Problem with NRF24L01+PA+LNA (Gateway - Sensor Connection)
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Thanks for your help, once again.
I have only connected it to the Nano's 3.3V port yet.
Unfortunately, I didn't know that disconnecting the antenna might damage the radio. But I did only try it with one of the radios.How should I then connect it properly if the 3.3V is insufficient?
Thanks in advance.
@MaKin the 3.3V output for an original Arduino Nano is max 50mA (datasheet page number eight). For a clone it could be different (probably lower to cut cost).
The nrf24 pa+lna consumes 115mA according to http://www.elecfreaks.com/wiki/index.php?title=2.4G_Wireless_nRF24L01p_with_PA_and_LNA
So powering from the Nano is not going to work. You need a power supply that can deliver at least 115mA.
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Don't forget that also a good idea is to throw a capacitor on the power for the radio. I have had decent luck not running one on the regular radios , but when you go up to the power amplified radio I feel it is absolutely necessary. A lot of irregularities can be traced to bad and noisy power.
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One of these should be suitable:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/5PCS-NEW-MB102-Breadboard-Power-Supply-Module-3-3V-5V-F-Solderless-mini-usb/32456992838.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/MT3608-DC-DC-Adjustable-Boost-Module-2A-Boost-Plate-2A-Step-Up-Module-with-MICRO-USB/32680855927.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Breadboard-Power-Supply-Module-3-3V-5V-MB102-Solderless-Bread-Board-DIY-2012-New-3PCS/708949986.htmlPeople have different results with different capacitors, but it seems like 100uF often does the trick.
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You are most likely not supplying enough power for the radio module for transmitting. Also if the radio module is not shielded it could cause problems too if TX power is too high
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We bought these: NRF24L01+ PCB Adapter
We do not use any capacitor.
What irritates me, the gateway works (ethernet gateway) with the +PA+LNA, whereas the sensor nodes do not. We have switched the PCB Adapters and antennas without any change.
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Ok, try adding one cap on the vcc/gnd pins of the radio: try with a 100uF just to play safe and see if it gets any better, then if it works you could work your way down to a smaller value
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I've also had some issues with these nRF24L01+PA+LNA versions, while not having any issues with the regular nRF24L01 modules.
I found that if I set the transmitter power (MY_RF24_PA_LEVEL) to a lower setting the problem generally reduced or disappeared completely.
Of course it is not really nice to use a lower power setting on these modules as it was intended to get maximum range, but it does point in two likely causes:- As stated by others, it can be due to poor power at the radio and this must be fixed first:
1. Make sure to use an adequate external power supply (most arduino's are not up to the task of delivering sufficient current for this type of radio).
2. Use a (low voltage drop out) regulator near the radio, note that the external power supply delivers sufficient voltage for the regulator to operate correctly.
3. add a decent size (10~100uF) capacitor near or on the radio's power line - At least some of the nRF24+PA+LNA appear sensitive for picking up noise (transmitted by its own antenna). To solve this you will need to shield your radio. The easiest way is if your radio and other parts are in a case and the antenna is sticking out to run to the kitchen and grap the aluminium or tin foil and wrap the entire casing (excluding the antenna) in (multiple layers of) aluminium or tin foil.
If the latter works (which it did for me), you can look into a cleaner solution of shielding the module (maybe a metal casing?).
- As stated by others, it can be due to poor power at the radio and this must be fixed first:
