RFID or Wireless or ?
Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2014 12:49 pm
Firstly, i am a Product Designer and therefore would be grateful for any advice in laymans terms as electronics is not my forte 
I have done a fair bit of research, but looking at descriptions/components in catalogs and knowing their capabilities are two different things. I am looking for some advice on what may be the best tech for the job i require. It's in the field of RFID/wireless technology, but i don't know enough to say which would be more suitable. I have already ruled out NFC as the range is too short.
Sorry if this is a bit vague, but it's a client's project so i can't discuss the exact product. I'll try to explain: Imagine a product with two separate parts (A&B), part A is static and contains a 'tag' or 'receiver' (passive or otherwise), part B can be removed, taken away and returned and re-connected to Part A. The circuitry and main transmitter resides in Part B and when Part B is within range (approx 0.5-1m) of Part A an LED on it will illuminate to indicate so, this remains switched on until the two parts are once again joined together (i had thought maybe a reed switch and magnet in the base as the 'off' switch so no moving parts - but would the magnet interfere?).
The other governing factor is whether it's possible to get components small enough to fit into the palm of your hand? My original inspiration came from the bicycle computer/speedo which sends a signal from the transmitter on the fork to the receiver on the handlebar over a distance of approx 60-80cm, i want to know what that technology is and whether this is the best way to solve my problem? Or any other ideas gratefully received.
I have done a fair bit of research, but looking at descriptions/components in catalogs and knowing their capabilities are two different things. I am looking for some advice on what may be the best tech for the job i require. It's in the field of RFID/wireless technology, but i don't know enough to say which would be more suitable. I have already ruled out NFC as the range is too short.
Sorry if this is a bit vague, but it's a client's project so i can't discuss the exact product. I'll try to explain: Imagine a product with two separate parts (A&B), part A is static and contains a 'tag' or 'receiver' (passive or otherwise), part B can be removed, taken away and returned and re-connected to Part A. The circuitry and main transmitter resides in Part B and when Part B is within range (approx 0.5-1m) of Part A an LED on it will illuminate to indicate so, this remains switched on until the two parts are once again joined together (i had thought maybe a reed switch and magnet in the base as the 'off' switch so no moving parts - but would the magnet interfere?).
The other governing factor is whether it's possible to get components small enough to fit into the palm of your hand? My original inspiration came from the bicycle computer/speedo which sends a signal from the transmitter on the fork to the receiver on the handlebar over a distance of approx 60-80cm, i want to know what that technology is and whether this is the best way to solve my problem? Or any other ideas gratefully received.