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Post by bwanajag on Aug 12, 2017 7:07:05 GMT
I've got a gateway up and running (MQTT-link OK) and now I'm trying to troubleshoot the first node. I get the following from the serial monitor...
Node 2 Version 2.2Mf4 DHT Cels GW24
Transmitting at 915 Mhz...
No connection...
No connection...
I've followed the bare bones end node build, program and troubleshooting, I've built 2 seperate bare bones nodes each with their own radios, and I can't get it to connect. I've triple checked each node to make sure it's listed as Node 02, the encryption password is the same as the gateway, the right frequency is uncommented (915MHz) and the RFM69HW line is uncommented (I have the the "HW" radios).
Can you offer any other troubleshooting tips to get the first node connected to the gateway?
Should the LED that's connected to D9 on the ethernet shield (radio LED) blink from the beginning, or should it only blink when connected to a node? This LED has not blinked at any time on my gateway.
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Post by papa on Aug 12, 2017 14:34:10 GMT
Welcome back, bwanajag. Good to hear from you. Congratulations on getting "MQTT-link OK." That's a good first step. You're working through what's often the most difficult part of this project, getting your first gateway / node network to work. Be patient, careful with details, & persistent & then you should find success. You wrote: "I've followed the bare bones end node build, program and troubleshooting ..." I assume you used this thread. If you did not use that thread, check your work against that thread. In that thread, did you see & do what's in this post AND this post which looks like your serial monitor (non-connecting) output? ^^ Without editing w5100.h & ethernet.h as just above, your gateway will connect to your local network & MQTT, but may not connect reliably to a node. Try these library edits first, if you have not already. Against the node schematic, re-check how you assembled your node. Especially make sure that the node connects a different Arduino digital pin (D10) to RFM69 radio's NSS pin than what the gateway uses (D8). According to your serial monitor output "DHT Cels ..." you're not necessarily using a completely bare bones node. For now, build the node with no DHT sensor AND comment out (//) #define DHT & #define CELS lines in the node sketch. Do not move beyond the Bare Bones node's assembly or coding until you have the Bare Bones node working with the gateway. Read through some of these threads where we helped people troubleshoot & maybe you'll see something to solve your problem. If the above suggestions do not help, we may need more information on what you've done so far. You also asked: That LED should blink only when the gateway & a node communicate via RFM69 radios. As your serial monitor output shows, they are not communicating yet so no blinks. The other gateway LED (D7) should turn on & stay on when the gateway connects with your local network & the MQTT server on your computer. |
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Post by bwanajag on Aug 14, 2017 12:29:23 GMT
hey papa, thanks sooo much for taking the time to walk me through troubleshooting tips. I had actually followed all the steps you outlined above (multiple times). However, I just plugged my gateway in, then plugged in the node (without any mods from the time I posted), and for the first time the following messages came through the serial monitor.
Node 2 Version 2.2Mf4 GW24
Transmitting at 915 Mhz...
Node: 2 dev: 99 cmd: 0 Ival: 0 Fval: 0.00 RSSI: -27
Node: 2 dev: 2 cmd: 0 Ival: 0 Fval: 0.00 RSSI: -27
Node: 2 dev: 4 cmd: 0 Ival: 0 Fval: 3.34 RSSI: -27
Node: 2 dev: 9 cmd: 0 Ival: 1 Fval: 3.34 RSSI: -27
Node: 2 dev: 2 cmd: 0 Ival: 0 Fval: 0.00 RSSI: -26
Node: 2 dev: 4 cmd: 0 Ival: 0 Fval: 3.34 RSSI: -26
Node: 2 dev: 9 cmd: 0 Ival: 1 Fval: 3.34 RSSI: -26
Node: 2 dev: 2 cmd: 0 Ival: 0 Fval: 0.00 RSSI: -26
No connection...
No connection...
No connection...
No connection...
No connection...
No connection...
No connection...
No connection...
No connection...
No connection...
No connection...
It seems that it connected (for the first time!!!) then disconnected after the first few transmissions. Even before this attempt, I made sure the w5100.h & ethernet.h files were modified according to your notes. Could this be related to my antenna (wire gauge, or length=82mm)? I also have wires that are looped near the antenna, would that have an effect?
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Post by papa on Aug 14, 2017 14:46:51 GMT
You're welcome, bwanajag. Good to hear that you're getting some connection. In my early experiences, it almost seemed like after rebooting stuff several times & trying things, connections would finally work. Though your antenna length is a little longer (6 mm) than my recommendation (3 inches, 76mm), that is not probably the problem because WHEN your gateway & node did connect, signal was -26 or -27 which is VERY good. Also serial monitor output "Node: 2 dev: 9 cmd: 0 Ival: 1" means the gateway/node connection only needed one attempt. Again very good. When transmitting, the RFM69 radio uses a lot of power. I wonder if your Arduino compatible is able to keep up with all peak current that is needed. Are you using an Arduino compatible in 3.3 volt mode, like a Buono Uno? What compatibles are you using & how are you powering them? Also I again suggest you read through some of these threads where we helped people troubleshoot & maybe you'll see something to solve your problem. You can also put "connection" in the forum's search box & read through threads that mention connection issues. I am not sure "wires that are looped near the antenna would have an effect." I suppose current going thru the wires could generate a field that may interfere with antenna reception. If other steps do not help, you could try separating the other wires more from the antenna & see what happens. |
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