I’m contemplating some winter projects and one I was thinking about was converting my bluetooth ‘DCC widget’ to work on various other networks with other wireless throttles and R/C. Specifically, does anyone know the chipsets used by Revo and Airwire? I was also wondering about some of the DCC throttles that talk to base stations. Do they have enough of a range to operate outside? Ones like the NCE CAB 06R, etc? I know the protothrottle uses Xbee and I’m thinking Airwire uses the Linx chipset (not sure on that) and I’ve already found a DSM2 chip but other than that, I don’t have any of these devices to open up and take a look at.
Airwire uses the TI CC1101, but in asynchronous mode (DCC bitstream direct to 2-FSK). The particular package that they use in the current products is the Anaren R09, which includes the CC1101, front end filters, and either a PCB antenna or connector for external antenna.
Thanks Eric. I’m looking for a US supplier for it, looks like Digikey has them for $20, or I think so- is this it?
https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/anaren/A1101R09C00GM/1173-1029-ND/3069151
If I recall correctly, there is a difference between the A and C varieties. I think you want the R09A.
This is what I have been using: https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F201473086248
Thanks. I’m not sure there is much difference, I think one is just the trace antenna and the other is the U.FL connector? Not sure, I’ll investigate further. I’ve been looking at a couple of modules. I would prefer not to get stuff off ebay or from China if possible, thus I was looking for the name brand from someone like Mouser or Digikey. I suppose the best thing is to just jump into it, get the hand held and start experimenting with a couple of modules. Thanks, I really appreciate the info.
The Revo uses a Zigbee chipset, but don’t know which.
My Zimo wireless throttles use Zigbee, but of course in both cases that’t just the transport protocol, you’ll have to decode their command structure.
Greg
Thanks Greg. Generally Xbee/Zigbee designers use the API format which will make it easier to isolate the actual commands they send. We’ll see. I hope to get these handsets over the next couple of months and take a stab at em.
Martin Sant said:
Thanks. I’m not sure there is much difference, I think one is just the trace antenna and the other is the U.FL connector? Not sure, I’ll investigate further. I’ve been looking at a couple of modules. I would prefer not to get stuff off ebay or from China if possible, thus I was looking for the name brand from someone like Mouser or Digikey. I suppose the best thing is to just jump into it, get the hand held and start experimenting with a couple of modules. Thanks, I really appreciate the info.
You are correct. I had saved this manual in my archives.
Eric
I get a page not found message when I click on the link.
Tom
It’s also here:
https://cdn.anaren.com/product-documents/AIR/ProprietaryRF/A1101R09X/A1101R09x_UserManual.pdf
Martin
Thank you.
Tom
If you look at the code in my AirDCC library, you can see how the Airwire throttles and receivers initialize and control the CC1101. I commented it pretty thoroughly.
If many of these manufacturers use Zigbee, a bridge between them might be an interesting project…
Bob McCown said:
If many of these manufacturers use Zigbee, a bridge between them might be an interesting project…
The new Protothrottle by ISE also uses Zigbee. I think that would be awesome if someone could come up with a DCC interface for that.
I’ve looked at the Protothrottle a bit- the software is open source which is a huge plus, the only drawback is the expense of the device itself. (Ouch) But I do have a tremendous fondness for Xbee.
Martin Sant said:
I’ve looked at the Protothrottle a bit- the software is open source which is a huge plus, the only drawback is the expense of the device itself. (Ouch) But I do have a tremendous fondness for Xbee.
It is expensive, but I think the play value is worth the price. I played with it at the Portland RPM last winter and knew instantly I wanted one. Hecl, I’m even considering selling my F3 A&B set just to purchase the thing! Martin, if you can develop a board that works with the Protothrottle, I think you will have made deadrail that much more appealing to O and G. I would buy one in a heart beat.