APC220_Radio_Data_Module_SKU_TEL0005_-DFRobot

Introduction

The APC220 arduino radio data module is a highly versatile, low power radio solution that is easy to setup and integrate into any project that requires a wireless RF link. It is perfect for robotic applications if you need wireless control. You can connect one of these modules with your MCU through TTL interface, and connect to your PC with another APC220 module through a TTL/USB converter.

Specification

• Working frequency: 420 MHz to 450 MHz
• Power: 3.5-5.5V
• Current: <25-35mA
• Working temperature: -20℃～+70℃
• Range: 1200m line of sight (1200 bps)
• Interface: UART/TTL
• Baud rate: 1200-19200 bps
• Baud rate (air): 1200-19200 bps
• Receive Buffer: 256 bytes
• Size: 37mm × 17 mm × 6.6mm
• Weight: 30g

Pin Definitions

Connections

APC220 to PC via RS232-TTL converter

APC220 to MCU

PC to MCU via APC220

PC to PC via APC220

Tutorial

This tutorial will guide you how to communicate between your PC and your Arduino Board wirelessly by two APC220.The PC will receive the message "Hello!" from the Arduino and print it on screen by serial monitor.

Requirements

• Hardware

  • APC220 module x2

  • CP210 USB to UART Converter x1

  • Arduino board x1

  • USB Cable A-B for Arduino x1

• Software

  • RF-magic Download RF-Magic Configure software.
  • Arduino IDE 1.0.6 Click to Download Arduino IDE
  • Serial Assistant: Click to download Serial debugging assistant

NOTE: The Arduino board here we use is Romeo (Leonardo), which uses Serial1 instead of Serial in the code, if you use another Arduino, e.g. Uno, Mega, Bluno.., please rewrite the Serial1.println() to Serial.println().

Arduino IDE 1.6.5 cannot display the message at all, we recommend using Arduino 1.0.6 serial monitor or an alternative serial monitor.

Set APC220

1) Screw in the antenna to the APC220 and plug it in to the USB-TTL converter, and then plug the converter in to your computer.

2) Download and install the driver for the USB-TTL converter. Go to Silicon Labs to download for your system

3) Check the serial port in the Device Manager if your driver was installed. Here, it's COM8.

4) Run the APC22X_V12A.exe ( i.e. RF-magic ) as Administrator if your system is not Windows XP.

NOTE: The software will recognize the APC220 module and open the serial port COM8 automatically once opened. If it fails, please try to revise the COM port in the device manager to COM1 and restart the software.

5) Configure RF-magic as in the red square frame below (default setting) , and click Write W to write your setting, then click Read R to read the parameters you've set.

Configuration

Write and Read setting

6) Set the other APC220 module again in the same way, with the same parameter setting.

Communication Test

1) Plug one module in to your PC, and plug another one in to your Arduino.

One on computer to receive “Hello”

Another on computer to send “Hello”

2) Upload the code below to Arduino ( Leonardo here we use).

NOTE: Please revise the Serial1 to Serial if your Arduino board is Uno, Bluno, Mega etc.

//The sketch is tested on: Romeo v2 (Leonardo)
void setup()
{
  Serial1.begin(9600);             //Set serial baud rate to 9600
}

void loop()
{
  Serial1.println("Hello!");           //print out hello string
  delay(1000);                  //1 second delay
}

3) Open COM8 by Serial Assistant or on the Arduino IDE serial monitor (Note Arduino IDE 1.6.5 works abnormally). You will see "Hello" appear on your screen every second.

Arduino serial monitor on COM8(IDE 1.0.6)

Serial Assistant on COM8

FAQ

For any question/advice/cool idea to share, please visit DFRobot Forum.

More Documents

• Communication between two Arduino boards.