inch duck antenna. After I unscrewed the 2 inch antenna from its perch, I promptly screwed the 4 inch antenna in its place. I then hit a button on my remote watching the RSSI in the logs. The first button press was -31dBm from the antenna. The one prior to that was -56dBm and I never got a signal better than -47dBm. I though that was a fluke so I pressed the button again. This time it came back with -27dBm.
With the new antenna I was able to move that little black box into the server rack with all of its friends. It averages in the -65dBm range and never misses a beat from this location. This thing is now a stud. Here is a link to the antenna but I am sure there are even more examples out there.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072Q7319V?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
### Assembling the Hardware
Your first step is to connect your transceiver to your ESP32. I did this with the use of some female to female dupont connectors and ran it on the bench for a while. I didn't even use a breadboard to connect it. I simply connected each end of a 10cm dupont cable to make each of the 8 connections. If you can assemble furniture from a box you are more than qualified for this task.