Nrf24 mini smd + Nrf24l01+

[Wodian]

Hello,

Currently for the gateway I use a normal Nrf24l01 radio. Now I use the mini smd version on de sensor node but the serial monitor constantly says find parent.

Is this because they cannot talk to each other because of different versions?

Kind regards,
Wodian van der Zee

[flopp]

Can you link to the items that you use?

I am using three different items: SMD, PCB antenna and external antenna. They work together without problem.
All of them are NRF24L01+

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NRF24L01-2-4GHz-Antenna-Wireless-Transceiver-Module-For-Arduino-Microcontroller-/131905726070?hash=item1eb631a676:g:uEcAAOSwzhVWsEYA
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-4G-NRF24L01-PA-LNA-SMA-Antenna-Wireless-Transceiver-communication-module-1100m-/232050225041?hash=item3607456f91:g:MWUAAOSwfC9XPS~D
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-NRF24L01-SMD-1-27MM-wireless-transceiver-module-Small-Size-Pop/322146228091?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D37577%26meid%3Df731579a1acc4349baf9ec6a7596c348%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D182170447009

[Wodian]

@flopp ill be using these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NRF24L01-2-4GHz-Antenna-Wireless-Transceiver-Module-For-Arduino-Microcontroller-/131905726070?hash=item1eb631a676:g:uEcAAOSwzhVWsEYA
3pcs/lot Similar NRF24L01 2.4G wireless module 1.27 SMD
http://s.aliexpress.com/JRRrIneA
(from AliExpress Android)

[flopp]

Sorry I had post the wrong link. I don't use SMD similar and not compatible. I only use real NRF, where you can see the NRF chip.

I have now copy the correct link.

I think the problem can be your SMD which is not Real it is a fake/clone and they hide the chip under some black stuff.

[Wodian]

@flopp
Really? It does say radio ok in serial monitor when finding parent. Ill be trying parallel some 47uF capacitors when ill get back home to strenghten the signal.

Will let you know the result.

[flopp]

@Wodian
I don't say it is the problem but I read that people can have lots of different problems with fake NRF.
Maybe it can initiate the NRF but when it shall send data it doesn't work.

[Nca78]

Hello,

we probably all use clones/knock off of the real nrf24.
But as a rule :

• avoid modules with "blobs" and not a real chip
• avoid anything stated as "similar" in the title, as it means it's a really bad copy and the seller can't warranty that it will behave like the real one.

I'm 100% sure your problem lies with your smd modules because of these reasons. They will respond correctly to initialisation by MySensors library (and you will see "radio ok" in the log) but the behavior "on air" when transmitting and receiving is not the same and they can't communicate with real NRF or "good clones".
On AliExpress make a search for NRF24L01 smd and sort by number of orders, usually you end up with better products like that, as you have a lot of reviews and when you check the negative reviews you will see if people had some compatibility problems or not.
I see you already put 4* review without even testing the product, that's not good, now people will believe these modules are good :( Please skip the review process when you receive items, test them and then review. Now you can't decrease the stars in your review but you can still add an additional feedback to inform people, like "After testing these modules are NOT compatible with other NRF24l01+ modules"

[Wodian]

@Nca78
Many thanks for your constructive feedback :D I've added the additional feedback on Aliexpress and contacted the supplier that these NRF24L01 modules arent working so Ill inform anyone that buys/sells those items.

Will now order good clones on Aliexpress :package:

Kind Regards,
Wodian