APC220_Radio_Data_Module_SKU_TEL0005_-DFRobot

TEL0005 APC220 Radio Communication Module

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

Pin Definitions

TEL0005 APC220 Radio Communication Module Pin Definitions
Pin Definition Detail
1 SET Set parameters (low)
2 AUX UART Signal- Receive (low) Transmit (high)
3 TXD UART TX
4 RXD UART RX
5 EN Disable the device when apply <0.5V. Enable the device when leave it disconnected or apply >1.6V
6 VCC 3.3V-5.5V Power
7 GND 0V Ground

Connections

TEL0005 APC220 Radio Communication Module Connections

APC220 to PC via RS232-TTL converter

TEL0005 APC220 Radio Communication Module Connections

APC220 to MCU

TEL0005 APC220 Radio Communication Module Connections

PC to MCU via APC220

TEL0005 APC220 Radio Communication Module Connections

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

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.

TEL0005 APC220 Radio Communication Module Set APC220

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.

TEL0005 APC220 Radio Communication Module Set APC220

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

TEL0005 APC220 Radio Communication Module Set APC220

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.

TEL0005 APC220 Radio Communication Module Set APC220

Configuration

TEL0005 APC220 Radio Communication Module Configuration

Write and Read setting

Parameter Range Default
RF frequency Resolution 1KHz,Accuracy ±100Hz 434MHz
RF TRx Rate 1200,2400,4800,9600,19200bps 9600bps
RF Power 0-9 9
Series Rate 1200,2400,4800,9600,19200,38400,57600bps 9600bps
NET ID 0-65535(16 bit) 12345
NODE ID 123456789012
Series Patity Disable,Odd Patity,Even Patity Disable

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.

TEL0005 APC220 Radio Communication Module Communication Test

One on computer to receive “Hello”

TEL0005 APC220 Radio Communication Module Communication Test

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.

TEL0005 APC220 Radio Communication Module Communication Test

Arduino serial monitor on COM8(IDE 1.0.6)

TEL0005 APC220 Radio Communication Module Communication Test

Serial Assistant on COM8

FAQ

Q&A Some general Arduino Problems/FAQ/Tips
Q1 Why I can not connect the APC220 module after I opened the RF-magic software on my Window/Linux?
A1 If you are using Mac or Linux, please note: 1) Linux: The current on the 'En' pin of adapter is different when using the USB-Serial board on Linux. The same issue happens on Mac. The solution is to not connect the En pin, using a cable, or a handmade breakout board. 2) Windows (64-bit OS): You should set the RF-Magic program's compatibility to "windows XP (Service pack 3)" and "run this program as administrator"
Q2 I tried to test communication between two Arduino boards, but failed, any suggestions or example are appreciated?
A2 Check the that baudrate setting in your code and the APC220 modules are all the same, e.g. they are all be set to 9600.
Q3 Driver issue on Windows, after I downloaded and installed the latest driver from Silicon Labs, it just can't be recognized by my computer properly, the USB-TTL adapter I use is a yellow one.
A3 The one with Yellow color but not Black is the old version, but the lastest driver should be compatible. Anyway, you could try this driver instead.

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