Does Linx have sockets for the surface mount modules so that they can be mounted onto a protoboard without being soldered?

We do not recommend the use of the modules on proto boards or solderless breadboards because they result in horrible RF performance. For this reason, we do not offer or recommend the use of sockets. The wires used on proto boards and sockets themselves have inductance and capacitance associated with them and their connections. These ‘parasitics’ have a larger impact as the frequency increases, so at RF frequencies, they are major players in the final performance of the system. Placing the modules on proto boards severely affects their range and performance and potentially gives an impression that the modules are bad. The modules should be soldered to a PCB with a large, solid ground plane either on an inner layer or on the bottom side of the PCB. For prototyping we recommend the purchase of one of our evaluation kits. These kits include a PCB that has been designed to optimize the RF performance of the modules and includes a prototyping area where additional circuitry can be added to aid the integration of our modules into your design. You can find additional information about the evaluation kits on our website and they can be purchased from us directly or from our distributors.