Alpha TX 433Mhz problems

[Jordy101091]

Hi all,

For my current project "Aquarium Controller" im going to use the RF modules from Alpha RF.
Friday a have completed the sensor module the PCB has the color sensor and LDR and needs to transmit this data to the main controller.

I'm using this setup:

- PIC16F76 running ad 5V 12Mhz
- MCP73831/2 Li-ion charger
- MCP1640 Step-up converter
- LDR
- TCS230 Color sensor
- Alpha TX433S running ad 5V

To controll this RF module I use the software control function, I have created a very simple program that needs to transmit a byte (25) every 500ms. The program will do this for ever.
So what I expect to see on my scoop are constantly active SPI lines. But it is not, the only time a see some action on the SCK,SDI,CS lines are when I reset the device and INIT the RF Module.
I find this really strange Also Im not sure if its even possible to see the output on the ANT pin??
In software mode do I need to cross wire the SDI and SDO Lines:
So data out from uC is data in RF Module

So if anybody has experience with this please help to solve this problem,

Regards Jordy

[Jordy101091]

I have checked the datasheet of the Eblocks EB063 to find a possible answer on my question,
here they are talking of a transceiver, this I dont have because its not needed in this project.
Does this mean that the macros that available for the EB063 dont work with my two modules TX and RX.

If this is the case is there a work around for this problem ?

Regards Jordy

[Benj]

Hi Jordy,

We have only ever based the RF component on the transceiver module. I would imaging that the TX and RX modules are based on the transceiver but the code may need to be altered in some subtle ways to remove the data direction portions.

[Jordy101091]

Hi ben,

I have layout the datasheets of the two devices toughter, and there are differences in data locations of the devices.
My question to you:

Is it possible to make some sort of component update to also use the receiver and transmitter apart.
Or is it possible to setup a macro with SPI legacy and communicate with the modules.
The best solution would be to alter the rf component to select if you are using the transceiver, transmitter or receiver.

I have investigate the SPI legacy component to interface with the modules but if find this verry difficult.

Hope you can help me out, really need this to work otherwise I can use my wireless sensors for controlling the lighting.

Regards Jordy

[Benj]

Hi Jordy,

I would love to dive in and say yes I will help but I am currently flat out in my spare time with an android project for a demo at a show next month. If I don't get back to you in the next few days then please do keep the topic alive and I will try and have a look into what you are suggesting as soon as possible. In the meantime would it be possible to replace the transmitter on your hardware with the transceiver module?

[Jordy101091]

No that's not possible,
I have solderd everything up ant waiting for these transceiver modules will be long,
I had to wait 2 weeks for my modules,

If you look into upgrading the rf component, I will try to get communication with SPI legacy.

Thanks for your help Ben,

Regards jordy

[Benj]

Hi Jordy,

Ok no problem keep reminding me and hopefully we can get this working for you.

Let me know how you get on using the SPI approach. Might be a bit tricky as I seem to remember you need direct access to the SDI input pin as well as the SPI peripheral to allow the module to communicate properly.

Editing the existing component may be a better way to go as the code for the SPI CAL and the SDI pin monitoring are all there and ready to be used. Depends on how good your C knowledge is doing.

[Jordy101091]

Yeah Ben,

I think I leave this one up to you for now ,
My C code knowledge is 2.0%.

Sorry would love to help out, need to read the books

But I will remaind you no problem,

Regards Jordy

PS. SPI Approach is not going to work because one simple reason, I dont understand how it needs to work timing, how to wright the data.

[Jordy101091]

Hi Ben,

I have looked deeper in the datasheet and I realized that the POR values stands for the value that, that command has.
For example:




The POR value of the example above is 8008 Hex which is 1000-0000-0000-1000 in binair.
this value almost corresponds with configuration setting command only Bit 3 doesnt match with the table crystal load capacitor because when x3 is equal to one then x2 and x1 needs to 1 or x2,x1 and x0 needs to be 1.

apart from that if my mindset is correct about what POR stands for how Im going to wright all the regesitors in this device.
With a real time clock its easy to do because the address pointer increments automaticaly if the passed register has been written.

until today I'm not able to understand how to wright to this device, im really confused

Im happy that you want to help me out with this,
by-the-way thit you make any progress lately with the component update, or are you going to make a costume component type of thing.

Anyway hope ou will keep me up-to-date.

Thanks again.

Regards Jordy