EByte RF E70 CC1310: exploring library (esp32, esp8266, STM32, Arduino, Raspberry Pi Pico)


Ebyte LoRa E70 CC1310: exploring library (esp32, STM32, Arduino, Raspberry Pi Pico)
Ebyte RF E70 CC1310: exploring library (esp32, STM32, Arduino, Raspberry Pi Pico)

The advent of RF long-range technology has revolutionized wireless communication, offering a blend of long-range capabilities and low power consumption. The EByte RF E70 module stands out as a prominent player among the various emerging modules. This article delves into the features, applications, and operational modes of the EByte E70, providing insights into its capabilities and potential uses.

The E70 is based on CC1310 series device. This device is not just a microcontroller (MCU); it is a fully integrated wireless MCU designed specifically for low-power, long-range wireless applications. The CC1310 combines a powerful ARM Cortex-M3 processor with a highly efficient sub-1 GHz radio, making it an ideal solution for a wide range of applications, from smart metering to industrial automation and environmental monitoring.

Introduction to EByte RF E70

The EByte E70 is an RF module designed for long-range wireless communication. It operates in the sub-gigahertz frequency bands, making it ideal for various applications that require long-range communication and low power consumption. Its versatility and efficiency have made it a popular choice in IoT (Internet of Things) applications, smart city projects, and industrial automation.

Key Features of the EByte E70

  1. Long-Range Communication: The E70 module is known for its exceptional range, capable of transmitting data over several kilometers, depending on environmental conditions.
  2. Low Power Consumption: It’s optimized for low power usage, extending the battery life of devices, which is crucial for IoT applications.
  3. Multiple Operation Modes: The E70 supports various modes like transparent mode, fixed mode, continuous mode, and sub-package mode, offering flexibility in different use cases.
  4. Configurable Parameters: Users can configure parameters like frequency, power output, and data rate, making them adaptable to various communication needs.
  5. Forward Error Correction (FEC): FEC is a method for error control in data transmission. It adds redundancy to the transmitted information using a predetermined algorithm. This redundancy allows the receiver to detect and correct errors without the need for retransmission.

Device specifications

  • The communication distance tested is up to 1.5/6km
  • Maximum transmission power of 1W, software multi-level adjustable;
  • Support air date rate of 2.5kbps~168kbps;
  • Low power consumption for battery-supplied applications;
  • Can achieve up to 115200bps continuous frame unlimited-packet length transmission
  • E70-xxxT30S Support 2.6 ~ 5.5V power supply, more than 5V power supply to ensure the best performance;
  • E70-xxxT14S/S2 support 2.2 ~ 3.8V power supply, more than 3.3V power supply to ensure the best performance;
  • Industrial grade standard design, support -40 ~ 85 °C for working over a long time;
  • Support high-speed continuous transmission, send and receive unlimited data packet length;
  • Support continuous data frame without packetization, perfect support for ModBus protocol;
  • Support custom subcontracting settings to improve communication efficiency;
  • Support fixed-point transmission/broadcast transmission/channel monitoring;
  • Support RSSI signal strength reading;
  • Support over-the-air wake-up, i.e. low-power function, suitable for battery-powered solutions;
  • Developed based on CC1310 chip, built-in dual-core ARM;
  • Ultra-small volume design;
  • Ultra-low receiving current, only about 8mA;
  • E70-433 T30S maximum transmit power of 30dBm, the other three models are 25mW, softwaremulti-level adjustable;
  • Under ideal conditions, the communication distance can reach 1.5km;
  • E70-433T30S built-in PA+LNA, transmission power 1W, communication distance up to 6km;
  • Supports the global license-free ISM 433MHz band;
  • Support 2.5K~168kbps air transmission rate;
  • Support 2.2~3.8V power supply, greater than 3.3V power supply can ensure the best performance;
  • E70-433T30S supports 2.6~5.5V power supply , morethan 5V power supply can ensure the best performance;
  • Dual antenna optional (IPEX/stamp hole) is convenient for users to develop and facilitate integration.

Library installation

You can find the library on GitHub.

But for simplicity, I added it to the Arduino Library manager.

RF E70 variants

E70 has various form factors, the design changes, and also specifications.

Dimensions of EByte LoRa E70 xxxTxxS Module

E70-433T30S:

  • Logic level voltage: 3.3v and 5v support
  • Transmit Power: 30dBm (higher power, capable of longer-distance transmission)
  • Receive Sensitivity: -107 to -109 dBm
  • Reference Distance: 6000m

EByte LoRa E70 xxxTxxS Module Dimensions

E70-433T14S:

  • Logic level voltage: only 3.3v
  • Transmit Power: 14dBm (lower power compared to the T30S)
  • Receive Sensitivity: -109 to -111 dBm for T14S and -108 dBm for T14S2 (slightly better sensitivity for the T14S)
  • Reference Distance: 1500m

Dimensions of the EByte LoRa E70 xxxT1xxS2 Module

E70-433T14S2:

  • Logic level voltage: only 3.3v
  • Update of S version.
  • Receive Sensitivity: -109 to -111 dBm for T14S and -108 dBm for T14S2 (slightly better sensitivity for the T14S)
  • Form factors are simpler to manage.
Dimensions of EByte LoRa e70 xxxMTxxS

E70-433MT14S:

  • Logic level voltage: only 3.3v
  • Transmit Power: 14dBm (same as T14S and T14S2)
  • Receive Sensitivity: -108 dBm (same as T14S2)
  • Reference Distance: 1500m (same as T14S and T14S2)

RF Parameters

RF parametersUnitModelRemark
E70-433T30SE70-433T14SE70-433T14S2E70-433MT14S
Transmit powerdBm30141414
Receive sensitivitydBm-107~-109-109~-111-108-108The air rate is 2.5kbps
Reference distanceM6000m1500m1500m1500mThe probability of burning is less when used at close range
5dBi, antenna height 2.5meters, air rate 2.5kbps
Operating frequency band
MHz
425~450.5The factory default is 433MHzand supports the ISM band
Air velocitybps2.5k~168kUser programmatic control

Blocking power

dBm

10
See Transfer Modes for details.
Launch length/The transmission mode is specifiedSee Transfer Modes for details

Electrical parameter

Hardware parameters

Pinout E70 xxxT14S2

For my test, I’m going to use an E70 S2 version because It’s a comfortable form factor with an onboard SMA antenna.

Connections note

As you can see, I also connect the M0, M1, and M2, but these are unnecessary; you can select an operation modality by setting these values to those pins.

Mode (0-7)M2M1M0Mode introductionRemark
0 RSSI mode000Module outputs RSSI value each 100ms through UART.The air data rate can be adjusted automatically according to the baud rate. The baud rate must be the same on both the receiver and transmitter. It is applicable for high-speed continuous data transmission.
1 Continuous mode001UART opens. Wireless closes, and sub-package transparent transmission is available.UART opens. Wireless closes, and continuous transparent transmission is available.
2 Sub-package mode010UART opens. Wireless closes, and parameters can be configured.Air data rate and baud rate can be adjusted separately. It is applicable for data packet transmission.
3 Configuration mode011The baud rate is fixed as 9600 8N1.UART opens. Wireless closes, and subpackage transparent transmission is available.
4 WOR mode100Transmission is not available under this mode. It can be woken up by a transmitter under mode 4 to achieve low power consumption receiving.Receiving is not available under this mode. Preamble code will be added proactively before transmission to wake up the receiver under mode 6.
5 Configuration mode (Same as Mode 3)101
6 Power saving mode110Any M2, M1, or M0 falling edge can wake it up.UART closes. Wireless works at WOR power saving mode. Multiple-time grades can be configured.
7 Sleep mode111Any falling edge of M2, M1, or M0 can wake it up.UART closes, wireless transmitting is available, and sleep mode is on.

For this experiment, you must set the devices in sub-packet mode.

  • M0: LOW
  • M1: HIGH
  • M2: LOW

Constructor

I made a set of numerous constructors because we can have more options and situations to manage.

		RF_E70(byte txE70pin, byte rxE70pin, UART_BPS_RATE bpsRate = UART_BPS_RATE_9600);
		RF_E70(byte txE70pin, byte rxE70pin, byte auxPin, UART_BPS_RATE bpsRate = UART_BPS_RATE_9600);
		RF_E70(byte txE70pin, byte rxE70pin, byte auxPin, byte m0Pin, byte m1Pin, byte m2Pin, UART_BPS_RATE bpsRate = UART_BPS_RATE_9600);

The first set of constructors is created to delegate Serial and other pins to the library.

  • txE70pin and rxE70pin are the pins to connect to UART. They are mandatory.
  • auxPin is a pin that checks the operation, transmission, and receiving status (we are going to explain better next), that pin isn’t mandatory; if you don’t set It, I apply a delay to permit the operation to complete itself (with latency, if you have trouble, like freeze device, you must put a pull-up 4.7k resistor or better connect to the device ).
  • m0pin, m1Pin and m2Pin are the pins to change operation MODE (see the table upper); I think these pins in “production” are going to connect directly to HIGH or LOW. Still, for a test, they are helpful for the library to manage.
  • bpsRate is the baud rate of SoftwareSerial is typically 9600 (the only baud rate in programming/sleep mode)

A simple example is

#include "RF_E70.h"

RF_E70 e70ttl(2, 3);  // e70 TX e70 RX
// RF_E70 e70ttl(2, 3, 5, 6, 7);  // e70 TX e70 RX

We can use a SoftwareSerial directly with another constructor

		RF_E70(HardwareSerial* serial, UART_BPS_RATE bpsRate = UART_BPS_RATE_9600);
		RF_E70(HardwareSerial* serial, byte auxPin, UART_BPS_RATE bpsRate = UART_BPS_RATE_9600);
		RF_E70(HardwareSerial* serial, byte auxPin, byte m0Pin, byte m1Pin, byte m2Pin, UART_BPS_RATE bpsRate = UART_BPS_RATE_9600);

The example upper with this constructor can be done like so.

#include <SoftwareSerial.h>
#include "RF_E70.h"

SoftwareSerial mySerial(2, 3); // e70 TX e70 RX
RF_E70 e70ttl(&mySerial);
// RF_E70 e70ttl(&mySerial, 5, 6, 7, 8);

The last set of constructors is to permit an HardwareSerial instead of SoftwareSerial.

		RF_E70(SoftwareSerial* serial, UART_BPS_RATE bpsRate = UART_BPS_RATE_9600);
		RF_E70(SoftwareSerial* serial, byte auxPin, UART_BPS_RATE bpsRate = UART_BPS_RATE_9600);
		RF_E70(SoftwareSerial* serial, byte auxPin, byte m0Pin, byte m1Pin, byte m2Pin, UART_BPS_RATE bpsRate = UART_BPS_RATE_9600);

For esp32, you have three additional constructors to permit to manage pins for HardWare serial.

			RF_E70(byte txE70pin, byte rxE70pin, HardwareSerial* serial, UART_BPS_RATE bpsRate = UART_BPS_RATE_9600, uint32_t serialConfig = SERIAL_8N1);
			RF_E70(byte txE70pin, byte rxE70pin, HardwareSerial* serial, byte auxPin, UART_BPS_RATE bpsRate = UART_BPS_RATE_9600, uint32_t serialConfig = SERIAL_8N1);
			RF_E70(byte txE70pin, byte rxE70pin, HardwareSerial* serial, byte auxPin, byte m0Pin, byte m1Pin, byte m2Pin, UART_BPS_RATE bpsRate = UART_BPS_RATE_9600, uint32_t serialConfig = SERIAL_8N1);

Begin

The begin command is used to startup Serial and pins in input and output mode.

void begin();

in execution is

	// Startup all pins and UART
	e70ttl.begin();

Configuration and method to get information

There are many methods for managing configuration and getting information about the device.

		ResponseStructContainer getConfiguration();
		ResponseStatus setConfiguration(Configuration configuration, PROGRAM_COMMAND saveType = WRITE_CFG_PWR_DWN_LOSE);

		ResponseStructContainer getModuleInformation();
        void printParameters(struct Configuration configuration);
        ResponseStatus resetModule();

Response containers

To simplify the response management, I created a set of containers, which is very useful for managing errors and returning generic data.

ResponseStatus

The ResponseStatus is a status container and has two simple entry points, with this you can get the status code and the description of the status code

	Serial.println(c.getResponseDescription()); // Description of code
	Serial.println(c.code); // 1 if Success

The code is

  E70_SUCCESS = 1,
  ERR_E70_UNKNOWN,	/* something shouldn't happened */
  ERR_E70_NOT_SUPPORT,
  ERR_E70_NOT_IMPLEMENT,
  ERR_E70_NOT_INITIAL,
  ERR_E70_INVALID_PARAM,
  ERR_E70_DATA_SIZE_NOT_MATCH,
  ERR_E70_BUF_TOO_SMALL,
  ERR_E70_TIMEOUT,
  ERR_E70_HARDWARE,
  ERR_E70_HEAD_NOT_RECOGNIZED,
  ERR_E70_NO_RESPONSE_FROM_DEVICE,
  ERR_E70_WRONG_UART_CONFIG,
  ERR_E70_WRONG_FORMAT,
  ERR_E70_PACKET_TOO_BIG,
  ERR_E70_NO_STREAM_FOUND

ResponseContainer

This container is created to manage String response and has two entry points.

data with the string returned from the message and status an instance of RepsonseStatus.

		ResponseContainer rs = e70ttl.receiveMessage();
		String message = rs.data;

		Serial.println(rs.status.getResponseDescription());
		Serial.println(message);

But this command goes to read all the data in the buffer. If you receive three messages, you are going to read all three notes at one time, and my simple solution is to use an end character to send at the end of the message, to default I use \0 (null character)

		ResponseContainer rs = e70ttl.receiveMessageUntil();
                // You can specify a custom delimiter also
		// ResponseContainer rs = e70ttl.receiveMessageUntil('|');

		String message = rs.data;

		Serial.println(rs.status.getResponseDescription());
		Serial.println(message);

ResponseStructContainer

The ResponseStructContainer is the more “complex” container. I use this to manage structures. It has the same entry points as ResponseContainer, but data is a void pointer to manage complex structures.

	ResponseStructContainer c;
	c = e70ttl.getConfiguration();
	// It's important get configuration pointer before all other operation
	Configuration configuration = *(Configuration*) c.data;
	Serial.println(c.status.getResponseDescription());
	Serial.println(c.status.code);
    c.close();

Every time you use a ResponseStructContainer you must close It with close()

getConfiguration and setConfiguration

The first method is getConfiguration, and you can use It to retrieve all data stored on the device.

		ResponseStructContainer getConfiguration();

Here is a usage example.

	ResponseStructContainer c;
	c = e70ttl.getConfiguration();
	// It's important get configuration pointer before all other operation
	Configuration configuration = *(Configuration*) c.data;
	Serial.println(c.status.getResponseDescription());
	Serial.println(c.status.code);
    Serial.println(configuration.SPED.getUARTBaudRate());
    c.close();

The structure of the configuration has all the data of settings, and I added a series of functions to get all the descriptions of a single data.

	configuration.ADDL = 0x00;  // First part of address
	configuration.ADDH = 0x00; // Second part


	configuration.SPED.uartBaudRate = UART_BPS_9600; // Serial baud rate
	configuration.SPED.airDataRate = AIR_DATA_RATE_000_025; // Air baud rate
	configuration.SPED.uartParity = MODE_00_8N1; // Parity bit

	configuration.CHAN.CHAN = 4;
	configuration.CHAN.subPacketSetting = SPS_0064_010;

	configuration.OPTION.fec = FEC_1_ON; // Packet size
	configuration.OPTION.fixedTransmission = FT_TRANSPARENT_TRANSMISSION; // Need to send special command
	configuration.OPTION.transmissionPower = POWER_30; // Device power
	configuration.OPTION.ioDriveMode = IO_D_MODE_PUSH_PULLS_PULL_UPS; // IO Drive
	configuration.OPTION.wirelessWakeupTime = WAKE_UP_1000; // Wake up time

You have the equivalent function for all attributes to get all descriptions:

void printParameters(struct Configuration configuration) {
	Serial.println("----------------------------------------");

	Serial.print(F("Configuration packet: "));
    byte* byteArray = (byte*)&configuration;  // Cast the address of config to a byte pointer
    for (int i = 0; i < sizeof(Configuration); i++) {
        if (byteArray[i] < 16) {
            Serial.print('0');  // Print a leading zero for single-digit hex values
        }
        Serial.print(byteArray[i], HEX);  // Print each byte of the struct in hexadecimal
        Serial.print(" ");
    }
    Serial.println(F(" "));

	Serial.print(F("HEAD : "));  Serial.print(configuration.COMMAND, HEX);Serial.print(" ");
	Serial.println(F(" "));
	Serial.print(F("AddH : "));  Serial.println(configuration.ADDH, HEX);
	Serial.print(F("AddL : "));  Serial.println(configuration.ADDL, HEX);
	Serial.println(F(" "));
	Serial.print(F("Chan : "));  Serial.print(configuration.CHAN.CHAN, DEC); Serial.print(" -> "); Serial.println(configuration.CHAN.getChannelDescription());
	Serial.print(F("Packet size : "));  Serial.print(configuration.CHAN.subPacketSetting, BIN); Serial.print(" -> "); Serial.println(configuration.CHAN.getSubPacketSetting());
	Serial.println(F(" "));
	Serial.print(F("SpeedParityBit     : "));  Serial.print(configuration.SPED.uartParity, BIN);Serial.print(" -> "); Serial.println(configuration.SPED.getUARTParityDescription());
	Serial.print(F("SpeedUARTDatte     : "));  Serial.print(configuration.SPED.uartBaudRate, BIN);Serial.print(" -> "); Serial.println(configuration.SPED.getUARTBaudRateDescription());
	Serial.print(F("SpeedAirDataRate   : "));  Serial.print(configuration.SPED.airDataRate, BIN);Serial.print(" -> "); Serial.println(configuration.SPED.getAirDataRateDescription());
	Serial.println(F(" "));
	Serial.print(F("OptionFECPacketSett: "));  Serial.print(configuration.OPTION.fec, BIN);Serial.print(" -> "); Serial.println(configuration.OPTION.getFECDescription());
	Serial.print(F("OptionTranPower    : "));  Serial.print(configuration.OPTION.transmissionPower, BIN);Serial.print(" -> "); Serial.println(configuration.OPTION.getTransmissionPowerDescription());
	Serial.print(F("OptionIODrive: "));  Serial.print(configuration.OPTION.ioDriveMode, BIN);Serial.print(" -> "); Serial.println(configuration.OPTION.getIODroveModeDescription());
	Serial.print(F("OptionFixedTransmission: "));  Serial.print(configuration.OPTION.fixedTransmission, BIN);Serial.print(" -> "); Serial.println(configuration.OPTION.getFixedTransmissionDescription());
	Serial.print(F("OptionWirelessWakeUPTime: "));  Serial.print(configuration.OPTION.wirelessWakeupTime, BIN);Serial.print(" -> "); Serial.println(configuration.OPTION.getWirelessWakeUPTimeDescription());


	Serial.println("----------------------------------------");
}

In the same way, setConfiguration wants a configuration structure, so I think the better way to manage configuration is to retrieve the current one, apply the only change you need and set It again.

		ResponseStatus setConfiguration(Configuration configuration, PROGRAM_COMMAND saveType = WRITE_CFG_PWR_DWN_LOSE);

configuration is the structure previously shown, saveType permit you to choose if the change becomes permanent or only for the current session.

	ResponseStructContainer c;
	c = e70ttl.getConfiguration();
	// It's important get configuration pointer before all other operation
	Configuration configuration = *(Configuration*) c.data;
	Serial.println(c.status.getResponseDescription());
	Serial.println(c.status.code);

	printParameters(configuration);
	configuration.ADDL = 0x00;  // First part of address
	configuration.ADDH = 0x00; // Second part


	configuration.SPED.uartBaudRate = UART_BPS_9600; // Serial baud rate
	configuration.SPED.airDataRate = AIR_DATA_RATE_000_025; // Air baud rate
	configuration.SPED.uartParity = MODE_00_8N1; // Parity bit

	configuration.CHAN.CHAN = 4;
	configuration.CHAN.subPacketSetting = SPS_0064_010;

	configuration.OPTION.fec = FEC_1_ON; // Packet size
	configuration.OPTION.fixedTransmission = FT_TRANSPARENT_TRANSMISSION; // Need to send special command
	configuration.OPTION.transmissionPower = POWER_30; // Device power
	configuration.OPTION.ioDriveMode = IO_D_MODE_PUSH_PULLS_PULL_UPS; // IO Drive
	configuration.OPTION.wirelessWakeupTime = WAKE_UP_1000; // Wake up time

	// Set configuration changed and set to not hold the configuration
	ResponseStatus rs = e70ttl.setConfiguration(configuration, WRITE_CFG_PWR_DWN_LOSE);
	Serial.println(rs.getResponseDescription());
	Serial.println(rs.code);
	printParameters(configuration);
    c.close()

The parameters are all managed as constant:

Basic configuration option

NameDescriptionAddress
ADDHHigh address byte of the module (the default 00H)00H
ADDLLow address byte of the module (the default 00H)01H
SPEDInformation about data rate parity bit and Air data rate02H
OPTION Type of transmission and rate03H
CHANCommunication channel(410M + CHAN*1M), default 17H (433MHz), valid only for 433MHz device check below to check the correct frequency of your device
And packet size
04H

SPED detail

UART Parity bit: UART mode can be different between communication parties

UART parity bitConstant value
8N1 (default)MODE_00_8N1
8O1MODE_01_8O1
8E1MODE_10_8E1
8N1 (equal to 00)MODE_11_8N1

UART baud rate: UART baud rate can be different between communication parties (but not reccomended). The UART baud rate has nothing to do with wireless transmission parameters & won’t affect the wireless transmit/receive features.

TTL UART baud rate(bps)Constant value
1200UART_BPS_1200
2400UART_BPS_2400
4800UART_BPS_4800
9600 (default)UART_BPS_9600
19200UART_BPS_19200
38400UART_BPS_38400
57600UART_BPS_57600
115200UART_BPS_115200

Air data rate: The lower the air data rate, the longer the transmitting distance, better anti-interference performance, and longer transmitting time; the air data rate must be constant for both communication parties.

Air data rate(bps) Constant value
2.5k (default) AIR_DATA_RATE_000_025
5k AIR_DATA_RATE_001_050
12kAIR_DATA_RATE_010_120
28kAIR_DATA_RATE_011_280
64kAIR_DATA_RATE_100_640
168kAIR_DATA_RATE_101_168
168kAIR_DATA_RATE_110_168
168kAIR_DATA_RATE_111_168

CHAN detail

Channel

You can see the CHANNEL

Sub packet setting

This is the maximum length of the packet.

When the data is smaller than the subpacket length, the serial output of the receiving end is an uninterrupted continuous output. The receiving end serial port will output the subpacket when the data is larger than the subpacket length.

Packet size Constant value
16bytesSPS_0016_000
32bytesSPS_0032_001
64bytes (default)SPS_0064_010
128bytesSPS_0128_011
256bytesSPS_0256_100
512bytesSPS_0512_101
1024bytesSPS_1024_110
2048bytesSPS_2048_111

OPTION detail

Transmission type

Transmission mode: The first three bytes of each user’s data frame can be used as high/low address and channel in fixed transmission mode. The module changes its address and channel when transmitted. And it will revert to the original setting after completing the process.

Fixed transmission enabling bit Constant value
Fixed transmission modeFT_FIXED_TRANSMISSION
Transparent transmission mode (default)FT_TRANSPARENT_TRANSMISSION

FEC

FEC: after turning off FEC, the actual data transmission rate increases while anti-interference ability decreases. Also, the transmission distance is relatively short, and both communication parties must stay on the same page about turn-on or turn-off FEC.

2 FEC switch Constant value
0Turn off FECFEC_0_OFF
1Turn on FEC (default)FEC_1_ON

IO drive

IO drive mode: this bit is used for the module internal pull-up resistor. It also increases the level’s adaptability in case of an open drain. But in some cases, it may need an external pull-up resistor.

6 IO drive mode ( default 1) Constant value
1TXD and AUX push-pull outputs, RXD pull-up inputsIO_D_MODE_PUSH_PULLS_PULL_UPS
0TXD、AUX open-collector outputs, RXD open-collector inputsIO_D_MODE_OPEN_COLLECTOR
WOR cycle

If WOR is transmitting: after the WOR receiver receives the wireless data and outputs it through the serial port, it will wait for 1000ms before entering the WOR again. Users can input the serial port data and return it via wireless during this period. Each serial byte will be refreshed for 1000ms. Users must transmit the first byte within 1000ms.

  • Period T = (1 + WOR) * 500ms, maximum 4000ms, minimum 500ms
  • The longer the WOR monitoring interval period, the lower the average power consumption, but the greater the data delay
  • Both the transmitter and the receiver must be the same (very important).
Wireless wake-up time Constant value
500msWAKE_UP_500
1000msWAKE_UP_1000
1500msWAKE_UP_1500
2000ms (default)WAKE_UP_2000
2500msWAKE_UP_2500
3000msWAKE_UP_3000
3500msWAKE_UP_3500
4000msWAKE_UP_4000

Transmission power

You can change this set of constants by applying a define like so:

#define E70_22 // default value without set 

Applicable for E70 with 22dBm as max power.
Low power transmission is not recommended due to its low power supply efficiency.

Transmission power (approximation) Constant value
22dBm (default)POWER_22
17dBmPOWER_17
13dBmPOWER_13
10dBmPOWER_10

Applicable for E70 with 30dBm as max power.
Low power transmission is not recommended due to its low power supply efficiency.

#define E70_30
Transmission power (approximation) Constant value
30dBm (default)POWER_30
27dBmPOWER_27
24dBmPOWER_24
21dBmPOWER_21

You can configure Channel frequency also with this define:

// One of 
#define FREQUENCY_433 
#define FREQUENCY_868
#define FREQUENCY_900
#define FREQUENCY_915

Check buffer

First, we must introduce a simple but practical method to check if something is in the receiving buffer.

int available();

It’s simple to return how many bytes you have in the current stream.

Send receive messages

Normal transmission mode

Normal/Transparent transmission mode sends messages to all devices with the same address and channel.

There are a lot of methods to send/receive messages, and we are going to explain in detail:

        ResponseStatus sendMessage(const String message);
        ResponseContainer receiveMessage();

The first method is sendMessage, which sends a String to a device in Normal mode.

	ResponseStatus rs = e70ttl.sendMessage("Prova");
	Serial.println(rs.getResponseDescription());

The other device does on the loop.

       if (e70ttl.available()  > 1){
		ResponseContainer rs = e70ttl.receiveMessage();
		String message = rs.data; // First ever get the data
		Serial.println(rs.status.getResponseDescription());
		Serial.println(message);
	}

Pay attention if you receive multiple messages in the buffer and don’t want to read them all at one time. You must use ResponseContainer rs = e70ttl.receiveMessageUntil(); with a delimiter put on the end of sending a message.

Manage structure

If you want to send a complex structure, you can use this method

        ResponseStatus sendMessage(const void *message, const uint8_t size);
        ResponseStructContainer receiveMessage(const uint8_t size);

It’s used to send structure, for example:

	struct Messaggione {
		char type[5];
		char message[8];
		bool mitico;
	};
        struct Messaggione messaggione = {"TEMP", "Peple", true};
        ResponseStatus rs = e70ttl.sendMessage(&messaggione, sizeof(Messaggione));
	Serial.println(rs.getResponseDescription());

and the other side, you can receive the message so

		ResponseStructContainer rsc = e70ttl.receiveMessage(sizeof(Messaggione));
		struct Messaggione messaggione = *(Messaggione*) rsc.data;
		Serial.println(messaggione.message);
		Serial.println(messaggione.mitico);
        rsc.close();

Read partial structure

If you want to read the first part of the message to manage more types of structure, you can use this method.

ResponseContainer receiveInitialMessage(const uint8_t size);

I create It to receive a string with type or other to identify the structure to load.

		struct Messaggione { // Partial structure without type
			char message[8];
			bool mitico;
		};

		char type[5]; // first part of structure
		ResponseContainer rs = e70ttl.receiveInitialMessage(sizeof(type));
                // Put string in a char array (not needed)
		memcpy ( type, rs.data.c_str(), sizeof(type) );

		Serial.println("READ TYPE: ");
		Serial.println(rs.status.getResponseDescription());
		Serial.println(type);

                // Read the rest of structure
		ResponseStructContainer rsc = e70ttl.receiveMessage(sizeof(Messaggione));
		struct Messaggione messaggione = *(Messaggione*) rsc.data;
        rsc.close();

Fixed mode instead of normal mode

Similarly, I create a set of methods to use with the fixed transmission.

Fixed transmission

You need to change only the sending method because the destination device doesn’t receive the preamble with Address and Channel when setting the fixed mode.

So for the String message, you have

        ResponseStatus sendFixedMessage(byte ADDH, byte ADDL, byte CHAN, const String message);
        ResponseStatus sendBroadcastFixedMessage(byte CHAN, const String message);

and for the structure, you have

        ResponseStatus sendFixedMessage(byte ADDH, byte ADDL, byte CHAN, const void *message, const uint8_t size);
        ResponseStatus sendBroadcastFixedMessage(byte CHAN, const void *message, const uint8_t size );

Here is a simple example

	ResponseStatus rs = e70ttl.sendFixedMessage(0, 0, 0x17, &messaggione, sizeof(Messaggione));
//	ResponseStatus rs = e70ttl.sendFixedMessage(0, 0, 0x17, "Ciao");

Fixed transmission has more scenarios

If you send it to a specific device (second scenario Fixed transmission), you must add ADDL, ADDH, and CHAN to identify It directly.

ResponseStatus rs = e70ttl.sendFixedMessage(2, 2, 0x17, "Message to a device");

If you want to send a message to all devices in a specified Channel, you can use this method.

ResponseStatus rs = e70ttl.sendBroadcastFixedMessage(0x17, "Message to a devices of a channel");

If you wish to receive all broadcast messages in the network, you must set your ADDH and ADDL with BROADCAST_ADDRESS.

        ResponseStructContainer c;
	c = e70ttl.getConfiguration();
	// It's important get configuration pointer before all other operation
	Configuration configuration = *(Configuration*) c.data;
	Serial.println(c.status.getResponseDescription());
	Serial.println(c.status.code);

	printParameters(configuration);
	configuration.ADDL = BROADCAST_ADDRESS;
	configuration.ADDH = BROADCAST_ADDRESS;

	// Set configuration changed and set to not hold the configuration
	ResponseStatus rs = e70ttl.setConfiguration(configuration, WRITE_CFG_PWR_DWN_LOSE);
	Serial.println(rs.getResponseDescription());
	Serial.println(rs.code);
	printParameters(configuration);
        c.close();

Continuous mode

E70 offers the continuous mode by setting the same ADDH, ADDL, and CHAN. You can stream a lot of data or continuous data.

Continuous Mode

  1. Operation: In continuous mode, the EByte E70 module sends or receives data in a continuous stream. This means that once the transmission starts, it will keep sending data until stopped. It’s similar to a traditional radio broadcast.
  2. Usage: This mode is useful for applications where a constant flow of information is needed, without interruptions. It’s ideal for real-time data transmission, like streaming audio or telemetry.
  3. Advantages:
    • Real-time data transmission: Useful for applications requiring live updates.
    • No interruption: Continuous data flow without the need for packet reassembly or handling.
  4. Challenges:
    • Power consumption: Typically, continuous mode consumes more power due to the constant transmission.
    • Bandwidth usage: It can use more bandwidth, which might not be ideal in crowded RF environments.

Sub-Packet Mode

  1. Operation: In sub-packet mode, data is divided into smaller packets before transmission. Each packet is sent separately and then reassembled at the receiver’s end.
  2. Usage: This mode is ideal for applications that don’t require real-time transmission and can tolerate some delay, such as sending sensor data at intervals.
  3. Advantages:
    • Energy efficiency: More energy-efficient as the module can go into a low-power state between transmissions.
    • Error handling: Easier to implement error checking and correction, as it’s done on a per-packet basis.
    • Adaptive data rates: Can adjust the data rate for each packet depending on network conditions.
  4. Challenges:
    • Latency: There is a delay in data reassembly, which might not be suitable for real-time applications.
    • Complexity: Requires more complex logic for packet handling and reassembly.

Key Differences

  • Data Transmission Method: Continuous mode transmits data in a constant stream, while sub-packet mode breaks data into smaller packets.
  • Power Consumption: Continuous mode generally consumes more power due to the constant transmission.
  • Real-time Capability: Continuous mode is better for real-time data needs, whereas sub-packet mode is suitable for delayed or periodic data transmission.
  • Error Handling and Flexibility: Sub-packet mode provides more flexibility in error handling and adjusting to network conditions.

When you use continuous transmission mode, the module sends a continuous stream of data. To target this data to a specific address, you would typically configure the sender and receiver with matching addresses. This means that both the transmitting and receiving modules should be set up to recognize and use these specified addresses.

Simple stream

To send a simple stream (without any preamble) you can use

ResponseStatus RF_E70::streamMessage(Stream *streamLocal)

A possible implementation can be the stream of a file.

			File inputFile = SPIFFS.open(input);

			if (!inputFile) {
			    Serial.println("There was an error opening the file for reading");
			} else  {
				ResponseStatus rs = e70ttl.streamMessage(&inputFile);
				// Check If there is some problem of succesfully send
				Serial.println(rs.getResponseDescription());
			}

That takes a stream as a parameter. To receive It, you can wait for the data.

    if (e70ttl.available()>0) {
    	Serial.println("Start!");

  	  // open file in write 
    	File output = SPIFFS.open("/tmp.png", FTP_FILE_WRITE_CREATE);

    	while (e70ttl.available()>0) {
			while (e70ttl.available()>0) {
				if (output.write(e70ttl.read())==0) {Serial.println("ERROR WRITE!"); };
			}
	    	delay(10);
    	}

    	output.close();

    	Serial.println("Complete!");
    }

As you can see, you can use read, which is a classical stream.read().

Stream with preamble

Not all situations can be a continuous stream; sometimes, we need to send data as a byte array; in this situation, you need a preamble with the file information, and you can use the command.

ResponseStatus RF_E70::streamStructMessage(const void *message, const uint8_t size, Stream *streamLocal)

You can identify the first part of the send method It’s the same as the send struct described before; the last parameter is the stream to send.

To receive all, you must first call the command to get the structure (preamble)

ResponseStructContainer RF_E70::receiveStreamMessage(const uint8_t size)

Then, we get the stream as already described.

Thanks


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