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How to get a quick start using CC900DBK
The CC900DBK Demonstration Board Kit demonstrates the CC900 RF transceiver in a very
simple application. The Demonstration Board includes a complete CC900 transceiver, an
AVR micro-controller, an integrated PCB antenna and a battery. It provides a complete
example of a low-cost, low-power system using the CC900 transceiver. Please note that the
design is optimised for low cost applications and not for maximum range. In order to evaluate
range and performance, use the CC900DK.
Important:
•
Do NOT short-circuit the battery terminals at any time.
•
The use of radio transceivers is regulated by international and national rules. Before
transmitting a RF signal, please contact your local telecommunication authorities to check
if you are licensed to operate the transceiver.
To get the Kit up and running, follow these steps:
1. The CC900DB runs off a 3.6V Lithium battery. If the battery is not mounted, solder it to
the pads at the rear side of the board.
2. Examine the LED. If it does not blink at regular intervals, push the “ON” button.
3. If the LED still does not blink, remove the battery and reconnect it. If this does not help,
exchange the battery with a new one.
4. Press the “ON” buttons on both Demonstration Boards so that both are blinking. They are
now in polling reception mode, checking for data each time the LED is lit.
5. Press the “TX” button on one of the boards. The demonstration board sends a data
packet of approximately 1.5 second duration.
6. If the other demonstration board received the message without errors, its LED will blink
the Morse code for “victory”. It then sends an acknowledgement message in return.
7. If the first board receives the acknowledgement message, it will also blink “victory” in
Morse code.
If a demonstration board has not received a message or had any buttons pressed for two
minutes, it will enter power-down mode, ensuring minimum power consumption. To wake it,
press the “On” button.
If communication does not succeed on the first attempt, try again. RF noise may have
corrupted the message. Signal processing in the small micro-controller has been kept to a
minimum, therefore a small noise burst may corrupt the message. When holding the
demonstration board, do not touch the antenna or the VCO tank. Ideally, keep your hand as
far away from the antenna as possible in order to get the best performance. If you wish to
reprogram the Demonstration Board using the Development Kit, make sure to:
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Use the cable supplied in the Development Kit
•
Remove the battery when reprogramming
•
Use the correct parallel port. If you are using the correct port, you will receive an error
message if you try to program the EEPROM and no Demonstration Board is inserted
For further information, see the CC900DB Demonstration Board User Manual, which can be
downloaded from our website (http: