I recently bought an RFXtrx433XL, given the apparently smooth integration with HomeAssistant.
Configuration, installation went well, but the range for reading my temperature sensor (TFA TS34C, Cresta) (and rain gauge) is very small. In other words, not usable for the intended application.
The strange thing is, when I connect the RFXtrx to my laptop and manage it with the RFXmngr tool, it does exactly what I expect it to do (with RFXtrx still in the same place and just as close/far from the RPI). Every so often I see the measurements of the temperature sensor and rain gauge coming in.
Another strange fact is that controlling a KAKU lighting is perfectly hassle-free. Even if it is further than the temperature sensor.
When I read it with the RFXmngr the noise level is 128. Had read somewhere that this is on the high side. However, I also have this value in the most remote room of our house.
Tried everything: searched the internet and this forrum, different USB cable, different location, longer USB cable, shorter cable, even without antenna, connected to NAS, with both HomeAssistant and Domoticz, sensor on different channel, … Nothing helps.
Do any of you have an idea? Exchanging the RFXtrx seems pointless to me since it does what it should on the laptop.
Thank you for the answer. I have tested it, but without succes.
The only thing I will test is to use other sensors. It is the only thing I did not change yet… If that doest not help, I will send it back:( And hopefully the RFLink will work better.
I have a RFXtrx433E at home since many years back and works like charm even with distant nodes, better than Zigbee (distance wise). I use it connected to a R-Pi where I run my HA. The power to the RFXtrx433E is sourced from the R-Pi. Please be aware that R-Pi consumes a reasonable amount of power and so the voltage drop can affect it as well as connected USB devices.
I experienced a random situation with a device connected to this R-Pi for some time back. I bought a USB tester (just google it) and I found out that the voltage output of the USB ports were 4.68v. The problem was with the USB cable sourcing the R-Pi. It worked fine until certain load, after that the voltage dropped significantly. I changed the cable and all fine again.
Not sure if changing cable will help. When voltage drops RPi experiences random restarts. Yes powered USB hub is a workable solution. Perhaps changing a standard RPi power supply to the one with higher output current may help, but I am not sure. The problem indeed is in voltage drop in the cable connecting 5V power supply to RPi. If using powered USB hub it should be with e.g. 12V or 18V power supply, say 60W. In this case 5V is maintained on each USB connector inside the hub and such setup will work reliably.
There are few other problems with RFXtrx I discussed here and here.