Performance by Simplicity
RC232 is an easy-to-use and effective cable replacement networking protocol. RC232 is the most easy-to-use and simple networking protocol for bidirectional wireless transmission from a transmitter to a receiver. It is fully transparent, i.e. the data you input at the transmitter side will show up exactly the same on the receiver side, after a small delay. It will appear as a serial connection for the embedded designer.
The RC232 RF protocol was the first ever Radiocrafts product line, launched more than 18 years ago and is still popular due to the ease-of-use and simplicity. Our wireless experts continuously work on making sure RC232 provides our end-customers with high performance by simplicity. The RC232 product range, which supports a multitude of frequencies from 169MHz to 2.4GHz, has been sold all over the world. We have product versions for your every application requirement including very low cost, high radio reliability, narrowband industrial grade variants, and more. It uses a UART interface and can be configured as point to point, point to multi point, and peer to peer.
Transparent protocol, you receive exactly the same data as you transmitted
Support RF data rate of up to 100 kbps
Pre-certified modules that comply to radio regulations
RC232 Module Selection
RC11XX Family
RC11 series is a cost effective sub-GHz platform that supports 433/865/868/915 MHz modules. The family includes High Power option for the extended range.
Module |
Frequency band [MHz] |
Radio channels [#] |
Data rate [kbps] |
RX sensitivity [dBm] |
RX current [mA] |
Pout [dBm] |
TX current [mA] |
SLEEP current [uA] |
Operating supply voltage [V] |
Operating temperature [deg C] |
Indicative LOS [m] |
Region / compliance |
Narrow Band |
High Power |
RC1140-RC232 |
433-434 |
17 |
1.2-100 |
-110 |
24 |
10 |
35 |
0,3 |
2,0 – 3,6 |
-40 to +85 |
1200 |
EU / CE |
– |
– |
RC1170-RC232 |
865-867 |
15 |
1.2-100 |
-110 |
24 |
10 |
37 |
0,3 |
2,0 – 3,6 |
-40 to +85 |
800 |
India |
– |
– |
RC1180-RC232 |
868-870 |
18 |
1.2-100 |
-110 |
24 |
10 |
37 |
0,3 |
2,0 – 3,6 |
-40 to +85 |
800 |
EU / CE |
– |
– |
RC1190-RC232 |
902-928 |
50 |
1.2-100 |
-110 |
24 |
-1 |
22 |
0,3 |
2,0 – 3,6 |
-40 to +85 |
300 |
USA / FCC |
– |
– |
RC1170HP-RC232 |
865-867 |
15 |
1.2-100 |
-109 |
24 |
27 |
560 |
3,4 |
2,7 – 3,3 |
-40 to +85 |
4000 |
India |
– |
✓ |
RC1180HP-RC232 |
868-870 |
18 |
1.2-76.8 |
-109 |
24 |
27 |
560 |
3,4 |
2,7 – 3,3 |
-40 to +85 |
4000 |
EU / CE |
– |
✓ |
RC1190HP-RC232 |
902-928 |
50 |
1.2-100 |
-109 |
24 |
27 |
560 |
3,4 |
2,7 – 3,3 |
-40 to +85 |
4000 |
USA / FCC |
– |
✓ |
RC12XX Family
A 2.8V to 5 volt compatible, sub-GHz platform that supports 418/427/433/868/915 MHz modules. The RC12XX family was designed as a generic product family with a lot of different options to meet different regulations in various countries.
Module |
Frequency band [MHz] |
Radio channels [#] |
Data rate [kbps] |
RX sensitivity [dBm] |
RX current [mA] |
Pout [dBm] |
TX current [mA] |
SLEEP current [uA] |
Operating supply voltage [V] |
Operating temperature [deg C] |
Indicative LOS [m] |
Region / compliance |
Narrow Band |
High Power |
RC1210 |
418/419 |
30 |
4,8 |
-112 |
20 |
8 |
26 |
0,003 |
2,8 – 5,5 |
-20 to +55 |
2000 |
China |
✓ |
– |
RC1230 |
426/429 |
71 |
2,4 |
-115 |
20 |
8 |
26 |
0,003 |
2,8 – 5,5 |
-20 to +55 |
2000 |
Japan |
✓ |
– |
RC1240 |
433-434 |
80 |
4,8 |
-115 |
20 |
8 |
26 |
0,003 |
2,8 – 5,5 |
-20 to +55 |
2000 |
EU / CE |
✓ |
– |
RC1244 |
429-444 |
85 |
4,8 |
-115 |
20 |
8 |
26 |
0,003 |
2,8 – 5,5 |
-20 to +55 |
2000 |
Nordic |
✓ |
– |
RC1250 |
424/447 |
80 |
2,4 |
-117 |
20 |
8 |
26 |
0,003 |
2,8 – 5,5 |
-20 to +55 |
2000 |
Korea |
✓ |
– |
RC1280 |
868-870 |
80 |
4,8 |
-110 |
21 |
7 |
28 |
0,003 |
2,8 – 5,5 |
-20 to +55 |
1000 |
EU / CE |
✓ |
– |
RC1290 |
902-928 |
51 |
4,8-19,2 |
-110 |
21 |
-1 |
23 |
0,003 |
2,8 – 5,5 |
-20 to +55 |
500 |
USA / FCC |
✓ |
– |
RC17XXXX Family
An upgraded version of the RC11 series, which includes Ultra Narrowband radio as an extra feature for the best noise resilience. High Power for the extended range is available for this family.
Module |
Frequency band [MHz] |
Radio channels [#] |
Data rate [kbps] |
RX sensitivity [dBm] |
RX current [mA] |
Pout [dBm] |
TX current [mA] |
SLEEP current [uA] |
Operating supply voltage [V] |
Operating temperature [deg C] |
Indicative LOS [m] |
Region / compliance |
Narrow Band |
High Power |
RC1701HP-RC232 |
169 |
10 |
0.3 – 100 |
-118 |
31 |
27 |
407 |
0,6 |
2,8 – 3,6 |
-30 to +85 |
20 000 |
EU / CE |
✓ |
✓ |
RC1740-RC232 |
433-434 / 444 |
93 |
0.3 – 100 |
-118 |
31 |
15 |
57 |
0,6 |
2,8 – 3,6 |
-30 to +85 |
3 000 |
EU / CE |
✓ |
– |
RC1780HP-RC232 |
868 – 870 |
84 |
0.3 – 100 |
-118 |
31 |
27 |
297/72 |
0,6 |
2,8 – 3,8 / 5,0 |
-30 to +85 |
5 000 |
EU / CE / INDIA |
✓ |
✓ |
*) The module can be used in EU / CE, but with a lower than maximum output power setting (Max 10dBm)
RC25XXXX Family
RC25 series is a 2.4 GHz platform for products that need a true global reach.
Module |
Frequency band [MHz] |
Radio channels [#] |
Data rate [kbps] |
RX sensitivity [dBm] |
RX current [mA] |
Pout [dBm] |
TX current [mA] |
SLEEP current [uA] |
Operating supply voltage [V] |
Operating temperature [deg C] |
Indicative LOS [m] |
Region / compliance |
Narrow Band |
High Power |
RC2500-RC232 |
2400-2483 |
83 |
1.2 – 100 |
-105 |
25 |
1 |
27 |
0,4 |
2,0 – 3,6 |
-40 to +85 |
500 |
Worldwide |
– |
– |
RC2500HP-RC232 |
2400-2483 |
83 |
1.2 – 100 |
-108 |
30 |
18 |
155 |
1,5 |
2,7 – 3,6 |
-20 to +85 |
2 000 |
Worldwide |
– |
✓ |
Product Details
The RC232 RF Transceiver Modules are a series of compact, surface-mounted, high performance modules with embedded protocol. The RC232 modules are the easiest to use and most simple modules in Radiocrafts’ entire product range and are available in low power, high power, and narrowband versions. The completely shielded modules are pre-certified for operation in license free bands from 169 MHz to 2.4 GHz. It is optimized for easy use and simplicity, supporting point-to-point and point-to-multipoint network topologies. A multi-hop option is also provided (Available for the RC11xx-RC232 only).
Different variants of the modules conform with regulations for operation in Europe (CE), USA and Canada (FCC), Brazil, India, Japan, Korea, China, Australia and New Zealand.
- Wideband modules for low cost applications
- Point to point, point to multipoint protocol, multi-hop (RC232)
- 169-2450 MHz
- Transparent UART data interface
- High Power modules for extended range
- RF data-rate: 1.2 – 100 kbps
- Small size (12,7 x 25,4 x 3,5 mm)
- Compact shielded module for SMD
- Pin compatible variants for EU, US, India, World-wide
- No external components – power supply and antenna only
- Up to 4 km range (Line of Sight)
- Sleep mode for lower power consumption
Configuring a RC232 Network
As the RC232 protocol is basically a point-to-point or point-to-multipoint protocol, it is very easy to configure. Each node is given a Unique ID (UID) and a System ID (SID). A message received with a matching UID and SID, will be accepted. The Destination ID (DID) is configured in the transmitting node. If the DID is set to the predefined broadcast address, the message will be accepted by all nodes with the same SID.
Normally the modules use 2 bytes each for UID and SID, but this can be expanded to 4 bytes each.
In a typical sensor data collection scenario, all nodes will be configured with DID pointing to the data collector or gateway. In a remote control scenario, the controller will change its DID in order to talk to different nodes. Or it can use the broadcast address if all nodes shall receive the same command.
If direct radio communication between nodes is not possible due to long range or obstacles, a special multi hop (MH) feature can be used. When using multi-hop, each module address is configured such that it also defines the hop path from the original transmitter to the gateway. (Available for the RC11xx-RC232 only)
DATA SHEETS
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This document covers the relevant information about the RC11XX-RC232 module series such as product features, reference data, circuit and pin description, module configuration, power supply, programming interface, antenna connection, and other product related information. |
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This document covers the relevant information about the RC11XX-RC232 High Power module series such as product features, reference data, circuit and pin description, module configuration, power supply, programming interface, antenna connection, and other product related information. |
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This document covers the relevant information about the RC2500-RC232 module series such as product features, reference data, circuit and pin description, module configuration, power supply, programming interface, antenna connection, and other product related information. |
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This document covers the relevant information about the RC2500-RC232 High Power module series such as product features, reference data, circuit and pin description, module configuration, power supply, programming interface, antenna connection, and other product related information. |
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This document covers the relevant information about the RC1240/80/90 modules such as product features, reference data, circuit and pin description, module configuration, power supply, programming interface, antenna connection, and other product related information. |
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This document covers the relevant information about the RC17XX-RC232 High Power module series such as product features, reference data, circuit and pin description, module configuration, power supply, programming interface, antenna connection, and other product related information. |
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The Data Sheet for the RC1210 series that is specially made for the Chinese market. |
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The Data Sheet for the RC1230 series that is specially made for Japanese market. |
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The Data Sheet for the RC1244 series that is specially made for the Nordic market. |
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The Data Sheet for the RC1250 series that is specially made for Korean market. |
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This User Manual for RC232 modules is a step by step introduction on how to use our module with the RC232 Protocol. This document describes the RC232 feature sets, RC232 embedded protocol, the UART interface and timing, power management, and supply voltage. |
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This User Manual describes the main characteristics of the RC17XX-RC232 and RC17xxHP-RC232 product family. It includes a detailed description of RC232 features, module configuration, timing information, and memory. |
APPLICATION NOTES
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This is a short Application Note on the use of license free RF modules in New Zealand, and in particular which modules from Radiocrafts will meet the local radio regulations. |
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This is a short Application Note on the use of license free RF modules in New Zealand, and in particular which modules from Radiocrafts will meet the local radio regulations. |
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There are many different wireless standards and technologies available to enable the internet of things (IOT). The different technologies have different pros and cons depending on the use case and the end customer. Trying to keep up with the latest wireless trends can drain a company of all its resources and take attention from its core business. The solution recommended by Radiocrafts is to use a modular approach and a common RF module footprint that enables all the technologies offered by Radiocrafts without needing modifications to the PCB. |
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When selecting the right radio technology, the achievable communication range is an important factor. This document reviews how to analyse radio range based on parameters provided in the data sheets for the different module families. Some measurement results from practical range testing are also shown. |
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The purpose of this document is to list some of the most common issues that customers report when using Radiocrafts modules, and the solutions to these issues. |
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Radiocrafts offers a wide range of wireless modules targeting different solutions word-wide. This Application Note describes how to select and use Radiocrafts modules for FCC compliance in US. |
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The Radiocrafts Demo Boards and USB-sticks include an on-board firmware upgrade connector compatible with different flash programming adapters. It is also recommended that PCB layouts include a connector for firmware upgrades. This Application Note describes how to upgrade the firmware of any Radiocrafts RF module using either a CC Debugger or the FlashPro-CC tools. |
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The RC1xx0 and RC2x00 series of RF Modules with integrated protocol offers easy adaptation of wireless communication utilizing a simple UART serial interface. In their standard versions, without any required configuration, the modules offer two pins for controlling PA, LNA, and SPDTs for signal switching. Two SPDTs are required since there is only one RF pin on the Radiocrafts modules. |
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This Application Note describes how to use the RC232-CCT to enable and disable encryption and for entering new 16-bytes AES128 encryption key. |
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The RC1xx0 series of RF Modules with integrated protocol offers easy adaption of wireless communication utilizing a simple UART serial interface. This document addresses notes related to using a standard level shifter together with the module, practical considerations to ease the setup of the radio module, and finally, troubleshooting hints and tips. |
For all our RC232 modules, Development Kit suitcases are available for rapid prototyping and proof of concept. The kits contain:
- Two Development Boards with the module of choice, onboard USB level shifter, USB connector, SMA antenna connector, and I/O break-out
- Quarterwave stub antennas with SMA connector
- USB cables
- Additionally, the HP variants include AC/DC Power Supplies
One kit will make a wireless link “out of the box” and feature easy access to all the modules I/O-pins. The kit can be used together with the PC software tools.
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The Demonstration Kit from Radiocrafts is designed to make it easy for the user to evaluate the module, develop an application, and build prototypes. Bundled with the Demonstration Kit is the RCTools PC software to be used together with the Demo Boards. |
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The Demonstration Kit from Radiocrafts is designed to make it easy for the user to evaluate the module, develop an application, and build prototypes. Bundled with the Demonstration Kit is the RCTools PC software to be used together with the Demo Boards. |
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This User Manual describes how to use the Demonstration Kit for the RC11xx; RC12xx; RC2xxx module series and provides detailed documentation for the Demonstration Board. |
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This User Manual describes how to use the Demonstration Kit for the RC11xxHP; RC12xxHP; RC17xxHP module series and provides detailed documentation for the Demonstration Board. |
Tools & Manuals
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RCTools is a powerful and easy to use PC suite that helps you during test, development and deployment of the Radiocrafts modules. The RCTools includes RC_CCT, RC_SA and RC_DT stand alone applications running under windows .Net Framework. The RCTools is free of charge and easily installed (including .NET and USB Driver) by running the setup file. |
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RC Tools 232 contains the PC tools for design with the RC232 family. It includes the CCT tool and the SA tool. |
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The RC232-SA (Spectrum Analyzer) enables you to easily scan all or a subset of channels which the module can operate on. This is a handy tool for checking available free channels and to verify that you actually are transmitting on the right frequency. The SA tool also enables the possibility of optimizing antenna performance and relatively comparing the performance of various antenna solutions. |
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The RC232-CCT (Configuration & Communication Tool) helps you work with your Radiocrafts modules. The program enables you to easily configure the module and can additionally work as a terminal window, where data can be sent or received to / from any serial port. The RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) informs you about the Link budget and helps you estimate range. |
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This is a step by step introduction how to properly use RC232 Spectrum Analyzer for RC232 modules. |
What is RC232?
Radiocrafts’ protocol, RC232, is designed to enable an easy-to-use, simple, and high-performance network when using ISM band radio modules for transmission of data. It is a Radiocrafts success story, being launched more than 15 years ago and is until this day, still a popular product line all over the world due to the ease-of-use and high performance by simplicity. The RC232 protocol is embedded in the module and enables point to point, point to multi point, peer to peer networks, and a multi-hop option. The RC232 modules can be controlled with a simple-to-use UART interface, and used to configure the protocol for the actual application.
For any module inquiries please contact our local partner.
Or buy online at Digikey.com
Product Name | Frequency | Region Compliant | Buy Module Online | Buy Development Kit Online |
RC1140-RC232 | 433-434 MHz | EU / CE | ||
RC1170-RC232 | 865-867 MHz | India | ||
RC1180-RC232 | 868-870 MHz | EU / CE | ||
RC1190-RC232 | 902-928 MHz | USA / FCC | ||
RC1180HP-RC232 | 868-870 MHz | EU / CE | ||
RC1190HP-RC232 | 902-928 MHz | USA / FCC | ||
RC1210 | 418/419 MHz | China | ||
RC1230 | 426/429 MHz | Japan | ||
RC1240 | 433-434 MHz | EU / CE | ||
RC1244 | 429-444 MHz | Nordic | ||
RC1250 | 424/447 MHz | Korea | ||
RC1280 | 868-870 MHz | EU / CE | ||
RC1290 | 902-928 MHz | USA / FCC | ||
RC1701HP-RC232 | 169 MHz | EU / CE | ||
RC1740-RC232 | 433-434 MHz | Worldwide | Contact Radiocrafts | |
RC1780HP-RC232 | 868 – 870 MHz | EU / CE / INDIA | Contact Radiocrafts | |
RC2500-RC232 | 2400-2483 MHz | Worldwide | ||
RC2500HP-RC232 | 2400-2483 MHz | Worldwide |