rf12_initialize hanging on NanodeRF SMT V7.2

Submitted by calves on Wed, 02/10/2013 - 13:59

I'm uploading sketchs to the NanodeRF V7.2 and it gets stuck in the rf12 initialization: rf12_initialize(MYNODE, freq, group).

The ethernet module works fine, but the RFM12B do not work.

Any suggestions where to start the investigation of the causes?

Thanks.

Re: rf12_initialize hanging on NanodeRF SMT V7.2

Submitted by calypso_rae on Wed, 02/10/2013 - 17:42.

If something is wrong with the connections between the Atmel and the RFM12B, the sketch can freeze. Maybe the processor is waiting for a reply that never appears. I've not used a nanodeRF module myself, but have seen this effect on similar platforms.

Re: rf12_initialize hanging on NanodeRF SMT V7.2

Submitted by calves on Thu, 03/10/2013 - 15:47.

Thanks Robin.

I think you're right. The microcontroller is waiting for the response from the RFM12B that does not appear.
the sketch works correctly in my emontx, but on the NanodeRF do not work.

I bought the board already assembled, so it should not be connecting problems.

the difference between the emontx and nanodeRF is that some buffer has in the connections between the microcontroller and RFM12B on the nanodeRF board.

maybe this RFM12B does not work?

Re: rf12_initialize hanging on NanodeRF SMT V7.2

Submitted by Robert Wall on Thu, 03/10/2013 - 16:43.

It would be worth carefully examining the board for assembly faults, if that fails to show a problem I suggest you contact the shop (if you bought it from there).

Re: rf12_initialize hanging on NanodeRF SMT V7.2

Submitted by glyn.hudson on Fri, 04/10/2013 - 07:35.

Oh dear, this sounds like it could be a hardware issue. If you're still having issues and everything looks alright visually please get in touch with us via contact@megni.co.uk and we'll sort out a replacement.

All the best,

Re: rf12_initialize hanging on NanodeRF SMT V7.2

Submitted by kenmc (not verified) on Fri, 04/10/2013 - 14:56.

I built a few TinyTX sensors and one was behaving like this whereas another, using the same ATTiny as the first, was fine. Spent a while trying to figure out what happened, missed a solder connection on the RFM12b. Easily solved thankfully.

Yours might be different of course, but give the solder joints a good investigation

Re: rf12_initialize hanging on NanodeRF SMT V7.2

Submitted by calypso_rae on Fri, 04/10/2013 - 15:49.

When fitting an RFM12B module, I find the 2mm pitch very difficult to work with. Bridging solder between adjacent pads is all too easy, as is failing to get a good connection onto the base-board.

I find that solder-wick braid is very useful here. It can rapidly remove any excess solder, but the joint between the chip and the main board remains firm. A 'spring-type' wooden clothes peg can be used to hold the chip firmly in the correct position before starting to solder.

But if the board comes pre-assembled, then it's all someone else's problem!

Re: rf12_initialize hanging on NanodeRF SMT V7.2

Submitted by mharizanov on Fri, 04/10/2013 - 16:14.

can you try to swap the ENC26j60 and RFM2B initialization order code?

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