Total newbie

[jappie]

Hi all,

First of all, thanks for creating this forum!

As in the subject, I'm a total newbie, well, for the RFM part that is. 
I already have some home automation running: 

• OpenHab on Raspberry Pi 2 (Zwave, RFXcom, weatherbindings, rules, scripts, etc)
• Working on my Opentherm module
• Tons of ideas ;-)

Now I'm ready for my next step, which is wireless communication and creating DIY nodes / sensors. 
I've been struggling with how to setup wireless nodes and what technology to use, until I came across the RFM96 option today. 
I was right away enthusiastic about it, because of the range, price and what seems to be the "easy" integration with Arduino's. 

But that's also my question in that case and I hope you want to support me by pointing me in the right direction! 
My question(s) are: 

• The RFM96, does it work as a "wireless shield" for the Arduino? (I believe this one is a yes)
• Do I understand correct that you need to use the RFM96 on one end as a "gateway" and the other end is a "node"?
• If question 2 is a yes, can you set the "mode" of the RFM as gateway or node?
• And will the RFM module, once attached to Arduino, work when you include a library for in in the Arduino sketch? 
• Is there good information available for the RFM module?

Any guidance is highly appreciated! I'm really looking forward in taking the next steps and share my projects here with you all. 

Thanks very much in advance!!!

/Jappie

[papa]

The RFM96, does it work as a "wireless shield" for the Arduino? (I believe this one is a yes)
        yes, but it's RFM69
Do I understand correct that you need to use the RFM96 on one end as a "gateway" and the other end is a "node"?
        yes
If question 2 is a yes, can you set the "mode" of the RFM as gateway or node?
        Hardware wise for the RFM69, the Gateway has one different pin vs the End node.  On Gateway, RFM69 Gateway, NSS goes to Arduino D8.  For End node, NSS goes to D10.
         For Software, Gateway & End nodes use different sketches.
And will the RFM module, once attached to Arduino, work when you include a library for in in the Arduino sketch?
      With right hardware & sketch & included libraries, yes, RFM69 module works well.
        One needs mosquitto installed on computer (raspberry pi or otherwise) & the mosquitto binding configured with OpenHAB
Is there good information available for the RFM module?
       I think there is good information on using the RFM69 on this forum & elsewhere
            On this forum, I recommend latest version of the computourist-derived software & schematics.
                Some examples are my threads like
                    Success...
                    Multi-Choice Node
                    Raspberry Pi install of OpenHAB & Mosquitto
                lewishollow's thread if you like more object oriented software.