# Looking for information (size/range/cost) on RF devices. **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 5, 2004, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-information-size-range-cost-on-rf-devices/278263 "2004-12-05T21:24:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Nobody\_Special](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/bbce88/32.png) [@Nobody\_Special](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nobody_Special)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2004, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-information-size-range-cost-on-rf-devices/278263/1 "2004-12-05T21:24:16Z")
I’m trying to find information about RF devices. Specifically, I’m looking for a small RF broadcast receiver that operates over a distance of 7 to 10 feet. I’d like to learn how they work, their size, range and bulk cost. ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2004, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-information-size-range-cost-on-rf-devices/278263/2 "2004-12-05T21:30:45Z")
You’re going to need to privide some clarification. What sort of application are you looking into? The more detail you can provide, the better. ---
**Author:** ![Nobody\_Special](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/bbce88/32.png) [@Nobody\_Special](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nobody_Special)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2004, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-information-size-range-cost-on-rf-devices/278263/3 "2004-12-05T22:01:31Z")
Sorry, I didn’t want to include anything that might be irrelevant and just confused the question. Okay, here’s what I’m looking for. I want to find a device which will broadcast programable information over a limited range. The idea would be that the device would have a few dip switches and would air the settings over ten foot radius. Any similar device in range with the same settings would respond in some fashion. I’m thinking of something small enough that it could roughly fit in a 2" x 2" enclosure and would be cheap enough to distribute a large volume for under $1.00. ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2004, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-information-size-range-cost-on-rf-devices/278263/4 "2004-12-05T22:06:27Z")
[This (Warning: PDF Document)](http://www.abacom-tech.com/catalog/CAT_PLATFORMS.pdf) seems to be what you’re looking for, based upon your clarification. The codument contains links to more detailed information. ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2004, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-information-size-range-cost-on-rf-devices/278263/5 "2004-12-05T22:07:36Z")
WTF is a “codument”? Sheesh. ---
**Author:** ![yabob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yabob/32/2821_2.png) [@yabob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yabob)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2004, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-information-size-range-cost-on-rf-devices/278263/6 "2004-12-05T22:10:46Z")
> [@Q.E.D.](#): > > WTF is a “codument”? Sheesh. Something you put on a franfuter. ---
**Author:** ![Fritz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c57346/32.png) [@Fritz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fritz)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2004, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-information-size-range-cost-on-rf-devices/278263/7 "2004-12-05T22:46:45Z")
> [@yabob](#): > > Something you put on a franfuter. …or a humbugger… ---
**Author:** ![Bag\_of\_Mostly\_Water](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bag_of_mostly_water/32/1029_2.png) [@Bag\_of\_Mostly\_Water](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bag_of_Mostly_Water)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2004, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-information-size-range-cost-on-rf-devices/278263/8 "2004-12-05T23:52:40Z")
Getting back to the OP. You should probably take a look at [Bluetooth](http://www.bluetooth.com/). It has the right range and may do what you want. If it does, there are very inexpensive Bluetooth chip sets available.