Author Topic: Wireless Ver2 update  (Read 23397 times)

Offline RJ

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Wireless Ver2 update
« on: December 28, 2009, »
Thought some of you might be interested in the progress ob the Wireless version 2.

I attached a image of the pcb layout that replaces both the TX (transmitter) and RX (standalone receiver). This board does both and once built a single jumper makes it either a TX or an RX. The firmware is still beta but it has code for both jobs so you do not reflash the pic you just change the jumper and power it up.

It uses the newer RF module and uses the onboard Antenna. The output is over double what we had on the Ver 1 tx and the rx has a preamp to boost on the receive side also. This should increase range using the built on antenna. the amp is built on to the Rf module and tuned with the onboard antenna.

What is the benfit to the changes?

1 - Less costly to build.
2 - Easier to build since you do not need to cut any tiny RF modules to modify them. You also do not have any small surface mount amp to solder.
3 - Also added a red power Led and a Green Receive / Transmit Led to the system.  Shows one or the other depending on the TX / RX jumper.

The proto pcbs are ordered and should be here in a week or so for testing and working out the bugs of the firmware. Then beta for them. The EX / RX will have a few slight changes to it also to add the LEDS.

First question everyone wants to know is if they are capatible with the Ver 1 units. Yes! worst case you will have to reflash the ver 1 with updated firmware and may not even need to do this.

RJ 
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Offline wbuehler

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Re: Wireless Ver2 update
« Reply #1 on: December 28, 2009, »
Looks Good.

Bill


Offline solidmodeler

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Re: Wireless Ver2 update
« Reply #2 on: December 28, 2009, »
Your always making it better for the rest of us with great progress reports.

Thanks for the hard work!

Michael
Michael

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Offline castortiu

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Re: Wireless Ver2 update
« Reply #3 on: December 28, 2009, »
May be it is a dumb comment.

I see the square pads where the RF module is attached covered with solder mask, is that intentional made? or am I missing something?
If it is not then when you order the prototype you will have to sand the pads to solder the module.

Gus.

Offline vairmoose

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Re: Wireless Ver2 update
« Reply #4 on: December 28, 2009, »
I see the external antenna is gone...   definite improvement in prduceability!!!!!!  
(and cost reduction)..

Excelent!!!!!

One question...   can the new Rx module be used on the ver 1 boards?

Larry

Update:  i found the data sheets for the 'old' and 'new'  rx unit..  there is enough difference in width to preclude using the new unit on the version 1 board.   new board necessary..    LGM
« Last Edit: December 29, 2009, by vairmoose »
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Offline RJ

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Re: Wireless Ver2 update
« Reply #5 on: December 28, 2009, »
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May be it is a dumb comment.

I see the square pads where the RF module is attached covered with solder mask, is that intentional made? or am I missing something?
If it is not then when you order the prototype you will have to sand the pads to solder the module.

Gus.


No thats just the color settings playing with it making it look that way. They do not have solder mask over them.  But it is not a dumb comment.

RJ
Innovation beats imitation - and it's more satisfying

Offline RJ

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Re: Wireless Ver2 update
« Reply #6 on: December 28, 2009, »
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I see the external antenna is gone...   definite improvement in prduceability!!!!!!  
(and cost reduction)..

Excelent!!!!!

One question...   can the new Rx module be used on the ver 1 boards?

Larry

If you mean RF modules them no they are different. I guess they needed room for the amp. Also the antenna is different so cant cut and fit it the same. The original Rf module part number is still avaliable.

RJ
Innovation beats imitation - and it's more satisfying

David_AVD

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Re: Wireless Ver2 update
« Reply #7 on: December 28, 2009, »
RJ, which RF transceiver module did you settle on?

I ask as I've used the Aurel units before but had some issues IIRC.

Offline RJ

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Re: Wireless Ver2 update
« Reply #8 on: December 28, 2009, »
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RJ, which RF transceiver module did you settle on?

I ask as I've used the Aurel units before but had some issues IIRC.

David,


 I am sending you a PM with the information.

 
RJ       
Innovation beats imitation - and it's more satisfying

David_AVD

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Re: Wireless Ver2 update
« Reply #9 on: December 28, 2009, »
Thank you.

Offline deplanche

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Re: Wireless Ver2 update
« Reply #10 on: December 29, 2009, »
If this can be both a TX and RX, should the RJ45 Jack location be labelled as "DMX" or "DMX IN/OUT" rather than just "DMX IN"?

Offline austindave

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Re: Wireless Ver2 update
« Reply #11 on: December 29, 2009, »
Would it make sense to provide an optional connector for an external, possibly remote, high-gain antenna (for transmit)? Or is that impractical / unnecessary?
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Offline Ron

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Re: Wireless Ver2 update
« Reply #12 on: December 29, 2009, »
Looks good.

I see what you were talking about regarding the cutout for the antenna now.

I also like that the power and RJ45 are opposite the antenna now.  That should make orientation and mounting easier.

Ron

Offline bisquit476

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Re: Wireless Ver2 update
« Reply #13 on: December 29, 2009, »
RJ,

You noted the EX/RX was going to change a little, will the changes extend the range of the unit. Reason I'm asking, I haven't built my boards yet, so if there are changes that will enhance the range of the unit, I'll just wait for the new boards before building. Thanks,

Bill

Offline tylyview

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Re: Wireless Ver2 update
« Reply #14 on: December 30, 2009, »
This looks good. It will be easier probably for newer people to build too seeing as they order two of the same thing and change a simple jumper.

A question though, what would the approximate range be?