RFM69HCW Hookup Guide

Pages
Contributors: MikeGrusin
Favorited Favorite 15

Introducing the RFM69

The RFM69HCW is an inexpensive and versatile radio module. You can use it to send text or binary data between two or hundreds of modules. It's perfect for building inexpensive short-range wireless networks for home automation, citizen science, and more. The RFM69HCW comes in two frequency flavors; a 915 MHz version and a 434 MHz version. See the Hardware Overview below for tips on which one to choose.

SparkFun RFM69 Breakout (915MHz)

SparkFun RFM69 Breakout (915MHz)

WRL-12775
$13.95
6
SparkFun RFM69 Breakout (434MHz)

SparkFun RFM69 Breakout (434MHz)

WRL-12823
$13.95

Interface and Example Code

The RFM69HCW can't do anything by itself; it needs to be connected to a microcontroller such as an Arduino. The RFM69HCW uses a four-wire Synchronous Peripheral Interface (SPI) plus an interrupt line. Most microcontrollers, including the Arduino, offer an SPI interface.

Felix Rusu of LowPowerLab has written an excellent Arduino library for the RFM69 that handles the details of setting up the module and sending and receiving data. This guide will cover interfacing the RFM69HCW to an Arduino microcontroller using this library.

If you're using a different microcontroller, the information here plus the datasheet and the library source code should help get you up and running. (If you write example code for another system, we'll be glad to add it to the code repository).

Required Materials

In this tutorial we'll show you how to get two modules talking to each other, but keep in mind that you can use more than two modules in your projects.

Here's what you'll need:

Suggested Reading

We recommend you be familiar with the following topics before working with the RFM69HCW. If you'd like to brush up on any of these things, follow the links and come back when you're done.

How to Solder: Through-Hole Soldering

This tutorial covers everything you need to know about through-hole soldering.

Using GitHub

How to use repositories and GitHub for version control.

Installing an Arduino Library

How do I install a custom Arduino library? It's easy! This tutorial will go over how to install an Arduino library using the Arduino Library Manager. For libraries not linked with the Arduino IDE, we will also go over manually installing an Arduino library.

Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI)

SPI is commonly used to connect microcontrollers to peripherals such as sensors, shift registers, and SD cards.

What is an Arduino?

What is this 'Arduino' thing anyway? This tutorials dives into what an Arduino is and along with Arduino projects and widgets.

Installing Arduino IDE

A step-by-step guide to installing and testing the Arduino software on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

How to Solder: Castellated Mounting Holes

Tutorial showing how to solder castellated holes (or castellations). This might come in handy if you need to solder a module or PCB to another PCB. These castellations are becoming popular with integrated WiFi and Bluetooth modules.