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SparkFun Transceiver Breakout - nRF24L01+

This module uses the newest 2.4GHz transceiver from Nordic Semiconductor, the nRF24L01+. This transceiver IC operates in the 2.4GHz band and has many new features! Take all the coolness of the nRF2401A and add some extra pipelines, buffers, and an auto-retransmit feature - very nice!

Please note: We now populate these boards with the nRF24L01+. The '+' version of the IC has improved range, sensitivity, and data rates. The command set is backward compatible with the original nRF24L01.

  • On-board 3.3V LDO Regulator (3.3 to 7V supply allowed)
  • On-board ceramic 2.4GHz Antenna
  • 250kbps to 2Mbit Data Rate
  • Auto Acknowledge
  • Auto Re-Transmit
  • Multiceiver - 6 Data Pipes
  • 32 Byte separate TX and RX FIFOs
  • 5V tolerant input pins
  • Software selectable channel from 2400MHz to 2525MHz (125 Selectable channels)
  • Minimum number of external components
  • Pins broken out : VCC, CE, CSN, SCK, MOSI, MISO, IRQ, GND
  • Lots of application notes and support on Nordic Semiconductor Website
  • 0.8x0.9"

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SparkFun Transceiver Breakout - nRF24L01+ Product Help and Resources

nRF24L01+ Transceiver Hookup Guide

July 30, 2015
A basic getting started guided to the SparkFun Transceiver Breakout - nRF24L01+
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Core Skill: Soldering

This skill defines how difficult the soldering is on a particular product. It might be a couple simple solder joints, or require special reflow tools.

1 Soldering

Skill Level: Noob - Some basic soldering is required, but it is limited to a just a few pins, basic through-hole soldering, and couple (if any) polarized components. A basic soldering iron is all you should need.
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Core Skill: Programming

If a board needs code or communicates somehow, you're going to need to know how to program or interface with it. The programming skill is all about communication and code.

2 Programming

Skill Level: Rookie - You will need a better fundamental understand of what code is, and how it works. You will be using beginner-level software and development tools like Arduino. You will be dealing directly with code, but numerous examples and libraries are available. Sensors or shields will communicate with serial or TTL.
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Core Skill: Electrical Prototyping

If it requires power, you need to know how much, what all the pins do, and how to hook it up. You may need to reference datasheets, schematics, and know the ins and outs of electronics.

2 Electrical Prototyping

Skill Level: Rookie - You may be required to know a bit more about the component, such as orientation, or how to hook it up, in addition to power requirements. You will need to understand polarized components.
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Comments

Looking for answers to technical questions?

We welcome your comments and suggestions below. However, if you are looking for solutions to technical questions please see our Technical Assistance page.

  • Mr Mai / about 8 years ago * / 1

    Why is there a custom oscillator?

  • FloridaJo / about 8 years ago / 1

    Would be nice if these blogs had dates on them. It states it's 'the newest' and I have to look to the comments to see it's 7 years old.

  • vivi / about 15 years ago / 4

    Another comment : because of the regulator, it is not feasible to achieve the low power consumption the nRF24L01+ is capable of. In power down mode, the nRF24L01+ consumes less than 1uA. However the regulator draws at least about 80uA. I measured a total of 90uA in power down mode in one of the modules I bought.

  • omegahacker / about 14 years ago / 3

    I copied the layout of the RF section for my own board from this one, but I can't get the radio to work when I run an identical configuration otherwise.
    Can someone at Sparkfun please confirm that the values in the schematic are accurate to the shipping parts, and would you consider publishing the Eagle PCB files as well?

  • Hugu / about 13 years ago / 2

    where is the eagle file *.brd?... :(

  • shaunb / about 13 years ago / 2

    In the link to the eagle files you have a .pdf schematic, could you post the eagle files?

  • vivi / about 15 years ago / 2

    Apart from the regulator and capacitor, this is the reference design found in the nRF24L01 datasheet.

  • Member #601055 / about 9 years ago / 1

    What's the P/N for the SMT antenna?

  • Member #376702 / about 9 years ago / 1

    is it possible too control more then two servos via nRF24L01+ and arduino

  • stevenvh17 / about 9 years ago / 1

    Price is somewhat disappointing; Seeed sells a similar, though smaller, module for a (granted, incredible) price of USD 2.90

  • Member #637204 / about 9 years ago / 1

    If you want to learn how to create your own home automation solution based on NRF24L01+. Please visit http://www.mysensors.org

    Our Arduino libraries can be found here: https://github.com/mysensors/Arduino/tree/master/libraries/MySensors

    Henrik

  • CkShipman / about 9 years ago / 1

    What does MiRF stand for?

  • Kommi10 / about 10 years ago / 1

    3.3V LDO Regulator means I can control this 3.3 V logic board with my 5V logic Uno correct?

  • Member #10122 / about 10 years ago * / 1

    mixing nRF24L01+ and nRF24L01

    Hi, I have a TX board with dspic 33FJ and this nRF24L01+ (WRL-00691) and 2 RX board based on DSPF240, one with nRF24L01+ and the other with nRF24L01 when using the RX nRF24L01+ it works well but if I use the RX with the nRF24L01, I got some glitches from time to time and for certain values, it seems that the bytes are not fully received (MSB are not all decoded ???)

    Has anybody worked with mixing nRF24L01+ and nRF24L01 ? both are Sparkfun boards.

    here are my config

    the TXconfig :

    SendOnSPI( 0x20, 0x1C);    // PTX, CRC enabled 16 bit, ISR RX et TX, Power Down, TX config !
SendOnSPI( 0x21, 0x00);    // disable auto-ack for all channels
SendOnSPI( 0x23, 0x03);    // address width = 5 bytes
SendOnSPI( 0x24, 0x00);    // auto retransmit off
SendOnSPI( 0x25, 0x02);    // set channel 2   
SendOnSPI( 0x26, 0x0F);    // data rate = 2 Mbps
__builtin_nop();
RF_CS = 0;                // activate SPI for nRF24L01+
// set Address
uidummy = SPI1BUF; SPI1BUF=0x30;    while (SPI1STATbits.SPITBF);    while ( !SPI1STATbits.SPIRBF);
uidummy = SPI1BUF; SPI1BUF=0xE7;    while (SPI1STATbits.SPITBF);    while ( !SPI1STATbits.SPIRBF);
uidummy = SPI1BUF; SPI1BUF=0xE7;    while (SPI1STATbits.SPITBF);    while ( !SPI1STATbits.SPIRBF);
uidummy = SPI1BUF; SPI1BUF=0xE7;    while (SPI1STATbits.SPITBF);    while ( !SPI1STATbits.SPIRBF);
uidummy = SPI1BUF; SPI1BUF=0xE7;    while (SPI1STATbits.SPITBF);    while ( !SPI1STATbits.SPIRBF);
uidummy = SPI1BUF; SPI1BUF=0xE7;    while (SPI1STATbits.SPITBF);    while ( !SPI1STATbits.SPIRBF);
RF_CS = 1;                // Donnnée envoyée, déselectionne le SPI du nRF24L01+ non actif => en VEILLE
SendOnSPI( 0x20, 0x1E);    // PTX, CRC enabled 16 bit, ISR RX et TX, Power UP, TX

    while sending :

    SendOnSPI( 0x27, 0x7E);    // Clear previous intrrupts
RF_CS = 0;
uidummy = SPI1BUF; SPI1BUF=0xE1;    while (SPI1STATbits.SPITBF);    while ( !SPI1STATbits.SPIRBF);        // Flush TX Fifo   
RF_CS = 1;
RF_CS = 0;
uidummy = SPI1BUF; SPI1BUF=0xA0;    while (SPI1STATbits.SPITBF);    while ( !SPI1STATbits.SPIRBF);        // Write TX-payload   
uidummy = SPI1BUF; SPI1BUF= TimeStamp  & 0xFF;                while (SPI1STATbits.SPITBF);    while ( !SPI1STATbits.SPIRBF);        // Send le Hi
uidummy = SPI1BUF; SPI1BUF=(TimeStamp>> 8) & 0xFF;    while (SPI1STATbits.SPITBF);    while ( !SPI1STATbits.SPIRBF);        // Send le low
uidummy = SPI1BUF; SPI1BUF= AccelX1_RAW  & 0xFF;                while (SPI1STATbits.SPITBF);    while ( !SPI1STATbits.SPIRBF);        // Send le Hi
uidummy = SPI1BUF; SPI1BUF=(AccelX1_RAW>> 8) & 0xFF;    while (SPI1STATbits.SPITBF);    while ( !SPI1STATbits.SPIRBF);        // Send le low
uidummy = SPI1BUF; SPI1BUF= AccelY1_RAW  & 0xFF;                while (SPI1STATbits.SPITBF);    while ( !SPI1STATbits.SPIRBF);        // Send le Hi
uidummy = SPI1BUF; SPI1BUF=(AccelY1_RAW>> 8) & 0xFF;    while (SPI1STATbits.SPITBF);    while ( !SPI1STATbits.SPIRBF);        // Send le low
uidummy = SPI1BUF; SPI1BUF= AccelX2_RAW  & 0xFF;                while (SPI1STATbits.SPITBF);    while ( !SPI1STATbits.SPIRBF);        // Send le Hi
uidummy = SPI1BUF; SPI1BUF=(AccelX2_RAW>> 8) & 0xFF;    while (SPI1STATbits.SPITBF);    while ( !SPI1STATbits.SPIRBF);        // Send le low
uidummy = SPI1BUF; SPI1BUF= AccelY2_RAW  & 0xFF;                while (SPI1STATbits.SPITBF);    while ( !SPI1STATbits.SPIRBF);        // Send le Hi
uidummy = SPI1BUF; SPI1BUF=(AccelY2_RAW>> 8) & 0xFF;    while (SPI1STATbits.SPITBF);    while ( !SPI1STATbits.SPIRBF);        // Send le low
uidummy = SPI1BUF;                    // Read buffer to avoid overflow
RF_CS = 1;
SPI1STAT = 0x0000;    // Disable SPI port
RF_CE = 1;         //Pulse CE to start transmission
for (j=0; j<45; j++)        __builtin_nop();        // delay =10. us
RF_CE = 0;        // Set RF24G non actif => en VEILLE

    On the other hand in the RX board (it is a TMS 320F240 DSP) : configure RX

    RF_CShi                    // Set nRF24L01 CSN pin à high : donc non actif
RF_CElow                    // Set nRF24L01 configuration mode (ie il ne reçoit plus)
SendOnSPI( 0x20, 0x3D);    // PRX, CRC enabled 16 bit, ISR RX only, Power Down
SendOnSPI( 0x21, 0x00);    // dissable auto-ack for all channels
SendOnSPI( 0x23, 0x03);    // address width = 5 bytes
SendOnSPI( 0x25, 0x02);    // set channel 2   
//    SendOnSPI( 0x26, 0x07);    // data rate = 1MB
SendOnSPI( 0x26, 0x0F);    // data rate = 2 Mbps max de puissance


//-------- special envoie de 1+5 bytes pour configurer l'adresse ---------------------------------------------
//set address E76B3697B5
RF_CSlow            // activate SPI for nRF24L01+
// RX addy
*SPIBUF=*SPIBUF;    *SPIDAT=0x2A;        while (! (*SPISTS & SETB6)) {}
*SPIBUF=*SPIBUF;    *SPIDAT=0xE7;        while (! (*SPISTS & SETB6)) {}
*SPIBUF=*SPIBUF;    *SPIDAT=0xE7;        while (! (*SPISTS & SETB6)) {}
*SPIBUF=*SPIBUF;    *SPIDAT=0xE7;        while (! (*SPISTS & SETB6)) {}
*SPIBUF=*SPIBUF;    *SPIDAT=0xE7;        while (! (*SPISTS & SETB6)) {}
*SPIBUF=*SPIBUF;    *SPIDAT=0xE7;        while (! (*SPISTS & SETB6)) {}
RF_CShi                // Donnnée envoyée, déselectionne le SPI du nRF24L01 non actif => en VEILLE
//------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SendOnSPI( 0x31, 0x0A);    // 10 bytes payload    in RX_PW_P0 to enable it
SendOnSPI( 0x20, 0x3F); //// PRX, CRC enabled 16 bit, ISR RX, Power UP
RF_CEhi        // Set nRF24L01 en mode réception

    reading, within an interrupt service routine

    if ( RF_ISR==0)    // alors données prête à être lu
    {
    RF_CElow                    // arrête de recevoir pour pouvoir lire nRF24L01
    //---------------------- special envoie la commande Read Payload ---------------------------------------------
    RF_CSlow                // activate SPI for nRF24L01+
    *SPIBUF=*SPIBUF;    *SPIDAT=0x61;        while (! (*SPISTS & SETB6)) {}
    *SPIBUF=*SPIBUF;    // Clear buffer
    for (j=0; j<RF24LInDataLenght; j++)
        {
        // Lectures des donnees du RF24L, en burstmode
        *SPIDAT=0x00;        while (! (*SPISTS & SETB6)) {}        // Wait for transmission to begin and for Reception to complete
        slvdsp_spi_rxfifo[j] =*SPIBUF;        // va lire 1 byte
        }
    RF_CShi                // Donnnées lue, déselectionne le SPI du nRF24L01 non actif => en VEILLE

    RF_CSlow                // activate SPI for nRF24L01+
    *SPIBUF=*SPIBUF;    *SPIDAT=0xE2;        while (! (*SPISTS & SETB6)) {}
    RF_CShi

    RF_CSlow                // activate SPI for nRF24L01
    *SPIBUF=*SPIBUF;    *SPIDAT=0x27;        while (! (*SPISTS & SETB6)) {}
    *SPIBUF=*SPIBUF;    *SPIDAT=0x40;        while (! (*SPISTS & SETB6)) {}
    RF_CShi               
    RF_CEhi        // remet à nouveau le nRF24L01 en mode réception

    thanks for your kind help

  • Member #103403 / about 10 years ago / 1

    I've got this kind of module working with PSOC 4. I think it's compatible with PSOC 5. If anyone is interested, please contact me by e-mail ( super_nan at hotmail dot com )

  • huskerwr38 / about 11 years ago / 1

    You can get this for $2.75 elsewhere.

  • Member #430725 / about 11 years ago / 1

    On-board 3.3V LDO Regulator (3.3 to 7V supply allowed)... This information is correct?

  • Hypnopompia / about 12 years ago / 1

    These seem quite overpriced. You can find a set of two for a little more than $5 if you look hard enough.

  • texton / about 12 years ago / 1

    Has anyone interfaced this with a PSoC5 ?.. No matter what command I send trough the SPI the return from nRF24L01 is always: 0b00001110 - the status register! It is like the transceiver doesn't receive or understand my commands? Any suggestions? I am kinda desperate :(

    • bar86 / about 10 years ago / 1

      The unit responds with same number of bytes you send. Send two bytes - one the command, another dummy. Read two bytes - the first one will be status register the second one is the value of required register byte. BTW SPI mode is CPHA=0, CPOL= 0.

    • U2 / about 11 years ago / 1

      Did you manage to get it to work with PSoC 5 ?

      • Endoracing / about 11 years ago / 1

        also interested in this ... this module does not have a lot of documentation from what I have found. at least not in the way of easy to follow examples without using pre-existing libraries like for Arduino.

  • rvalle / about 12 years ago / 1

    What is the power consumption of this module in PowerDown mode? Some people is mentioning here 80-90 uA, but I am measuring 800-900uA. Sparkfun, do you have an official figure? I am using Mirf.powerDown for that.

  • flw / about 12 years ago * / 1

    i was thinking about shortingn out the regulator, but then i realized that 90uA in standby are not much. The schematics are pretty.

    • rvalle / about 12 years ago / 1

      Which library are you using with this module? I am getting 10x more consumption using Mirf.powerDown(). Any idea what could be going wrong?

  • Ocean Controls / about 12 years ago / 1

    The Eagle files are not Eagle files, just Gerbers and Drills

  • Member #257536 / about 12 years ago / 1

    Hi I am not an engineer & I just bought this. Can any kind person teach me which pins to connect in order to transmit a bluetooth signal? (eg: VCC and GND to voltage supply) Thank you!

  • Cher18 / about 13 years ago / 1

    What does backword compatible mean? whats the difference in using the nrf24l01 instead of the nrf24l01+?

  • boa300 / about 13 years ago / 1

    in need of assistance.
    just got my order today. I have tried talking to it over SPI, but I am not getting any data back. I send a read register command, and the only data coming back is 0x0F during the same period as when I sent the command. No matter what command I sent, the result is always 0x0F.
    Am I missing a step? Was there something I need to do before I can talk to it?

    • boa300 / about 13 years ago / 1

      Sorry, please ignore that message. One of the settings in my SPI controller was wrong.

  • Member #143087 / about 13 years ago / 1

    I would like to use this part on a robot and the other transceiver would be connected to a PC using USB/serial communication. What are my options on the PC end ? Thanks !

  • SomeGuy123 / about 13 years ago * / 1

    Mine came in red. :)

  • koss / about 13 years ago / 1

    Anyone who tried to download the Eagle files from here will have noticed that they are the gerbers, not the BRD/SCH files. If the awesome Sparkfun dudes/dudettes could upload the eagle files, that would be appreciated by lots of people I'm sure :)
    In the meantime, a good example in Eagle format can be found on this product: http://www.sparkfun.com/products/8602
    The benefit of this one is that it also shows the NRF being wired up to an MCU, which I presume most people wanting to skip the breakout would be interested in.

    • Mr. Cruz / about 13 years ago / 1

      Thanks for the link.
      I'm afraid I ran into the same problem as well. All gerbers, no BRD/SCH files...

  • dmitrygr / about 13 years ago / 1

    Range on these is nowhere near 100m. With software-selected output power at a maximum the range i get is about 20-30 meters LOS and 10-15 though a wooden door. I wonder if the version with the antenna would perform better, or if I am just SOL for 100-150m LOS range with these?

    • XorLor / about 13 years ago / 1

      That range sounds about right if you're using two of these to communicate with each other. These will transmit 100m but you will need the external antenna version to receive the small signal at that distance. This large antenna works really well.

  • DesignMonkey / about 13 years ago / 1

    Is an "nRF24L01+" used on this board or the old "nRF24L01" IC?
    In the picture it is the old "nRF24L01" and datasheet link is the same!
    Thanks.

  • Hugu / about 13 years ago / 1

    where can I find the model Fritzing of this module(Transceiver nRF24L01)?
    http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/7985/nrfcircuit.jpg

  • cwolf / about 14 years ago / 1

    I'm still awaiting a reply from techsupport.

  • cwolf / about 14 years ago / 1

    can anyone confirm the 3.3V regulator is functioning on their board? Mine seems to be producing 5V when supplied with 5V. I was probing the 10uF cap and the via near pin 7 on the nRF24L01+. both read 5V.

  • lostangel556 / about 14 years ago / 1

    Anyone know if its possible to have this talk to Bluetooth devices as they use the same 2.4ghz band?
    even if this means an arduino to process the data

    • Steamcastle / about 14 years ago / 1

      I don't think so.
      the 2.4ghz band is used many thing, like wi-fi and microwaves.
      Nordic Semiconductor are working on something called ?Blue.

  • Mr. Deahl-Coy / about 14 years ago / 1

    Could I use this with the "Nordic Serial Interface Board" (sku: WRL-09019) and expect it to work?

    • N8B / about 14 years ago / 1

      Yep, WRL-09019 is designed for interfacing with the nRF23L01 via a virtual com port over USB.

  • Alan Burlison / about 14 years ago / 1

    What is the gain of the ceramic antenna on these boards? I'm trying to decide between these and the RP-SMA version. Thanks,

  • biddut konika / about 14 years ago / 1

    the pic code is for what "original" compiler? as mentioned that it can also compile with ccx5. so what was the original compiler used?

  • prairie mystic / about 14 years ago / 1

    Next board revision, it would be nice to run this off 3V, in other words bypass the Vreg.

  • c-scott / about 14 years ago / 1

    Grumble: it would be nice to have the 'RAW' net exposed so that you could connect this directly to a 3.3V microcontroller (like the arduino mini) bypassing the voltage regulator. It looks like there are 3 vias on the RAW net, though, so hopefully I can find some thin wire. Can I suggest that one of those vias be enlarged to standard "pin" size for a non-sketchy way to access RAW Vcc?

  • ICtje / about 14 years ago / 1

    Note:
    The Datasheet link doesn't go directly to the pdf file.
    regards

  • MikeSte / about 14 years ago / 1

    Does anyone have any example code for arduino?

  • Mr. Deahl-Coy / about 14 years ago / 1

    How much current does this thing consume when on and transmitting?

  • Limlik / about 14 years ago / 1

    So an onboard Regulator. That me that I can plug 5v into the VCC?

  • Sam Pratt / about 15 years ago / 1

    Can You guys post a schematic? It would be a great Help. Thanks.

Customer Reviews

4.2 out of 5

Based on 5 ratings:

Currently viewing all customer reviews.

Works great

by verified purchaser

I got this to test out wtih my WL Toys quadcopter transmitter and it works perfectly! Told me everything I wanted to know. Should be a perfect robotics receiver. BTW, that WL Toys transmitter is a real bargain with lots of channels

Works like a champ!

by verified purchaser

Very nice transceiver with more features than I'll need. The data sheet is very good and the tutorial filled in some holes. Just now got it talking to a couple of PIC controllers and testing the range, no real experience with RF, so we'll see how it goes.

nRF24L01+ Board

by verified purchaser

The jury is still out! I have been trying to enable two (2) nRF24L01+ devices (yours included, now) to provide implementation of the NORDIC feature called "Dynamic Payload Length". Sofar, I have been unsuccessful in achieving this goal. I am writing my code in assembly language for a PIC MCU, which should not mean anything other than the fact that I am not using "C"! It is absurd to think that this is impossible, so, I will fight ON! (Any suggestions would be appreciated - other than contacting NORDIC [done this] or finding something on the internet) Jack Doyle, Monitor Engineering

Works like a charm

by verified purchaser

works great