Note: I'm primarly a 4th year Computer Science student, but I have also interest in electronics but I have very limited knowlege.
Is it possible to measure the signal quality or level of a RF transmitter with a RF reciever (like this: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10533)? I need to know if I am getting close to the source. I mean is it possible to use these RF transmitter/recievers for not data transfer but signal level calculation?
Best Answer
What you are looking for is a receiver with an RSSI function (Received Signal Strength indication); this is usually an analog output proportional to the log of the signal strength.
The datasheet does not give particularly good specs, as is common with the Sparkfun datasheets I have looked at. If you could identify the real manufacturer, they might have better data.
In this case, that takes us to a page on www.rf.net.tw which has exactly the same data sheet. However it does have an "Ask Question" form where you could ask if this module has an RSSI function. (Be prepared for the question to be ignored or misunderstood, but it may be worth a try).
The datasheet DOES say "Modulate Mode : ASK" which means "Amplitude Shift Keying" which means the linear output MAY vary in voltage to some extent with signal strength, but probably not enough to be useful, because AGC (automatic gain control) will keep the output signal almost constant.
One of the comments on the Sparkfun page talks about using the linear output for RSSI and links to this page about it. Doesn't look very reliable to me.
This page describes digging into a similar module (different manufacturer) and finding an undocumented RSSI signal, if you are brave enough.
All of which probably leaves you looking for another receiver : this time, search for "315 MHz receiver with RSSI" and you may find something more useful.