LoRa Ra-02 + Uno failing

[jibsil]

After soldering it, the connection between my Arduino Uno and Ra-02 does not appear to be working anymore. I've tried with two separate Ra-02s that I soldered today, and they both do not work. I'm using stock transmitter example code:

#include <SPI.h>
#include <LoRa.h>

int counter = 0;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);

  while (!Serial);

  Serial.println("LoRa Sender");

  if (!LoRa.begin(433E6)) {
    Serial.println("Starting LoRa failed!");
    while (1);
  }

  LoRa.setTxPower(20);
}


void loop() {
  Serial.print("Sending packet: ");
  Serial.println(counter);
  // send packet
  LoRa.beginPacket();
  LoRa.print("hello ");
  LoRa.print(counter);
  LoRa.endPacket();

  counter++;
  delay(5000);
}

And getting this output:

LoRa Sender
Starting LoRa failed!

It was working before soldering the header pins by just holding them in place. Here's my wiring:

And here are pictures of the module and connection to the Arduino Uno. It is connected to 3v3, not 5v.

[sonofcy]

As a general rule, don't use board power to power any kind of device other than very trivial sensors. Change the LORA board to be powered by a wall wart and don't forget to connect the grounds all together.

[DaveX]

Well, these joints do not look well soldered:

Do they look like cold solder joints to you?

Cold solder joints - Unraveling the hazards, causes, detection, repair, and...

[gilshultz]

@jibsil

After soldering it, the connection

Soldering Advice:

It appears you may have several bad solder connection. I recommend getting some materials to practice your soldering skills. From what I can see, you may not be heating the solder enough for it to flow properly, and you might not be using enough flux. Practicing on old boards will allow you to experiment without risking damage to valuable components.

Soldering Tips:

1. Use the Right Solder: I prefer 60/40 solder with a Rosin core flux because it’s easier to work with. For more information on different types of solder, you can check out this guide: Types of Solder.
2. Temperature Control Matters: Soldering is a basic skill in electronics, and mastering it is crucial if you plan to continue in this field. While inexpensive irons can melt solder, they often lack the precision needed for good results. Investing in a soldering workstation with temperature control is ideal.
3. Practice Makes Perfect: Practice on old circuit boards to build your skills without risking damage to your current projects.
4. Lead-Free Solder Considerations: Note that lead-free solders require higher temperatures, and some older soldering irons may not reach the necessary heat. Ensure your equipment is up to the task.

For additional soldering resources, you can explore this guide: Learning Soldering for Arduino Projects.

Sorry to say your problem is not unexpected, and your wiring may be the root cause. Since hardware is involved, it’s crucial to provide an accurate, annotated schematic of your circuit as it is currently wired. Please note that Fritzing diagrams are not considered proper schematics; they are wiring diagrams and are often not helpful for troubleshooting.

What to Include:

1. Annotated Schematic: Show all connections, including power, ground, and power sources. This helps us understand how your circuit is set up and identify any potential issues.
2. Technical Information Links: Provide links to technical documentation for each hardware device used in your setup. Avoid links to sales sites like Amazon, as they usually lack the necessary technical details. We need complete specifications to help you effectively.
3. Additional Information Needed: If the above details are incorrect, more information is required. Tell us what hardware and software you are using, the format of any data (like map data), and how your system determines its position. For example, if your project involves a robot, describe how it navigates and what computers are involved.

Why This Matters:

We have no way of knowing the specifics of your setup unless you provide that information. Clear and detailed descriptions enable us to offer the most accurate help possible. Without these details, it’s difficult to diagnose

[jibsil]

Watched a couple of videos and the guide you linked, and I resoldered and fixed both radios first time. Thanks so much for your help, everyone!