RFM12B wireless transceiver library for ChipKit

Created Sun, 19 Jan 2014 06:22:19 +0000 by thinkpeace

thinkpeace

Sun, 19 Jan 2014 06:22:19 +0000

I ported the LowPowerLab RFM12B library to ChipKit. I've tested it with the WF32, but it should work with other ChipKit boards.

The library can be downloaded here: https://github.com/eric-einem/RFM12B

The RFM12B is a low-power inexpensive wireless transceiver which interfaces using SPI. The ChipKit WF32 will make a great gateway between small RF enabled controllers and the internet. I will be using it with the Moteino's (http://lowpowerlab.com/moteino/) to create a sensor network of very small, battery or solar powered sensor modules, which will feed data to a web-server via the ChipKit WF32.

I wired the RFM12B to the WF32 according to the 3.3V version of the diagram on this page (http://openenergymonitor.org/emon/buildingblocks/rfm12b-wireless), except that the IRQ is wired to Pin 3 of the WF32, and the SS is wired to pin 9 of the WF32.

Jacob Christ

Sat, 08 Feb 2014 15:56:00 +0000

Very cool, what are you going to do with this?

Jacob

thinkpeace

Wed, 12 Feb 2014 07:21:18 +0000

Jacob, I'm working on a garden controller. The ChipKit WF32 will be used to relay information to a web server. I'm using Moteino's for sensor modules and for an output controller which controls watering. I have one of these boards for activating the solenoids http://www.futurlec.com/AC_Opto_Output_4.shtml

It works great connected directly to the Moteino. It needs 5v power, but the 3.3v signals from the Moteino's are sufficient to control it.

Jacob Christ

Wed, 12 Feb 2014 15:00:26 +0000

Very cool, I have always wanted to do something like that as well bu I just have not found the time. The triacs on that board look like overkill for sprinklers or are you controlling lighting as well?

Jacob

thinkpeace

Wed, 12 Feb 2014 21:53:20 +0000

The board may be overkill, as the TRIACs can handle 6 AMPS, and the sprinklers need about 0.5 AMPS, but it does work. And, there is not a 1-AMP version of the board available.

I want to do as little soldering as possible, so this board is great for me. When I mass-produce these, I'll redesign it ;)

iulicarad

Thu, 13 Mar 2014 21:14:05 +0000

Hello,

I am trying to adapt the above code so I can use it on ChipKit DP32 but I can't really make it work. I put an LED on the SS line and it's always on. I modified the pins in the RFM12B.h so they suit my connections but I got no result. Can anyone help?

Thank you! Iulian

Jacob Christ

Wed, 23 Apr 2014 01:58:18 +0000

It may be hard to see a fast changing signal with an LED... Sorry I'm not more help.

Jacob