|
Post by Bruster999 on Nov 7, 2015 1:01:22 GMT
Hi all, I posted this issue on the 'ible' so I hope I'm not duplicating here but I'm having a real issue with my gateway RFM69HW overheating. It gets hot enough to not be able to touch it for long.
The config is the single Arduino gateway which I downloaded the code for about 10 months ago so it's not current. I am using one clone Arduino that has a selectable voltage and have it set to 3.3v. A clone Ethernet shield is attached and on top of that is the RFM69 wired to the Ethernet shield.
Aside from the overheating problem, sometimes it just won't get a DHCP address from the router, even when it's cold. If I restart it 10-20 times or reload the code I can usually get it started but it's very unreliable.
Any thoughts or input would be appreciated. Thanks.
|
|
|
Post by papa on Nov 7, 2015 3:18:42 GMT
Which Gateway are you building (software & schematic)? CompuTourist's version 2.3 (inside github.com/computourist/RFM69-MQTT-client/archive/master.zip) or something earlier? I recommend CompuTourist's as being more reliable. << Here's a Gateway schematic using a Buono Uno Arduino clone. I adapted it from CompuTourist's. (click the image to make it larger)That overheating does not sound good. My RFM69s never feel even warm. I would double check the wires you soldered to the RFM69 to make sure you did not run solder between 2 RFM69 solder holes. Also recheck where you connect each RFM69 connection to the Ethernet Shield. Pariticularly , a la CompuTourist, we connect NSS to Arduino D8. The Ethernet Shield uses D10
|
|
|
Post by papa on Nov 7, 2015 3:28:02 GMT
Looking at your pictured Gateway with your comment at Uber Home Automation instructable, I see no RFM69 wire plugged into D8. So I suspect your RFM69's NSS is connected to D10 which could well be much of your problem. D10 is used by the Ethernet Shield. The CompuTourist Gateway sketch switches NSS to D8 to avoid the conflict. If you're having a "library issue" check out my Success... post Oct 7, 2015 at 10:15am where I document getting the right libraries for the project. I believe you'll get quicker responses if you post your questions, etc. within this forum.
|
|
|
Post by Bruster999 on Nov 12, 2015 4:14:11 GMT
Hey papa, I'm pretty sure the wiring is correct. I know the picture is misleading but I was trying different pin locations for SS and just happened to take the pic when it was in pin 10. I also tried pin 8 and pin 7. The frustrating thing is that the gateway used to work flawlessly but then it just started getting flaky and now I have to restart it 20x to get it to grab an IP from my router (this is aside from the overheating). My current plan is to try a PiGateway by LowpowerLabs.com since this doesn't use the Ethernet shields. lowpowerlab.com/gateway/ Thanks for the input though!
|
|
|
Post by papa on Nov 12, 2015 20:28:58 GMT
Just a couple thoughts: It seem like at least one poster on this forum reported a defective Ethernet shield & things worked after replacing that. I & others have had defective Arduinos. In my case, I believe a misaligned Arduino & shield (& my not bending the pins to match better) took too much force to get together so that the force may have cracked a trace or two & made the Arduino unreliable.
The Arduino IDE comes with sample sketches for the Ethernet Shield & one can try other sketches with an Arduino alone to see if it is working. It also helps to get familiar with what are normal & abnormal flashing of LEDs on Arduino & shields.
This project requires a good amount of patience, trial & error, & troubleshooting.
|
|