Wireless Arduino with a range of more than a kilometer

Kickstarter continues to delight us with interesting projects.

This time it is Flutter .

What is it

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An Arduino-based development platform that initially supports wireless communication with encryption. Out of the box, devices can connect to the network between themselves.

The price of the board will start at $ 20 - this is for Flutter Basic (on the left in the photo). Small integrated antenna, microUSB connector. Flutter Pro - $ 30, with a normal removable antenna and a connector for charging the battery.

Shilda

Breakout Board

Something like an adapter for any projects with Flutter.

RC Shield

For a simple connection to the standard (I don’t know what the standards are, I’m not fond of it myself - but apparently there are some) radio controllers.

Network shield

While in development. Connecting the device to the home network via wi-fi or via ethernet.

Bluetooth Shield

Connects to the phone, mainly for management via mobile applications.

Encryption

The 256-bit AES algorithm (NIST SHA-256 hashing) is provided by the ATSHA204 chip.

Building large networks

The project is specially tailored to the convenience of expanding the network - so that the network of two devices easily expands to tens and hundreds. The software will provide simple data transfer between devices on the network and tracking of individual devices. Someone tried to interconnect two Arduino wirelessly, understands how expensive it is at least in terms of code. It would be great to get away from this and write the logic of all devices connected to the network.
Wireless communication is provided by the chip TI CC1101, its power consumption is 10-40 mA. The chip itself can operate at different frequencies, but for the project the frequency of 915 MHz was chosen. In this regard, the project will not be delivered to Europe, because at this frequency GSM communication works there. The project's FAQ states that if the project is well refinanced, then the authors will attend to the European version of the device operating on a different frequency. Judging by the fact that they have already collected a quarter of the required amount within 24 hours, this is quite realistic.

Potential application

I think many programmers would like to play with something from the real world, with some huge humanoid robot or quadrocopter. Many are already playing. And to create a self-organizing swarm of devices is, in my opinion, ecstasy.

Flutter can also be used wherever remote control is appropriate - sensors for a smart home, quadrocopters, radio-controlled cars and robots, etc.

Total

The authors of the project promise to start the first deliveries in March 2014. Prizes for those who supported the project start at $ 25. Watch the video and learn more about the project on the project page on Kickstarter, and on the project website .

PS: Thanks to the first to comment, added the article with technical information.