💬 NRF2RFM69

[tbowmo]

It was just a quick one I created today on openhardware, so not finished yet..

I'll order a batch of them one of the next days (just need to panelize them).

They are perhaps 1 or 1.5 mm wider than the normal NRF module, as I have used the dimensions from the Sensebender as a template..

[Anticimex]

Nice. Will you also create a KiCad part for this?

[tbowmo]

Perhaps.. and throw it into mysensors kicad repro?

[Anticimex]

Exactly. Suppose it could just be a copy of the current nrf24 footprint but with extended courtyards.

[GertSanders]

Some time ago, I saw such a converter board on OSHPark. If I find the link again I will post it. But this one seems more compact

[GertSanders]

Here is the link to a similar board: http://hallard.me/rfm12b-breakout/
BRD files and link to OSHPark are available, it's open source as well.

[tbowmo]

@GertSanders

Yes, that I have seen as well. but it's a bit larger than my design I'm trying to make it as small as possible, so I can use it with sensebender (preferably it would be same size as NRF module..

[GertSanders]

@tbowmo Indeed smaller is better.

[scalz]

Cool. I have some Charles board (hallard.me) but these are nice too Maybe you already know it, but if you want rfm69cw is a little bit smaller. It works like rfm69(h)w, but not pin compatible. I don't know why they did this..

[PostaanErik]

I use this NRF modules:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-NRF24L01-SMD-1-27MM-wireless-transceiver-module-Small-Size-/400489040899?hash=item5d3f01cc03:g:OS8AAMXQaOVRk6PR

[blacey]

Very cool Thomas - just ginned up some OSHPark compatible gerbers from your repo... Sweet!

What value are you recommending for the cap?

[tbowmo]

@blacey

Hmm.. just a 10uF or something.. Don't know if it's needed at all.. I just added it as a "nice to have feature"

I have squeezed the outline a little bit though (haven't updated on github yet though). as I'm trying to put as many as possible on a 50x50mm pcb.

[scalz]

@tbowmo: +1 plus it may help to absorb current spikes in TX on battery which can help to extend its life I think... rfm69 is a little hungry boy. 10uF, nor 100uA, is maybe not enough to bufferize on transmit but we could dream a little, what I am doing

[Cliff Karlsson]

Witch file do I upload to Dirtypcbs to get the panelized version?

[tbowmo]

I've added the panel design to dirtypcb's store.. So just order it from the following link

http://dirtypcbs.com/view.php?share=16378&accesskey=4e199dccdf623eab0c90fddbc4786f80

[tbully]

It would be great if there was a version of this that had line level converters built in. (For those of us using non 3.3v Arduinos)

[A Former User]

@tbowmo Is this a complete module with components? Because 10 pcb for 41$ is a bit expensive.

[tbowmo]

It's because PCB way don't like panelized pcb's. So they charge it as 3 separate pcb's. If you follow the link above to dirtypcbs, you'll get the panel. I'll have to create the gerbers for a single board again, and upload that to oh, before we can get a normal price there.

[shabba]

@tbowmo I used the dirty link - I don't like that you get no contribution. Have you a paypal or something I can make a small donation to?

[tbowmo]

@shabba

dirtypcb's do have a cashback thing in their "dirty pcb shop" so I should receive 1$ per order.

If you feel the urge to spend some paypal money, you are welcome to chip in on the mysensors project with donations

[shabba]

Donation was well overdue. Thanks all.

[fets]

@tbully said:

It would be great if there was a version of this that had line level converters built in. (For those of us using non 3.3v Arduinos)

[tbowmo]

@tbully @fets

Feel free to "roll your own"

I'm on batteries for most of my sensors anyways, so only using 3V (2xAA batteries).

[fets]

@tbowmo
That what I thought but I'm not familiar with pcb design software.
I'll make a try someday

[cimba007]

@tbowmo: Any chance to add this to oshpark? I only need 6 piece max.

[tbowmo]

@cimba007 said:

@tbowmo: Any chance to add this to oshpark? I only need 6 piece max.

Not using oshpark, sorry..

[alexsh1]

@tbowmo I understand that the rfm69w goes at the bottom of your adapter. Is this the case? Do you have any photos at all?

Thanks
Alex

[GertSanders]

@tbowmo
You can upload your files on OSHPark and share them, even if you do not order anything from them. As you use KiCad, the gerbers would be fine. They accept Eagle brd files as well.

[alexsh1]

I have just soldered rfm69w module to the adapter. All works just fine

[shabba]

I have converted all my old (3.3v) NRF24 sensors to RFM69 using these. Work great.

[jeti]

This post is deleted!

[hiddenuser]

Looks Nice!!! Excuse me for my ignorance.

• What's c1 marked on the board?
• Would I be able to use this with jModule?

[tbowmo]

@SubodhChettri

C1 can be used to add a capacitor to the board.

[hiddenuser]

@tbowmo Thanks

[gohan]

Just addition info: I found THIS that could an option for those who have spare RFM69CW modules or if they want to add some storage

[bilbolodz]

@tbowmo How about PCBs.io? Any chance for direct link? I've trying to upload it but got an error about "Gerber normalization for Layer: Drill Holes". I'm a quite newbie for designing/uploading files for PCB factories so sorry for maybe stupid question.

[gohan]

I ordered 10 from Seeed Studio and I had no problems; I am waiting for delivery.

[bilbolodz]

@gohan Seeed Studio ask 11.16 for delivery

[bilbolodz]

I've uploaded (I hope all will be fine with PCB) on PCBs.io: https://pcbs.io/share/zZAMk
3.10 USD for 4 pieces free shipment

[gohan]

I had other pcb in order so shipping cost was not that bad, in addition 10 pcbs are 4.90$

[tbowmo]

@bilbolodz

There is also a link to dirtypcbs somewhere in this thread, where you can order pcb's.

[GertSanders]

@tbowmo

http://dirtypcbs.com/store/pcbs

[jeti]

@tbowmo i have some left over. If you are interested just shoot me a pm
Thanks
Jeti

[tbowmo]

@jeti

Thanks, but I still have a couple left in my parts bin

[gohan]

Is it just me or there are some pins that are not exactly the same order as a normal 8 pins nrf24?

[tbowmo]

@gohan what do you mean?

[gohan]

Like CE pin is actually connected to the CSN pin on the 2x4 pin side

[tbowmo]

@gohan

On NRF24 CSN is equivalent of CE signal on the SPI bus. While CE is a global on/off switch for the TX/RX on the NRF (Check page 11 in the nrf24 datasheet

On RFM69 CE is actually called NSS (pin 15). Datasheet are here

I don't have the schematics of this project at hand right now, as someone has forgotten to add a pdf of it to the repository

[gohan]

I haven't mapped all the pins because yesterday I was a little tired, maybe tonight I'll check, but the fact is that I can't initialize the radio while the nrf24 works.

[tbowmo]

I have used the board with a couple of sensebender micros.. and they worked fine..

[gohan]

Looking at the https://www.mysensors.org/build/raspberry page I have the current mapping on the board rfm69 side:

pin above DI00 is connected to CE pin
DI00 is connected to IRQ
NSS is connected to CSN
MOSI to MOSI ok
MISO to MISO ok
SCK to SCK ok

Do you think is correct?

[tbowmo]

RFM69 NSS is equivalent of NRF24 CSN

DIO0 act as interrupt line, and is attached in accordance with connecting the radio.

the pin above DIO0 is actually the reset line for the RFM69 module.. Which might come in handy, if you want to do a hardware reset at some point in time

[gohan]

So why isn't it working then? Did I fry the radio?

[tbowmo]

@gohan

Could you have added it to a 5V arduino? RFM is not 5V tolerant, so that could fry the radio..

[gohan]

No, I used it only on the raspberry

[gohan]

New update: I used the module on the EasyPCB, nrf24 version, from @sundberg84 and recompiled the sketch to use the rfm69 and it is able to initialize the radio. So there must be something wrong with the compiled gateway on the RPI as it should be a direct swap from a NRF24. I am moving to the RPI thread

PS Now it seems to be working... I haven't changed anything.... must have been a bad connection then

mysgw: MCO:BGN:INIT CP=RPNG----
mysgw: TSF:LRT:OK
mysgw: TSM:INIT
mysgw: TSF:WUR:MS=0
mysgw: TSM:INIT:TSP OK
mysgw: TSM:INIT:GW MODE
mysgw: TSM:READY:ID=0,PAR=0,DIS=0
mysgw: MCO:REG:NOT NEEDED
mysgw: Listening for connections on 0.0.0.0:5003
mysgw: MCO:BGN:STP
mysgw: MCO:BGN:INIT OK,TSP=1

[Markus.]

Hi all,
which size of cap should be used on this board and is it possible to connect a SMA Antenna ?

Many thanks

Markus

[tbowmo]

use a 4.7uF capacitor, or there about..

There is no pads for a SMA connector, but you could attach one with a pigtail..

[Markus.]

@tbowmo Thanks for the Information... One stupid question about the SMA conenctor Is it enough to connect only the Antenna Output conenction or must GND also conencted...?

[gohan]

You can just solder the antenna only on pcb. I use a coil spring type

[Markus.]

just one more question... I have on the Gateway a RFM69HW and a node with a RFM69W module. In the Gateway Sketch is the HW type enabled

#define MY_RFM69_FREQUENCY RF69_868MHZ
#define MY_IS_RFM69HW

But there is no comunication from the node... I use Mysensors 2.1.1.
Any idea?

[gohan]

What gateway is that? I'd suggest to try mysensors 2.2 development

[Markus.]

@gohan It at the Moment only a test. So I have one EasyPCB NRF board with FTDI as Gateway and another EasyPCB board with DHT22 Sensor attached as Node. On both is a 4,7uF electrolytic condensator attached Close to the NRF socket. Both boards are at the Moment with RFM69W 868. The sensor node is battey powered.

[gohan]

Get latest 2.2 library and use new rfm69 driver. Did you remember to close the IRQ contact in the easypcb?

[Markus.]

@gohan Oh Sh* must check this... I've tried it yesterday on both devices the 2.2 Dev. But will Keep ypu informed...
Don't find the jumperfor the IRQ on the Rev 9 board. can you please post a Picture. Seems that this one is definitly not closed...
--> Edit... found it in the documentation but still the same.
Think the next Point to check for me are the antennas...

[gohan]

I'd suggest to buy the coil spring antennas for your frequency, they are cheap and compact.

[Markus.]

in principle there is traffic between node and Gateway..

159631 !TSM:FPAR:NO REPLY
159637 TSM:FPAR
169848 TSF:MSG:SEND,10-10-255-255,s=255,c=3,t=7,pt=0,l=0,sg=0,ft=0,st=OK:
171868 !TSM:FPAR:NO REPLY
171874 TSM:FPAR
179087 TSF:MSG:SEND,10-10-255-255,s=255,c=3,t=7,pt=0,l=0,sg=0,ft=0,st=OK:
181106 !TSM:FPAR:FAIL
181112 TSM:FAIL:CNT=4
181118 TSM:FAIL:DIS
181123 TSF:TDI:TSL
191131 TSM:FAIL:RE-INIT
191137 TSM:INIT
191143 TSM:INIT:TSP OK
191150 TSM:INIT:STATID=10
191158 TSF:SID:OK,ID=10
191164 TSM:FPAR
198377 TSF:MSG:SEND,10-10-255-255,s=255,c=3,t=7,pt=0,l=0,sg=0,ft=0,st=OK:
200396 !TSM:FPAR:NO REPLY
200402 TSM:FPAR
207616 TSF:MSG:SEND,10-10-255-255,s=255,c=3,t=7,pt=0,l=0,sg=0,ft=0,st=OK:
209635 !TSM:FPAR:NO REPLY
209641 TSM:FPAR
216854 TSF:MSG:SEND,10-10-255-255,s=255,c=3,t=7,pt=0,l=0,sg=0,ft=0,st=OK:
218873 !TSM:FPAR:NO REPLY
218880 TSM:FPAR
226093 TSF:MSG:SEND,10-10-255-255,s=255,c=3,t=7,pt=0,l=0,sg=0,ft=0,st=OK:
228112 !TSM:FPAR:FAIL
228118 TSM:FAIL:CNT=5
228124 TSM:FAIL:DIS
228128 TSF:TDI:TSL
238135 TSM:FAIL:RE-INIT
238141 TSM:INIT
238147 TSM:INIT:TSP OK
238153 TSM:INIT:STATID=10
238161 TSF:SID:OK,ID=10
238168 TSM:FPAR
248385 TSF:MSG:SEND,10-10-255-255,s=255,c=3,t=7,pt=0,l=0,sg=0,ft=0,st=OK:
250404 !TSM:FPAR:NO REPLY
250411 TSM:FPAR
257624 TSF:MSG:SEND,10-10-255-255,s=255,c=3,t=7,pt=0,l=0,sg=0,ft=0,st=OK:
259643 !TSM:FPAR:NO REPLY
259649 TSM:FPAR
269731 TSF:MSG:SEND,10-10-255-255,s=255,c=3,t=7,pt=0,l=0,sg=0,ft=0,st=OK:
271751 !TSM:FPAR:NO REPLY
271757 TSM:FPAR

0;255;3;0;9;189196 TSF:PNG:SEND,TO=0
0;255;3;0;9;189206 TSF:CKU:OK
0;255;3;0;9;189214 TSF:MSG:GWL OK
0;255;3;0;9;191236 !TSF:MSG:SEND,0-0-10-10,s=255,c=3,t=8,pt=1,l=1,sg=0,ft=0,st=NACK:0
0;255;3;0;9;244555 TSF:MSG:READ,10-10-255,s=255,c=3,t=7,pt=0,l=0,sg=0:
0;255;3;0;9;244574 TSF:MSG:BC
0;255;3;0;9;244582 TSF:MSG:FPAR REQ,ID=10
0;255;3;0;9;244594 TSF:PNG:SEND,TO=0
0;255;3;0;9;244604 TSF:CKU:OK
0;255;3;0;9;244613 TSF:MSG:GWL OK
0;255;3;0;9;257744 !TSF:MSG:SEND,0-0-10-10,s=255,c=3,t=8,pt=1,l=1,sg=0,ft=0,st=NACK:0
0;255;3;0;9;269957 TSF:MSG:READ,10-10-255,s=255,c=3,t=7,pt=0,l=0,sg=0:
0;255;3;0;9;269977 TSF:MSG:BC
0;255;3;0;9;269985 TSF:MSG:FPAR REQ,ID=10
0;255;3;0;9;269996 TSF:PNG:SEND,TO=0
0;255;3;0;9;270006 TSF:CKU:OK
0;255;3;0;9;270014 TSF:MSG:GWL OK
0;255;3;0;9;281585 !TSF:MSG:SEND,0-0-10-10,s=255,c=3,t=8,pt=1,l=1,sg=0,ft=0,st=NACK:0
0;255;3;0;9;289732 TSF:MSG:READ,10-10-255,s=255,c=3,t=7,pt=0,l=0,sg=0:
0;255;3;0;9;289753 TSF:MSG:BC
0;255;3;0;9;289761 TSF:MSG:FPAR REQ,ID=10
0;255;3;0;9;289771 TSF:PNG:SEND,TO=0
0;255;3;0;9;289781 TSF:CKU:OK
0;255;3;0;9;289789 TSF:MSG:GWL OK
0;255;3;0;9;297015 !TSF:MSG:SEND,0-0-10-10,s=255,c=3,t=8,pt=1,l=1,sg=0,ft=0,st=NACK:0
0;255;3;0;9;306757 TSF:MSG:READ,10-10-255,s=255,c=3,t=7,pt=0,l=0,sg=0:
0;255;3;0;9;306776 TSF:MSG:BC
0;255;3;0;9;306784 TSF:MSG:FPAR REQ,ID=10
0;255;3;0;9;306796 TSF:PNG:SEND,TO=0
0;255;3;0;9;306806 TSF:CKU:OK
0;255;3;0;9;306814 TSF:MSG:GWL OK
0;255;3;0;9;316682 !TSF:MSG:SEND,0-0-10-10,s=255,c=3,t=8,pt=1,l=1,sg=0,ft=0,st=NACK:0
0;255;3;0;9;322084 TSF:MSG:READ,10-10-255,s=255,c=3,t=7,pt=0,l=0,sg=0:
0;255;3;0;9;322103 TSF:MSG:BC
0;255;3;0;9;322111 TSF:MSG:FPAR REQ,ID=10
0;255;3;0;9;322123 TSF:PNG:SEND,TO=0
0;255;3;0;9;322131 TSF:CKU:OK
0;255;3;0;9;322142 TSF:MSG:GWL OK
0;255;3;0;9;333180 !TSF:MSG:SEND,0-0-10-10,s=255,c=3,t=8,pt=1,l=1,sg=0,ft=0,st=NACK:0

[gohan]

That's either the node not receiving or the gateway having problems when sending

[Markus.]

@gohan any idea what else I can do/check ?

[alexsh1]

@Markus. You have an RF issue. Typically for nrf24l01+ I'd use a different power supply or a different module.

Are you sure both modules are set to the same channel and frequency? What antennas are you using?
Do you have HW modules?

[Markus.]

@alexsh1 I use at the Moment RFm69W 868 modules not NRF. Because the RFMs are mounted on the NRF connector on an EasyPCB. I use at the Moment single wire antennas with a lenght of 8,3 cm.

[alexsh1]

@Markus and channel and freq? are they the same in your sketch?

[Markus.]

@alexsh1 should be, becaus ist not defined explicit in the Sketch. By Default in the MYS Lib 2.2 dev is it 868 mhz. And when i try to define the frequency in the Sketch. Like #define MY_RFM69_FREQUENCY RF69_868MHZ
I get the error message. 'RF69_868MHZ' was not declared in this scope

[mfalkvidd]

@Markus. try RFM69_868MHZ (RF69 -> RFM69)

[Markus.]

@mfalkvidd you are right... Ist now added in the GW and node Sketch, but still the same Problem.

[Markus.]

I think at the end will it be a power problem. It seems that the sensor node powered with 2x AA cells can not handle the Radio on TX/RX. The same on the Gateway site which is also a Easy PBB powered fom the FTDI Connector connected to USB. The question now is how can i fix this power Problems ? Or more, how can i make sure that this is definitly not the reason.

[gohan]

Try bigger capacitor

[Markus.]

@gohan 10uF electrolyt cap direct on the radios already tierd beside the 4,7uF on the Radio socket.

[Markus.]

@gohan ohhhh helllll... its working.. As usual.. the Problem was infront of the Monitor... So, two Problems. the first mistake i did was to use a HW module as Gateway. The power source was a FTDI adaptor which has only max Output current of 50mA (HW module Needs 120mA Minimum). The result was randomly reboot of the Gateway. The second and main Problem was the Jumper of the IRQ on the Easy PCB boards. I checked only the domumentation and there is the Jumper wrong descriped. So i placed the Jumper wrong. I have corrected this now on my two test boards and use a W module on the Gateway.. now its working
Many thanks for all the Patience...

[gohan]

@Markus. said in NRF2RFM69:

I checked only the domumentation and there is the Jumper wrong descriped

Where is it wrong described?

[Markus.]

@gohan the arrow goes to the Jumper close to the cap on the NRF socket.
[link text]https://www.openhardware.io/view/4/EasyNewbie-PCB-for-MySensors(link url)
But the other Jumper isthe right one . Well, could be also wrong interpreted frommy site, however ist now working and the range is also fine so far...

[gohan]

you are right, the picture has an error, but the pcb has the right labels. Maybe @sundberg84 may fix the picture

[Markus.]

@gohan yes and i didn't checked the PCB Label...shit happends

[sundberg84]

@Markus. Sorry, this is because it was changed from Rev 8 to Rev 9 and the location of the IRQ jumper is changed. I will try to update to REV 9 pictures only.

[jostor]

@tbowmo

@tbowmo said in NRF2RFM69:

I've added the panel design to dirtypcb's store.. So just order it from the following link

http://dirtypcbs.com/view.php?share=16378&accesskey=4e199dccdf623eab0c90fddbc4786f80

I ordered PCBs from dirtypcbs via the link above. But just now I got this message from dirtypcb:
"Problems Drill holes don't match with the solder pads."
Do you know why?

Thanks for your help!

[gohan]

I got them from seeed studio, no problem

[jostor]

@gohan But then I guess you didn't use the panel version?
From what I can see it looks like the drill file in the panel version is missing the drill holes on the board itself. It looks like it only contains the drill holes between the cards? I am not sure, and has little experience with drill files and pcb design, but it looks like this when I open the drill file (and the profile layer, .gml-file) in gerbview in kicad:

From what I can see the drill holes on the boards itself is missing, but I guess there are others that have ordered this panel version from dirtypcbs, so I find it strange that there should be an error.

[tbowmo]

@jostor

That sounds weird, as I haven't touched the files at dirtypcb for the last couple of years.. And I got a notification from dirtypcb the other day, that another set was successfully ordered..

Perhaps it's a fluke in their system?

[jostor]

@tbowmo
OK. Then I guess the files are OK, and that the error is in dirtypcb's system. Thanks!
But what about the drill file on your github. Why am I not seeing the drill holes on the card itself when I am opening it? Shouldn't they be a part of the drill file?

[tbowmo]

@jostor

probably.. Can't remember much of what I did 2 years ago

[jostor]

@tbowmo
That's understandable

I received this email from dirtypcbs today:

"Thanks for ordering!
So here is the thing- please see attached screenshots. The only drill holes in this Gerber are the mouse bits(the pink layer, photo 001). The light green layer(photo 002) is the top solder mask layer. The problem is that no drills are specified in the solder pads or circles, which means that if we make the board exactly how the gerber is designed, all of the light green parts are solder pads and there WILL NOT be drill holes at the bottom of the solder pads, which seems wrong.
I checked this gerber in our system, and I couldn't find any other orders that included it. Even if we have made this board for other people, it doesn't mean that this back-and-forth didn't happen before. I suggest that you write the designer and forward this message and screenshot to him, so that he can update the design in case you order again in the future.
I am also going to include a screenshot of the whole design, and I hope that will be clear to you what the problem is."

The attachments in the email are basically showing the same as the image I attached in my post above.
I don't find any design files for the panel layout in your git repository, just gerber files. I guess you don't have them anymore?
I will try to make a new panel layout myself, if I not succeed, I will just order single boards.

[tbowmo]

@jostor

If I remember right I used this gerber panelizer to place 3 of the normal gerber files on one board. You could do the same again, and re-create a panel.

[jostor]

@tbowmo
Thanks! I have looked at it, and it seems easy to create a panel with that tool. I will look more into it later today or tomorrow.

[rozpruwacz]

Hi,
I ordered this board trough pcbway on 6th december and still didn't received it. I event did not received any confirmation email accept paypal payment confirmation. Did any one here ordered those boards with pcbway ? Do they send any information about the order ?

[hek]

@rozpruwacz, I'll PM you the shipping details.

[joaoabs]

What value should be the C1 SMD ? I don't have kicad, so I can't open the file. Just saw it the 3d sketch and realized I have to order some SMDs...

[rozpruwacz]

@joaoabs i use 10u and ir works ok.

[tbowmo]

@joaoabs

It's not a specific value.. I just added the footprint, so that it was available, if someone wanted to add a capacitor.

[symos]

First of all, thank you to the creator of this very convenient PCB.
I ordered 10 of those but got confused when I tried to make a RPi 3 gateway and Arduino node.

In the "Connecting the Radio" guide, the instructions are to connect NRF's IRQ pin to Arduino No 2 pin.
This is where RFM's D100 pin is supposed to be connected. As far as I could tell from the PCB this is correct, as RFM's D100 pin is broken out to where NRF's IRQ pin is.

However, in the "Building a Raspberry Pi Gateway" guide, it says to connect RFM's D100 pin to RPi's pin 22, which is where NRF's CE pin is supposed to be connected, not IRQ. As for IRQ, it says it's "optional", but if you do connect it, this should be to RPi's pin 15.

So, if you connect the radio to the RPi following the NRF instructions, you get a different circuit than if you connect it following the RFM instructions (and using the pin matching you get from the "connecting the radio" guide). When I did the former, the gateway wasn't working, but when I did the latter, it worked.

I don't know why this difference exists, but I think it's important to point out for anyone wanting to use the PCB with an RPi.

[alexsh1]

@symos IRQ is not utilised for nrf24l01+ in MySensors. There is a provision for future, but just ignore IRQ for now.