Resonant Repeater Arsenal

Thanks to a few dedicated community members
Notably @Hamspiced and @Satur9
There are now a number of resonant repeaters for us to choose from.

I have carried out independent testing on a variety of repeaters, and the below serves to document my findings for you to make your own decision as to what will suit your own scenario.

For the purposes of clarity, I have broken the testing down into 3 Categories
Large Form Factor - Small Form Factor - Sticker Form Factor

Previous similar tests, I carried out with:
My Phone, A PM3 Easy, A PM3 RDV4 and a Flipper.

Due to [considerations, blah blah decisions blah blah, explained, deleted, boring] this round of testing I have chosen to simply use:
EQUIPMENT

  • Vector Network Analyzer
  • Flipper Zero

TARGET
The target was an OG copper antenna FlexM1 (chinese knock off)

PROCESS

  • The average was taken over 5 tests on each repeater.
    *The repeater placed on reader and “implant” presented to reader. using my test rig.

  • I used hammys Diagnostic Discs to find the sweet spot.
    heavy_equals_sign

BASELINE MEASUREMENT
(No Repeater)

FLIPPER :arrow_right: FlexM1
:heavy_equals_sign: 20mm


LARGE FORM FACTOR

V2.1 - Larger sized repeater
:heavy_equals_sign: 42mm

13.959MHz

NFC Amplifier V3L
:heavy_equals_sign: 42mm


13.56Mhz

SMALL FORM FACTOR

:heavy_equals_sign: 25mm

!

13.5MHz

RFID Antenna Adapter for Tuning Antennas

Flex model is the thinnest possible for tight spaces and needs.

PCB’s come bare, you will need to supply your own Antenna coil and capacitor

:heavy_equals_sign: 25mm

13.56MHz


STICKER FORM FACTOR

(testing was carried out on 4 stickers of each offering)
Flex NFC Repeaters 13.56mhz Range Extenders

:heavy_equals_sign: 25mm

13.35MHz

DT Sticker pack

:heavy_equals_sign: 10mm

12.78MHz

My personal picks/ recommendations

  • Large Form Factor
    If you have the space, go for a Large Form Factor
    To me there was no discernable performance factor between the V2.1L or the V3.0.
    But the V3.0 is Sleek having no protruding components.
    GREAT for a desk reader mounted under a desk, you could even place the V3.0 on the top surface of the desk as functional eye candy.
    and it is tuned BANG ON!!!

  • Small Form Factor
    They all provide an improvement, so you can’t go wrong.
    The decision will depend on where you want to use it

  • Sticker Form Factor
    Hammys stickers are what I am using and I am super happy with them

BONUS CONTENT

Curiosity test - Field detector = 23mm

10 Likes

:face_in_clouds:

As i said in the other thread, thankyou for dedicating the time to test and be objective on these products. I appreciate the dedication to appropriate testing and the results you share.

7 Likes