Quasar UK have changed their 2.4 GHz module.
The pinout is the same but it is now a SMD device.
No need to change the layout. The crystal is thu-hole so there are solder bumps on the back.
Stuff I design and build and take apart
Quasar UK have changed their 2.4 GHz module.
The pinout is the same but it is now a SMD device.
No need to change the layout. The crystal is thu-hole so there are solder bumps on the back.
The different iterations of the shields..
Clockwise from top left, the V05 shield with socketed module, the original protoype, the V06 shield new with new CC2500 module and the V05 shield with external antenna.
Please take note of the following changes and non-obvious issues :
The CC2500 Shield for Arduino is a kit that interfaces an Arduino to a CC2500 radio transmitter – receiver.
What do you need :
Assembly is fairly easy :
I have made a couple of clips showing how the prototype was assembled.
Mounting the SMD’s part 1.
Mounting the SMD’s part 2.
The LED’s and the 8 pin header.
The pin headers.
After mounting the parts it is best to check a few things.
Next : the software
Philips has recently introduced a new generation of the LivingColors lamps called “LivingColors 2nd Generation“. These lamps are incompatible with existing remotes and the new remotes cannot be used with “old” lamps (as described in the manual on page 3).
This also means kits like the CC2500 Arduino shield can not control the new “LivingColors 2nd Generation”.
The exterior and user interface of the LivingColors has not been changed as far as I can see. Internally, a lot has changed.
Instead of the CC2500 + MSP430 combo (shown here) :
Philips has used a CC2530 which is a 8051-alike and a IEEE 802.15.4 RF :
(you can see the PCB here)
The CC2500 and CC2530 are entirely different devices.
The Arduino CC2500 shield has been modified to allow 2 kinds op CC2500 modules : the Quasar modules with on-board antenna, and a module with antenna connector. The version number is 0.5 (yes, I am a pessimist). The software is unchanged.