RF Magic not working, APC220 radio module

Support
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Hi All,

I got some of the APC220 Radio Communication Module | DFRobot TEL0005 | Core Electronics Australia APC220 modules, but RF magic keeps failing to detect any modules. It doesn’t come up with a com port selection ( I have tested that the COM port that comes with it is working ) and I can’t reprogram it to 915MHz.

What I need it to reprogram it to 915B ( 915-228 MHz, with frequency hopping from 902 to 915 disabled ) for Australian use, but can’t get the software working.

Does anyone know of an updated programmed that works with Windows 10, or have a copy of the configuration strings to program it up for AU use?

Thanks
David

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2

Welcome David!!

To cover all of the bases would it be possible to confirm the following:

  • When running the RFmagic application do you run as an administrator? From the Wiki:

You should set the RF-Magic program’s compatibility to “windows XP (Service pack 3)” and “run this program as an administrator”

Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any documentation about the workings of the modules and how different settings are configured.

Liam

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Hi David
According to the Data sheet linked on Core website for this unit it is 418 - 455MHz with a default of 434MHz so good luck with 915MHz.
I just looked and the user guide has slightly different numbers but it is all there.
Cheers Bob

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Hi Liam
You have a shield alongside your name so I am assuming you are a Core employee. Right???

I don’t believe I am reading this. Your (Core) page for this product (link above) has a user guide, Data sheet and product Wiki and at first glance ( which is what I just did) between all of this I think pretty much everything is covered.
Cheers Bob

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Hi Bob,

I think Liam meant more about how the connection is created - typically wireless modules like these provide documentation for setting them up through registers or AT-commands. At a glance I couldn’t find these either.

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Hi Liam
It would seem there is a software package to download to set up the modules if the default won’t do for whatever reason. I clicked the button accidentally and it downloaded to my mac which would be a bit useless I think (Windows software). It is called rfmagic. I think there is some convoluted method to do it on line too. I did not go into detail as at the moment I have little interest.
David is talking about 915MHz anyway. Don’t think this device will do that. Could be wrong though, has happened before.
Cheers Bob

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The datasheet shows how to set it up using a UART connection and some commands.

“For example , one APC220-43 is set to 434MHZ; rf data rate is 9600bps; Output
power is 20mW; UART data rate is 1200bps; No checkout.
WR_434000_3_9_0_0↙
(HEX code: 0x57,0x52,0x20,0x34,0x33,0x34,0x30,0x30,0x30,0x20,0x33,0x20,0x39,
0x20,0x30,0x20,0x30,0x0D,0x0A)
ANSWER: PARA_434000_3_9_0_0↙
(HEX code:0x50,0x41,0x52,0x410x20,0x34,0x33,0x34,0x30,0x30,0x30,0x20,0x33,
0x20,0x39,0x20,0x30,0x20,0x30,0x0D,0x0A)”
Everything after the frequency is a code number from some tables that are also listed.

But the point is moot if OP can’t establish the UART connection.

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Hi Bob,

Yeah I spotted the software - hopefully David is able to get that working (at 915, after reviewing the docs I agree).

Great find Jeff, not sure how I missed that one!

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Hi Liam

How is that going to happen. The data sheet says the operating frequency for this combo is 418MHz to 455MHz.
Cheers Bob

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It does appear Bob is correct - I’m not sure on reviewing why I thought they did 915MHz. I think it’s the way that Core write their website, but it’s clear on review that these modules don’t support it. I missed that the data string needed is in the app note - seems what is needed is to manually connect the missing pin for programming mode and see if it responds.

I managed to find some good long-range 915MHz AU compliant radios elsewhere, so have a long term solution, but I’ll see if I can get into the programming mode without the software and how that goes.