NRF24 module fails to connect

Using Arduino Networking, Protocols, and Devices
1

Hello!

I need guidance in using the NRF24l01 pa+lna, the one with the antenna. I have been using them to connect a couple of arduino nano, but without success.

I read the NRF24 library in which i found out the example programme. After using it the problem has been the same with every module i tried from different shops “radio hardware is not responding”. That is supposed to happen due to wiring/connection problems (meaning that the module and the MCU are not “talking”), despite knowing this, check every single wire and use the multimeter to see if there was any shortcut, i could not see the problem.

Does anyone knows what might be happening? Is there anything else i can try?

2

My suggestion is to read and very carefully follow the instructions in Robin2's simple rf24 tutorial.

Run the sketch in post #30 of the tutorial to test the wiring connection between each radio and its associated processor.

1 Like
3

Thank you for the suggestion!

After an attemp with the sketch in post #30, all of the numbers were 0x00. This confirms that the module and the arduino are not connected.

I will get the NRF24 without antenna, in order to check that my arduinos are fine and i am able to make them work. Is there any difference while using the NRF24L01 PA+LNA?

4

I will take a SWAG and say you are using the Arduino to power the NRF24 devices. This is a bad way of doing it, very iffy at best. You need to power them with an external power supply and be sure the antennas are at least a meter/yard apart. This might help:"
il's Crispy Critter Rules, they apply to processor hardware:
Rule #1. A Power Supply the Arduino is NOT!
Rule #2. Never Connect Anything Inductive to an Arduino!
Rule #3 Don't connecting or disconnecting wires with power on.
Rule #4 Do not apply power to any pin unless you know what you are doing.
LaryD's Corollary's
Coro #1 when first starting out, add a 220R resistor in series with both Input and Output pins.
Coro #2 buy a DMM (Digital Multi-meter) to measure voltages, currents and resistance. Violating these rules tends to make crispy critters out of Arduinos.
Hint: It is best to keep the wires under 25cm/10" for good performance.

5

Apologies for not explaining what i have been doing exactly.

I placed both the arduino and the module in a PCB plus an AMS1117 as i used a battery (12v) to power the module.

Here it is:

IMG_6170
IMG_61701920×2560 351 KB

Do i need to power the arduino with an external battery too?

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The Arduino should be fine but post the annotated schematic of the regulator circuit, preferably the whole PCB schematic.

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Cronometro electrónico e inalámbrico -9
Cronometro electrónico e inalámbrico -91668×2154 190 KB

That is the whole PCB schematic

8

One battery fine, just do NOT use the Arduino 3V3 for the radio.

9

@groundFungus

Hello!

Thank you again for your suggestion on trying that tutorial. I got some NRF24 modules without antenna for it. It was a success! At the beggining the modules connected to the Arduino as the sketch from the post#30 intended, and then i could connect a couple of modules.

However the problem is the same, the NRF24 with antennas, are not “talking” to the arduino. As far as i know, they are supposed to work in the same way (about software). Does it has something to do with the external supply?

10

The antenna modules do need more power. The AA battery pack or the separate 3.3V adapter regulator should suffice.

Make sure to separate the modues by a few meters. They may not work if too close together. Also setting power levels to low may also help.

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