Increasing Radio Range

Background

The RileyLink comes with a compact antenna that is tuned to a center frequency of 916MHz.

While it does work with Omnipod, it provides a limited range very similar to the PDM, though for different reasons. The he antenna component in RileyLink was meant for communication over the frequencies used by the Medtronic pumps, but not for the OmniPod, which communicates over the 433 MHz band.

(PDM's poor reception is however intentional by design)

Note: The folks who designed the RileyLink told that there is a new antenna design for targeting the Omnipod, to be released soon. So this guide is merely for the existing owners of RileyLink with the antenna described above.

How much improvement can you expect?

Alot.

With simple modifications to the antenna you will be able to communicate with the pod from across furniture and walls regardless of clothing or sleeping position. (That is unless you sleep in a special cage)

What you'll need

• A soldering iron
• 20cm (8") of copper wire
• (optional) Low melt plastic glue

Steps

1. Cut the wire to the required length

2. Remove existing antenna on the pod

3. Prepare the pads for soldering

4. Solder the antenna

5. Check connection

6. (optional) Apply the glue