power NRF24L01+PA+LNA from FTDI USB to TTL Serial Adapter

[vil1driver]

hi,

i would make my gateway with:
Arduino Pro Mini and
NRF24L01+PA+LNA
can I power all with FTDI USB to TTL Serial Adapter
I dont know if this adapter can out enough current.

sry for my english.

[korttoma]

The 3.3V output on FTDI chips can give a maximum of 50mA acording to datasheet so you can not run the NRF24L01+PA+LNA on full power. Recommendation is to use separate voltage regulator from a solid power source.

[vil1driver]

ok, thanks a lot :p
is the same with 5v ?

[korttoma]

There is no 5v out on the FTDI chip so most likely the 5v comes directly from USB. You need to check your USB FTDI adapter board how it is made since there are many version out there.

[vil1driver]

on the mysensors store I found this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/320907184616?rmvSB=true

There is a jumper on the board that allows the board to be configured to either 3.3V or 5V

I think the 5v output is unregulated and can output full curent form usb ?

[Oitzu]

@vil1driver you probably have a few spare parts laying arround?
For testing porpuses i'm using external batterie power-source on the pa+lna model.

[vil1driver]

Testing what ?
You not understand my question.
The goal is to power pro mini 5v and nrf with the ftdi adpter.
And have enough output curent to use nrf at full power.

[vil1driver]

I ordered, I test and come back to tell you.
I hope it will work because it is in my opinion the best way to make the gateway

[AWI]

@vil1driver It will depend on your FTDI adapter. The "original" serial gateway is a Nano with an "Ftdi" on-board. I always use the FTDI adapter setup while testing. Even the 3.3v output has enough power. You should not power a relay or large led-strip though.

[vil1driver]

@AWI, Don't you know an arduino can't power a NRF24L01+PA+LNA on full power ? This antena need an external power supply and I don't want. Using only the usb power is far better. I will try to see if I'm right. I hope. Wait and see :-)

[rvendrame]

The PA+LNA version can drawn up to 150ma when transmitting. The 3.3v on nano is usually provided by the FTDI chip, which in general can't go more of 50mA.

[AWI]

@vil1driver As I said it will depend on the "ftdi" board used. There are a few with a decent 3.3v converter on board. But what if you use http://nl.aliexpress.com/item/New-Socket-Adapter-plate-Board-for-8Pin-NRF24L01-Wireless-Transceive-module-51/32230227557.html?ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_7_71_72_73_74_75,searchweb201527_5,searchweb201560_9

A lot has been written on this forum and elsewhere on max power settings. Proper shielding seems to be solving some issues there.

[vil1driver]

Yes it's working :blush: #define RF24_PA_LEVEL_GW RF24_PA_MAX