Radio setup give: "check wires"

[sonicblaze]

Guessing this really isn't the plus version, we'd also have to change the datarate in MyConfig.h. The data rate is defaulted to 250kbps, which is the new long range mode only supported by the + version from my understanding.

Ok; I commented out that if check, and it doesnt throw the check wires debug anymore, but I still can't include my sensor and I was within 5 feet of my gateway. I tried changing the datarate, but then thought my gateway is also at 250kbps, so I'd have to reprogram that as well, and stopped there for now. I did look at my gateways antenna version of the nfl2401+, and it's chip does have the + sign, so these other radios are definitely not the right ones. I sent a message to the eBay seller.

@olaeke: Hopefully this is your problem too (wrong radio chip)

[bjornhallberg]

This is what one of my NRF24 modules look like:

I think I got them from some random AliExpress seller. So yes, it would seem some sellers started shipping old stock or something.

And yes, this pcb is dirty as hell, and with residue from flux etc.

[RJ_Make]

I can also confirm my chips..

[olaeke]

@sonicblaze: Yes my radio as also without the + sign, but my antenna version is with the + sign, however I haven't have time to test this yet. I order them both at the same time from alice..... and I will also contact them now.

Is it the same pinout on the antenna version since there is not printing on that board?

[sonicblaze]

@olaeke I sent a message to Alice as well, I'll let you know if I hear anything. I also went on AliExpress and just ordered a pack of 10 off of there for $7.28, so hopefully I'll get proper radios one way or another...

I've never seen any documentation that suggests the pinout is any different between the two versions. It's the same everything except an external antenna instead if on-board.

[olaeke]

Just tried to find a way to concat "alice.." on ebay but whatever link I click on I end up on "You have to Contact seller trought paypal.."

Shit so then it ends up in a new order and another 3 weeks wait for new delivery! And I also don't get my Vera as I have order 5 weeks ago so it turns out to be kind of failure with my homeautomation christmas holiday.

No luck with Santa this year

[RJ_Make]

@bjornhallberg What did you use to take that picture?

[doctor64]

@olaeke Hmm, both chips should be compatible. 24L01 (without +) not support 256k speed, but 1M or 2M should (in theory) work with new version. Did you try to set speed to 1M on both transceivers?

[doctor64]

@olaeke Could you please add call to RF24::printDetails(); somewhere in your sketch and provide output?

[bjornhallberg]

@ServiceXp Some old camera I have. Canon 40D + Canon EF 100mm. Plus some extension tubes. Probably not necessary but they were already attached so I didn't bother to remove them. A decent tripod. Some cfl tubes to light up the pitch dark.

Still, as you can see the focus plane is pretty shallow (f/5.0) and I could have used some sort of light tent to apply more and softer lights. Not to mention plugged in a remote trigger and done mirror lockup to reduce shake. It's just such a hassle to set everything up though .... I should really have a dedicated place where I can have all of this set up permanently.

And above all else, perhaps the biggest failure here and lesson 101 for macro shots, clean the object of interest first :-)

[RJ_Make]

@bjornhallberg Thanks, I thought the detail was quite good. Much much better than my Supereyes B008 did.

[sonicblaze]

I got a reply from the eBay seller, and they are trying to tell me "No, it's the + chip, there was just a problem with the printer at the factory". Yeah, ok, I'm sure.

I tried adding a RF24::printDetails call right before the isPvarient if check, and it threw errors that printDetails was not defined. Any thoughts?

[hek]

Try one of the RF24-library example to use printDetails (but beware of CE/CSN setting when using those).

[hek]

I also got a reply from the ebay seller.. She needed to "check with boss". I'll forward more info when I get it.

[sonicblaze]

Alrighty, I got the RF24 example code off GitHub and uploaded that to my chip, and sure enough dumping the details gives:
"Model = nRF24L01"

If anyone else wants to try it, here's the page I followed: RF24 Getting started

Here was my message from the seller:
dear client ,
thanks for your pictures ,
we have seen the it ,
sorry for it ,we have ask for our manager ,it is the NRF24L01+ chip ,
but there is something wrong when it is printed in the factory ,
sorry for the mistake .
it can be used but the it is just a little mistake for the letter ,right ?
we will be here to help you .
thanks in advance !"

I'm requesting new chips or a refund, we'll see what happens....

[hek]

@sonicblaze said:

I'm requesting new chips or a refund, we'll see what happens....

Yep, do that. This is not ok.

I'll wait a couple of days for the reply from "boss". If no answer, i'll switch recommendation to some other ebay seller.

[sonicblaze]

@olaeke You might be able to get everything working over 1MBPS instead of the 250KBPS that's defaulted, as doctor64 suggested. I haven't tried it, but I found everywhere that'd have to be changed to make it work in theory.

Edit <Ardunio libraries folder>/MySensors/Myconfig.h, and change the "RF24_DATARATE" to "RF24_1MBPS".

Edit <Ardunio libraries folder>/MySensors/MySensor.cpp, and comment out lines 102-105 (the if isPVariant check)

Recompile and upload new code to both your gateway and your sensor, and that should put them both in a mode compatible with the NRF24L01 sensor (to my best understanding/knowledge).

[sonicblaze]

@hek: The seller responded to my last message asking if it not being the plus really affects the functionality and can't I just use it instead? Didn't even address me requesting a refund or replacement, so I'm opening an eBay dispute.

[olaeke]

@sonicblaze and @hek:

I finally had some time to test this and yes my chip is also a "non +", the RF24::printDetails(); gives:
Model = nRF24L01

I managaged to get RF24::printDetails(); to work in MySensor::begin after setupRadio(). There are some steps to take:

• In RF24_config.h you have to comment out #define MINIMAL (ln 27)
• Then in your sketch you have to define stdout like
  include "printf.h"
  void setup()
  {
  printf_begin();

I can't contact the seller, when I click "contact seller" (or return or whatever) in ebay I only get to this page:
"You purchased this item as a PayPal guest user and will need to contact PayPal directly by going through their Resolution Center."
I don't understand because I payed my order with MC as usual.
printf.h

[hek]

@olaeke said:

"You purchased this item as a PayPal guest user and will need to contact PayPal directly by going through their Resolution Center."

Do you have an ebay account?