Freakduino is a series of wireless, Arduino-compatible boards designed for people that want to easily transmit data wirelessly.
Freakduino boards have been used by organizations such as the World Bank, UNESCO, International Atomic Energy Agency, MIT Media Lab, and many more, but most importantly, they’re designed for people that value environmental monitoring, quantitative data, open source and DIY culture, and citizen science.
Features
- wireless communications
- battery conditioning circuitry
- Compatible with Arduino shield and libraries
- uses 900 MHz or 2.4GHz frequency
- longer range versions also available for 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz frequencies
- 0ptional ruggedized enclosure or bottom mounted battery case and legs
- Start transmitting using only init(), send(), and receive() with ChibiArduino – a lightweight wireless protocol stack designed specifically for the Freakduino series.
- For applications that require more memory, you can also get it with a larger processor (ATMega1284P) that still maintains Arduino library compatibility but increases the RAM by 8x and flash memory by 4x
Boards
Click on the boards below to view the specifications or purchase.
Standard
Long Range
The main feature of this board, as opposed to the standard Freakduino is that the wireless front end is based on the TI CC1190 900 MHz RF front end IC and has a 500 mW power amplifier on the transmitter with an 11 dB low noise amplifier on the receiver. That’s around 50x the transmit power and greater than 10x increase in the receiver sensitivity compared to a standalone radio.
History
Currently on its third revision, this version of the Freakduino improves the previous designs by reducing power for longer battery life, integrating power circuitry that allows it to be battery operated, and still reducing the cost.
Previously, the battery power circuitry was sold separately as an add-on, but due to manufacturing improvements, we are proud to offer it as part of the complete device, free of charge.
We’ve wanted to do this for a long time since it’s the most popular add-on for the design, and changes it from a device that must be tethered to a power source, to one that can operate standalone, anywhere in the world. On top of this, the power reduction also allows it to last up to six months on two AA batteries in its lowest power mode.