Missing Module: Multimod error on Devo 10/NRF24101

Hello,

I'm having a problem similar to this thread:

www.deviationtx.com/forum/builds/3152-de...tloop-nrf24l01#23283

but there are some differences in my case.

I'm already using a DEVO 10, the NRF24101 came from MassiveRC, and my solder joints don't seem that bad. Instead of a boot loop, I just get the "Missing Module: Mulitmod" message with an ok button that doesn't work.

I think I've verified that everything is connected properly (per the russian site - can attach a link later), and nothing is shorted per my multimeter. I've tried the release build and the nightly, changed the .ini from A14 to A13 and back again, and even tried deleting the multimod reference in hardware.ini. My Devo just won't start if I uncomment the NRF24101 references.

As long as the .ini has everything commented out, my TX works just fine and connects to a LemonRX with no problems, even with the additional module still attached.

I'm thinking about buying another NRF24101 to see if I have a bad chip or someting. Anybody know a good way to check one of these before I go through the effort of unsoldering/resoldering?

Thanks

Joeboo25 wrote: Hello,

I'm having a problem similar to this thread:

www.deviationtx.com/forum/builds/3152-de...tloop-nrf24l01#23283

but there are some differences in my case.

I'm already using a DEVO 10, the NRF24101 came from MassiveRC, and my solder joints don't seem that bad. Instead of a boot loop, I just get the "Missing Module: Mulitmod" message with an ok button that doesn't work.

I think I've verified that everything is connected properly (per the russian site - can attach a link later), and nothing is shorted per my multimeter. I've tried the release build and the nightly, changed the .ini from A14 to A13 and back again, and even tried deleting the multimod reference in hardware.ini. My Devo just won't start if I uncomment the NRF24101 references.

As long as the .ini has everything commented out, my TX works just fine and connects to a LemonRX with no problems, even with the additional module still attached.

I'm thinking about buying another NRF24101 to see if I have a bad chip or someting. Anybody know a good way to check one of these before I go through the effort of unsoldering/resoldering?

Thanks

Please quote your hardware.ini

Right now it's default so:

;Only useful for transmitters with an after-market vibration motor
;enable-haptic=1
;
;switch_types: 3x2, 3x1, 2x2
;extra-switches=
;
[modules]
; there is no need to enable the cyrf6936 module unless
; it is wired to an alternate port. It is Enabled automatically otherwise
; enable-cyrf6936 = B12
; has_pa-cyrf6936 = 1
; enable-a7105 = A13
; has_pa-a7105 = 1
; enable-cc2500 = A14
; has_pa-cc2500 = 1
; enable-nrf24l01 = A14
; has_pa-nrf24l01 = 1
; enable-multimod = A13

When I tried to enable the module, I used:

;Only useful for transmitters with an after-market vibration motor
;enable-haptic=1
;
;switch_types: 3x2, 3x1, 2x2
;extra-switches=
;
[modules]
; there is no need to enable the cyrf6936 module unless
; it is wired to an alternate port. It is Enabled automatically otherwise
; enable-cyrf6936 = B12
; has_pa-cyrf6936 = 1
; enable-a7105 = A13
; has_pa-a7105 = 1
; enable-cc2500 = A14
; has_pa-cc2500 = 1
enable-nrf24l01 = A13
has_pa-nrf24l01 = 1
; enable-multimod = A13

I guess you tried to enable-nrf24l01 = A14 ?
Are you sure that your nRF24L01 got a PA ? If not set has_pa-nrf24l01 = 0

Yes, tried A14 and A13.

This is the module that I'm using: www.massiverc.com/PrestaShop/en/331-4g-n...ireless-module-.html

PA and LNA. Would the LNA make a difference?

Joeboo25 wrote: Yes, tried A14 and A13.

This is the module that I'm using: www.massiverc.com/PrestaShop/en/331-4g-n...ireless-module-.html

PA and LNA. Would the LNA make a difference?

You have a good model of nRF24L01 ....
I would say to check again your connexion be sure if you don't have any tiny short cuts ....

Send a close up photo of your soldering job

I'll work on getting those later this evening once I get off work. Thanks for your help so far.

Ok, here's my solder connections. They're a little crusty with flux, but everything's solid. That ribbon cable melts like crazy so it get's ugly pretty quick. I can step you through the colors if it's not clear in the image.

Also, I have verified that all connections are complete and there are no shorts (except for pins 2 and 3, VCC and CE)

My plan is to pot the module pins with epoxy to prevent shorts, but I'm not going to take that step until I can confirm that it works.

On 2.4G header, did you use pins 4,8 and 10 respectively ? It seems yes but maybe according to your photos you soldered on 4,6,10 ?
If it's ok, the job done on your Devo10 seems ok for me ...
It means maybe the problem comes from the nRF24L01 pinout ...

Why you didn't use Dupont's wires ? to directly plug them on the nRF24L01 ? (you would save some soldering job)

is there condensation under the heat shrink ? Hope its just way it looks.

The image I used had the 2.4G pins labeled 2, 4, and 5, but I think we're talking about the same thing.


mcheli.blogspot.com/2013/11/deviation-hisky-module.html

Does this guy have the module pins labeled correctly?

I started out using the plug, but I wasn't happy with how bulky and awkward it was with a 90deg bend. I'd be a little happier if the pins came off the end of the board instead of pointing down. I could have crammed it in somewhere, but I wanted a cleaner installation.

SadSack is right, there is a little bit of liquid under the heat sink. I cleaned some of the excess flux with isopropanol right before I took the picture. It was evaporated by the time I reassembled my Devo.

I think I'm going to order another module from Romeo in case I fried this one somehow.

Yes this pinout is correct ....

Success! After looking at some info provided by Romeo, I realized my problem. I switched pins 7 and 8 on the module. It may be hard to tell in the image, but my red wire is connected to pin 8 and 7 was empty. Somehow I got the numbers swapped in my head. Also, I wired the ribbon backwards, but that's just a technicality (also why the plug didn't work out for me).

A quick bit of soldering, and the error message went away. I tested the module by binding to my JXD388, and everything seems kosher.

Now I can start working on the v2x2 models to optimize for my JXDs.

Also, Romeo posted a new wiring guide here:
www.massiverc.com/PrestaShop/en/333-15-c...h-2x4-connector.html