# RF Magic not working, APC220 radio module **URL:** \ **Category:** Support\ **Created:** [15 December 2022 11:45 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/rf-magic-not-working-apc220-radio-module/15896 "2022-12-15T11:45:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 10\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![David218598](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a9a28c/32.png) [@David218598](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/David218598)\ **Post date:** [15 December 2022 11:45 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/rf-magic-not-working-apc220-radio-module/15896/1 "2022-12-15T11:45:03Z")
Hi All, I got some of the [APC220 Radio Communication Module | DFRobot TEL0005 | Core Electronics Australia](https://core-electronics.com.au/apc220-radio-communication-module.html) 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 ---
**Author:** ![Liam](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/liam/32/3562_2.png) [@Liam](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Liam)\ **Post date:** [16 December 2022 05:44 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/rf-magic-not-working-apc220-radio-module/15896/2 "2022-12-16T05:44:29Z")
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 ---
**Author:** ![Robert93820](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ac91a4/32.png) [@Robert93820](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Robert93820)\ **Post date:** [16 December 2022 05:59 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/rf-magic-not-working-apc220-radio-module/15896/3 "2022-12-16T05:59:28Z")
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 ---
**Author:** ![Robert93820](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ac91a4/32.png) [@Robert93820](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Robert93820)\ **Post date:** [16 December 2022 06:39 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/rf-magic-not-working-apc220-radio-module/15896/4 "2022-12-16T06:39:09Z")
Hi Liam You have a shield alongside your name so I am assuming you are a Core employee. Right??? > [@Liam](#): > > Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any documentation about the workings of the modules and how different settings are configured. 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 ---
**Author:** ![Liam120347](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/liam120347/32/5003_2.png) [@Liam120347](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Liam120347)\ **Post date:** [16 December 2022 07:49 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/rf-magic-not-working-apc220-radio-module/15896/5 "2022-12-16T07:49:03Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Robert93820](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ac91a4/32.png) [@Robert93820](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Robert93820)\ **Post date:** [16 December 2022 08:01 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/rf-magic-not-working-apc220-radio-module/15896/6 "2022-12-16T08:01:18Z")
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 ---
**Author:** ![Jeff105671](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/jeff105671/32/3729_2.png) [@Jeff105671](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Jeff105671)\ **Post date:** [16 December 2022 08:08 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/rf-magic-not-working-apc220-radio-module/15896/7 "2022-12-16T08:08:32Z")
The datasheet shows how to set it up using a UART connection and some commands. > **[APC220\_Datasheet\_3152383dd74.pdf](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/APC220_Datasheet_3152383dd74.pdf)** > > 307.85 KB “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. ---
**Author:** ![Liam120347](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/liam120347/32/5003_2.png) [@Liam120347](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Liam120347)\ **Post date:** [16 December 2022 08:45 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/rf-magic-not-working-apc220-radio-module/15896/8 "2022-12-16T08:45:55Z")
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! ---
**Author:** ![Robert93820](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ac91a4/32.png) [@Robert93820](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Robert93820)\ **Post date:** [16 December 2022 09:40 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/rf-magic-not-working-apc220-radio-module/15896/9 "2022-12-16T09:40:54Z")
Hi Liam > [@Liam120347](#): > > hopefully David is able to get that working (at 915, How is that going to happen. The data sheet says the operating frequency for this combo is 418MHz to 455MHz. Cheers Bob ---
**Author:** ![David218598](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a9a28c/32.png) [@David218598](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/David218598)\ **Post date:** [16 December 2022 23:00 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/rf-magic-not-working-apc220-radio-module/15896/10 "2022-12-16T23:00:24Z")
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.