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433 On A Stick is a do-it-yourself USB radio interface for sending and receiving supported 433 MHz remote-control signals from a computer or home-automation setup. The project, called Open433, combines an ATmega328P-based board with separate transmitter and receiver modules, Arduino firmware, and PC-side software.
What 433 On A Stick does
The project addresses a practical home-automation problem: controlling inexpensive 433 MHz wireless switches from a PC. Rather than presenting a ready-made retail product, Open433 provides a design and software for building a USB-connected transceiver. Its repository describes the project as an open-source USB 433 MHz RF transmitter and receiver based on an ATmega328P: Open433 on GitHub.
Hackaday’s June 27, 2020 coverage describes the goal as making 433 MHz switches easier to control from a computer and links to the project: Hackaday: 433 On A Stick.
How the hardware is arranged
The computer connects over USB through a CH340 USB-to-serial chip. An ATmega328 handles the board’s microcontroller tasks, while separate RF modules handle transmitting and receiving; each radio module has its own antenna. Hackaday notes that this is the second board revision: the earlier design used one antenna connector and an RF switch, but that arrangement did not work.
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- 433Mhz CC1101 USB RF Transceiver Module 10mW USB UART MAX232 RS232 CF
The repository specifies an ATmega328P running at 16 MHz and 5 V. Its instructions recommend flashing an Arduino bootloader before compiling and uploading the project sketch. The firmware communicates with the computer using a packet-based serial system.
Software and home-automation integration
The Arduino firmware uses the rc-switch library, while the computer side uses a Python library. Open433’s repository also includes a Home Assistant custom component and examples for configuring switches, binary sensors, and lights. These pieces make the project a bridge between compatible radio devices and software running on a computer or home-automation system; the repository’s documentation and code are the place to check build and configuration details.
Rank #2
- 433Mhz CC1101 USB RF Transceiver Module 10mW USB UART MAX232 RS232 CF
What devices may work—and what the frequency does not tell you
A device operating at 433 MHz is not automatically compatible. The rc-switch documentation covers Arduino or Raspberry Pi use with 315/433 MHz AM transmitters and receivers, and identifies supported device chipsets. Compatibility therefore depends on the device’s signaling protocol and supported chipset, not only its advertised frequency. Consult the rc-switch documentation for its supported hardware and protocols before expecting a particular switch, sensor, or remote to work.
The project sources do not provide device-by-device compatibility guarantees, measured range, or reliability results. They also do not identify exact RF module models, so the general description “433 MHz RF transmitter and receiver module pair” is not enough to establish that a particular pair of modules will suit a specific build.
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- CC1101 Module RF Transceiver 433Mhz RM1101-USB-232 RF Transceiver Module 10MW USB UART MAX232 RS232 CF
What you need to build it
- The Open433 board design and its ATmega328P-based hardware, specified for 16 MHz and 5 V operation.
- A CH340 USB-to-serial interface and separate RF transmitter and receiver modules with separate antennas, as shown in the featured design.
- An Arduino bootloader, firmware build and upload process, and the project’s PC-side Python software.
- If using Home Assistant, the project’s custom component and configuration examples.
Open433 is documented as a project to build and flash, not as a verified, ready-to-use retail product. The cited sources do not provide a complete current bill of materials, component retailer, or guaranteed module selection; verify the repository’s build information and the requirements of your intended radio devices before sourcing parts.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ✔ LoRa spread-spectrum communication, super anti-interference performance -- The module adopts LORA spread spectrum technology, transmitting distance and anti-interference performance are one time more than FSK
- ✔ WOR (Low Power Consumption) -- Work on radio, applicable for battery powered applications
- ✔ FEC (Forward Error Correction) -- High coding efficiency & good correction performance
- ✔ Transparent Transmission (Point to Point) -- Data sending is via transparent transmission, the module comes with address
- ✔ Fixed Transmission -- Each module can connect with other module in different addresses and channels to achieve application like networking, repeating, etc.
Rank #4
- Interchangeable Interface Options: Choose RS232, RS485, or USB version based on your host device-same core transceiver IC, same wireless behavior, same configuration process; simplifies inventory and system upgrades.
- Stable Long-Distance Communication: Delivers consistent 433MHz or 868MHz RF performance with -114dBm receive sensitivity and adjustable transmit power (40 to +20dBm); minimizes packet loss in complex indoor/outdoor deployments.
- Plug-and-Play Serial Replacement: Operates in transparent mode-no firmware changes, no driver installation needed for basic use; connects directly to existing serial devices while removing physical cabling limitations.
- Field-Tested Industrial Reliability: Validated remote telemetry, building automation, and distributed sensor networks; supports repeater and multi-node bus topologies just like wired RS485 networks.
- Space-Saving Rugged Enclosure: Compact form factor with non-conductive ABS housing resists dust and incidental ; designed for DIN rail, wall, or chassis mounting in control cabinets and field enclosures.
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