RFM69HCW directly to Arduiono Mega

Projects Networking, Protocols, and Devices
1

Hi there all,
I just want to ask if is possible to connect the RFM69HCW directly to the Arduino Mega (R3)
with out any other board

Thanks all
Denis

2

You can if you account for the lower operating voltage and signal levels. The 3v3 from the Mega may not have enough current capacity so you may need a separate regulator from your raw power supply. You will also need a level shifter for the signals.

Adafruit has a nice breakout board with that radio and a library with examples.

3

Thaks a lot for your answer.
The fact is that I have just buy 5 pieces of this RFM69HCW,
cause I so the page: RFM69HCW Hookup Guide - SparkFun Learn
:frowning:

So now I don't know how to make it work.

Thanks again for your answer.
Denis

4

All the info is in your link. Pay close attention to the 3V3 supply and level converter requirements.

The current max on the Mega for the 3V3 pin is 50mA so you'll need a separate regulator of the low drop out type, LDO.

5

"The current max on the Mega for the 3V3 pin is 50mA"

I believe it's actually 150mA, from a 3.3V regulator. The 50mA is leftover from when an FT232 provided the 50mA.

6

That just happened to be the data I found and could very well be wrong.

The specs for the RF board claim 130mA draw so things could still be marginal. A large Ta cap or one of those used in switching power supplies might be enough to cover the pulse nature. Worth a try anyway.

7

Thanks a lot guys for the help
I'm newbe like you understand

I fount the tecnical specs of the Arduino Mega 2560:
DC Current for 3.3V Pin 50 mA

CrossRoads@ so I must made something to my board in order ti suply 150 mA ?

Thanks again
Denis