Support page for "Silicon Chip" Oct. 2008 (+ TTL April 2009) Chinese HopeRF HM-TR UHF data transceiver articles
These 2nd generation UHF data transmitter/receivers are part of a wide product range from Chinese firm HopeRF- refer details
(+ downloadable config. software)
N.B. Click on the config. editor's "ENGLISH" option to allow use of the setup software! The HM-TR transceiver is available in both TTL & (MAX-232 fitted) RS-232 HM-TR versions,but the full serial offering may appeal for it's greater versatility, even though the TTL version is PICAXE friendly (once setup). NB-as the modules are rated for 5V,fresh batteries will be needed if running from the normal PICAXE 3 x AA alkaline (3 x 1.6V ~= 4.8V) supply. If a stabilised power supply is unavailable then 4 NiCd/NiMH may also do (as 4 x 1.2V ~= 4.8V). Naturally the HM-TR units don't run just with PICAXE micros- see the PIC16F877 R/C model aircraft application above!
Update: March 2009 - PICAXE driving of HopeRF HM-TR TTL versions works well, & has become increasingly popular! Compared with the RS232 versions these TTLs (which have no MAX232 fitted) offer very low current "sleep" benefits, & also may be slightly cheaper. However initial PC connected TTL setup needs level conversion- you can NOT just configure the TTLs directly! A MAX232 is classic, but the NPN (or FET) discrete approach shown works OK. "True" T2400 style serial is also essential (rather than the usual PICAXE "iNverted" N2400) when later data handling as well. Check the simple PICAXE-08M driving code .Note -HopeRF's Ver 1.1 upgraded setup software is now more user friendly, defaulting to English (!) at startup, & showing a command progress panel.
Pix & quick web page via Canon 5Mpx digital + Notepad by Stan - email => stan.swan@gmail.com 9th Oct. 2008 & 21st Feb. 2009
