NRF24L01+PA+LNA

[noelgeorgi]

Same issue here, all data transmitted fails with st=fail , i thought it was a power issue and specific to me, @hek

[moskovskiy82]

@noelgeorgi

I remember there are options like
#define RF24_PA_LEVEL RF24_PA_MAX

So maybe they need to be tuned in the gateway code?

[hek]

@hek?

The PA radio module requires much more juice. You can lower the transmission power in MyConfig.h (1.5) or by using the MY_RF24_PA_LEVEL define in sketch (development).

The arduino/NodeMCU has limits on how much power you can draw from its pins. Separate powering might be needed when using the upper PA levels.

[Oitzu]

@moskovskiy82 there are several topics about this:
http://forum.mysensors.org/topic/3353/nrf24l01-with-antenna-not-working/2
http://forum.mysensors.org/topic/1877/solved-2-x-nrf24l01-pa-lna-with-rf24_pa_max/2

as example. There are several problems with the nrf24l01+pa+lna.

[Oitzu]

Just to get an idea how they perform: I got, with the right supply etc. about 1000m free line of sight out of this modules max.
Currently i have a stable link of about 270m with 200 packtes/s in a non line of sight environment (forest).

[noelgeorgi]

@hek i tried even using #define MY_RF24_PA_LEVEL RF24_PA_MIN with the PA+LNA modules but still sending fails but receiving is ok, i think its an issue with NodeMCU and PA+LNA modules rather than power supply issues.

[Oitzu]

@noelgeorgi if it works with the normal nrf24l01+ modules, it is more likely that it is a power/noise/shielding problem.

[noelgeorgi]

@Oitzu I tried adding capacitors and the issue still persists, I will try another supply :disappointed:

[Oitzu]

@noelgeorgi have a look here: http://blog.blackoise.de/2016/02/fixing-your-cheap-nrf24l01-palna-module/
Tackles most of the nrf24l01 pa/lna module problems.
In short: Power/Noise/Shielding.
Addidtional caps don't help in any case.

[noelgeorgi]

@Oitzu Thank for your replies, but i have already read that blog earlier and my other PA+LNA modules connected to the nodes just work fine.

[Oitzu]

@noelgeorgi: My experience with this: Power supplies differ. Even modules that seem to be the same can have different effective output. So maybe trying another supply is the way to go, yes.

Just want to help. ;)

[bigjimjeedom]

@Oitzu ,
just a question; i have a serial gateway on my JEEDOM box and i have a range problem in my stone house;
so i replace my nrf24l01+ "classic" with a shielded NRF24L01+PA+LNA (as described in the web site you gave us) powered with a separate 3.3v regulator (the module as a little router antenna).
it is working but he range is similar as with the classic version.
So i wanted to know your setting in "config.h" ;
mine are:
#define RF24_PA_LEVEL RF24_PA_MAX
#define RF24_PA_LEVEL_GW RF24_PA_LOW
#define RF24_DATARATE RF24_250KBPS

what are your settings for a good range ? (i need about 50m in my house)

thanks for your help

[Oitzu]

@bigjimjeedom you should receive the best results with:

#define RF24_PA_LEVEL RF24_PA_MAX
#define RF24_PA_LEVEL_GW RF24_PA_MAX
#define RF24_DATARATE RF24_250KBPS

As long as your power supply is clean and your module is shielded.

[bigjimjeedom]

@Oitzu
do you use thoses settings (max max) ? because some people says that it was not the good way with this module but maybe it is because of bad power supply ???
i use this for supplying (with a 5v from USB):
http://fr.aliexpress.com/item/New-Socket-Adapter-plate-Board-for-8Pin-NRF24L01-Wireless-Transceive-module-51/32230227557.html?spm=2114.30011508.3.2.TXAdlL&ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_1,searchweb201602_1_10036_10035_10034_10033_507_10032_10020_10001_10002_10017_10010_10005_10006_10011_10003_10021_10004_10022_10009_401_10008_10018_10019,searchweb201603_8&btsid=3092fef5-564c-43aa-98a5-0e834674bcd1

[Oitzu]

@bigjimjeedom said:

@Oitzu
do you use thoses settings (max max)?

Yes. I use the max/max settings. I also use as datarate RF24_2MBPS but RF24_250KBPS should be better for good range.

because some people says that it was not the good way with this module but maybe it is because of bad power supply

Yes this is due to low power supply -> The module doesn't get enough current for the MAX setting.
OR
Bad power supply -> The module needs more current -> bad supplys tend to be noisier on higher current.
OR
Bad shielding -> The output from the module is that high that it feedbacks (without the shielding) back into the IC.

i use this for supplying (with a 5v from USB):

Never used them, but on the datasheet they look okay.

[bigjimjeedom]

@Oitzu
thanks a lot for your help !
i try this tonight and i will tell you!

[Oitzu]

@bigjimjeedom i'm eager to hear your results. :)

[flopp]

Other problem
I have cap 4,7uf
No shield
Power from seperate source

When I use it in my Ethernet gateway it starts up but can't receive anything.
When I put it on other Uno(repeater) it works fine.
When I have it on Uno(battery sensor sketch) it works fine.

What am I missing?

[Oitzu]

Add shield try again. Even electronics near to the pa/lna module can induce enough noise that it stops working.

Different power supplys on the ethernet gateway and the uno?

[flopp]

@Oitzu
Ok will try with shield.

Yes, different computers both GW and REP is powered by USB.