I have two Arduino Megas programmed with TMRH20's RF24 Getting Started Example. They are properly connected to NRF24L01+PA+LNA modules with external antennae. The transmission is perfect without the antennae, but as soon as I attach it, various kind of bugs find their way to me. Some of the time, the data does get transmitted, but the data expected in return is not reveived. While other times, the data is not transmitted at all. I have already tried decreasing the speed to 250kbps and have also added a 100uf capacitor parallel to VCC and Gnd. WIll encose pics of my setup soon, meanwhile any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
First, do not operate the PA version without an antenna connected. The mismatch and associated VSWR could damage the final amplifier and the T/R switch. Secondly, the Mega does not have enough current capacity to operate the nRF24 in high power mode. You will need a separate supply. Also, with two units close together, it is likely that the TX/PA unit is overloading the other RX/LNA.
Use a 10dB+ attenuator as an antenna and reduce power to MIN.
How far apart are the antennas?
Its quite likley you are overloading the receivers if they are close together, ie < a few meters.
Well they are not even a meter apart and, I have no option other than using the modules without the antennae as my project is currently in Development and I have to test my code quite frequently. Anyway to use the modules without antennae and not damaging them as well?
Get a couple of the low-power nRF24s with the PCB antenna for test and development. They are not expensive.
...R