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RF Circuit / PCB HELP!!

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ameachin

Computer
Joined
Aug 9, 2003
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8
Location
CA
Hi I am pretty new to the field of RF and Remote Control and have been having a problem with reception distance.

Basically I am merging a USB mouse circuit with a 2 channel 433mhz Receiver, utilising the 5v supply from the computer to power both as the current draw is pretty low.

The problem I am coming across is that the reception distance of the receiver circuit is less than half of what the specified range is. I have scanned the area for any interference on the 433mhz band and am well away from anything that could cause interference.

The manufacturer recommends using a 16.5cm piece of wire as close to the antenna pin as possible but away from any metallic objects.

The problem I think is either down to the dc supply being noisy, with the mix of both analogue and digital. Need help on choosing both the position and type/value of decoupling capacitors to use. Currently I am using a 10uf 16v & a .1uf cap next to the receiver circuit power pins.

Or the ground plane layout on the circuit board.. Please can you help, I can supply an image of both the top and bottom of the PCB
 
P.S forgot to mention I can supply a copy of the PCB design
 
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