nrf24l01+ problem

Projects Networking, Protocols, and Devices
1

i am designing a remote antenna switch and controller that communicate by means of nRF24l01 transceivers.

Here is the problem:

If I send a byte to the remote receiver, it echos back the number just fine.
On the second transmission, whatever byte I send, it sends back the first transmitted byte.
The third transmission also sends back the original byte.

On the 4th transmission, and for ever after, it fails to send back anything until the receiver is reset. Then the same pattern repeats itself.

The setup is as follows:

Both transceivers have 10uF ceramic caps soldered directly across the power input terminals of the module. (I have four modules and they all behave exactly the same)

No line to the transceivers exceeds two inches.

I am using the 3.3v supply from a nano clone and have checked the 3.3 v line with an oscilloscope - digital noise is less than 5 mV. The voltage is 3.26V.

I have loaded the example program "pingpair-ack" from the RF24 library examples. Everything works perfectly no matter which transceiver is used as the transmitter.

I am leaving the pinpair_ack program on the remote node and I have essentially copied its transmitter code as my function. -- No Joy-- it does the same exact thing.

I am at my wits end. I hope someone can offer some guidance.

Attached is the screen capture of both transceivers state. Also my transmitting node's code with everything eliminated except the code to read two buttons and the transmitting function. The receiver node has the pingpair_ack code on it.

new 1.txt (5.91 KB)

nrf24screenshot.png
nrf24screenshot.png1920×1080 130 KB

pingpair_ack.ino (4.52 KB)

2

You need to post your two Arduino programs.

In the meantime have a look at this Simple nRF24L01+ Tutorial.

Wireless problems can be very difficult to debug so get the wireless part working on its own before you start adding any other features.

The examples are as simple as I could make them and they have worked for other Forum members. If you get stuck it will be easier to help with code that I am familiar with. Start by getting the first example to work

There is also a connection test program to check that the Arduino can talk to the nRF24 it is connected to.

A common problem with nRF24 modules is insufficient 3.3v current from the Arduino 3.3v pin. This seems to be a particular problem with the nano. The high-power nRF24s (with the external antenna) will definitely need an external power supply. At least for testing try powering the nRF24 with a pair of AA alkaline cells (3v) with the battery GND connected to the Arduino GND.

...R

3

Thanks for your reply and for the advice.

As I mentioned, the library example, Pingpair_ack works perfectly (with all 4 modules) .

I've eliminated the 3.3V supply as the problem since it is the right value, properly by-passed, and there is negligible digital noise. I have also tried two aaa batteries for the nrf24 supply to no avail.

I have stripped everything from my transmitter code, save for that required to detect activation of the two push buttons.

I will load the code you recommended.