Hi,
i have several RFM69HW-433 MHz modules, and wanted to test them with the Gateway-Node Sketches. Results are awful!
a.) Wired two of them to 3.3V Uno-Clones from Olimex the RSSI-Level was about -74 with the modules side by side (see Pic1).
The range was below 20cm until transmission loss was reached.
b.) Then i tried a Moteino-R4 against a Moteino Mega with RFM69CW modules soldered on it. The result was as expected, RSSI Levels of about -32 side by side and about -54 with several meters apart (see Pic2).
c.) Then i tried Gateway.ino sketch on the Moteino Mega and the Node.ino sketch on the RFM69HW-UNO-Clone. Result was awful receive RSSI level -92 on the Moteino Mega and good receive level (-18) on the RFM69HW side (see Pic3).
d.) Then i changed to Gateway.ino sketch on a RFM69HW-UNO-Clone and the Node.ino sketch on the Moteino-R4. Result was again good receive level on the RFM69HW side and awful level on the Moteino side (see Pic4).
As a result the send direction of my RFM69HW modules is of awful quality, whereas the receive direction seems to be ok.
In my Gateway/Node sketches the settings for transmission are as the original ones, i have only changed the frequency to 433 MHz. And the IS_RFM69HW keeps commented out, as i don't need the extra power for theese test.
Does anybody have an idea what i can do? I have to more RFM69HW modules with the same behaviour.
QuoteAs a result the send direction of my RFM69HW modules is of awful quality, whereas the receive direction seems to be ok.
That typically means you didn't call setHighPower(true).
Quote from: jost on April 10, 2016, 03:00:08 PM
... And the IS_RFM69HW keeps commented out, as i don't need the extra power for theese test.
However, you do need the proper register settings to transmit properly and you'll only get that if you do not comment out the IS_RFM69HW...
What's the maximum current delivered by the Olimex Uno 3.3v pin? On a regular Arduino Uno, the max is 50ma. RFM69HW can draw 130ma for Tx at its maximum setting.
@WhiteHare
It has a MCP1700T-3302E LDO regulator onboard, therefore it should be enough power for the HW ("250 mA Output Current for Output Voltages > 2.5V").
@All
Oh my good, the parameter IS_RFM69HW is not an optional to get more power as i thought. Uncommenting that line is a must, if i use a RFM69HW module. Now it works with RSSI=-33 modules 3meters apart.
How could I have missed that, i feel ashamed.
Sorry for bothering you.
Quote from: jost on April 11, 2016, 04:04:59 AM
@All
Oh my good, the parameter IS_RFM69HW is not an optional to get more power as i thought. Uncommenting that line is a must, if i use a RFM69HW module. Now it works with RSSI=-33 modules 3meters apart.
How could I have missed that, i feel ashamed.
Sorry for bothering you.
Not a problem! I dare say that a number of us, including myself, miss that detail in the beginning. Now you can enjoy using them!
Tom
QuoteOh my good, the parameter IS_RFM69HW is not an optional to get more power as i thought. Uncommenting that line is a must, if i use a RFM69HW module. Now it works with RSSI=-33 modules 3meters apart.
How could I have missed that, i feel ashamed.
Given how often people fall for this trap it might be better if the method were called setIsHW(). SetHighPower really does not get the purpose of the method across clearly so no need to feel ashamed.
Quote from: joelucid on April 11, 2016, 10:16:11 AM
QuoteOh my good, the parameter IS_RFM69HW is not an optional to get more power as i thought. Uncommenting that line is a must, if i use a RFM69HW module. Now it works with RSSI=-33 modules 3meters apart.
How could I have missed that, i feel ashamed.
Given how often people fall for this trap it might be better if the method were called setIsHW(). SetHighPower really does not get the purpose of the method across clearly so no need to feel ashamed.
The constant has to be defined anyway because it's used in the constructor.
Tom