Summary of Arduino RF Pro Mini open source development board
Etienne created the Arduino RF Pro Mini, an open-source development board combining an Arduino Pro Mini with an nRF24L01+ radio chip on a single PCB. Designed for battery-powered DIY home automation and IoT projects like MySensors, it eliminates the need for external wiring or desoldering components to reduce power consumption. The board allows users to start building sensor projects immediately without complex configuration.
Parts used in the Arduino RF Pro Mini:
- Arduino Pro Mini
- nRF24L01+ radio chip
- Single PCB board
- Battery power source
- Temperature sensor
- Humidity sensor
- PIR sensor
- Contact sensor
Electrical engineer and electronics hobbyist Etienne at Etimou based in Clermont-Ferrand, France has created a new open source development board in the form of the Arduino RF Pro Mini.
The creator of the Arduino RF Pro Mini open source development board Etienne, explains a little more about the inspiration behind the project. “I’ve loved Arduino for years. I love the ARDUINO PRO MINI that gathers all the possibilities of the arduino boards and can run on batteries for years. It is ideal for DIY Home automation projects, especially when you add the wireless capabilities of the nRF24L01+ radio chip. Arduino Pro Mini + nRF24L01+ is a solution of choice for your personal projects and is the preferred configuration in the fantastic MySensors IoT project. “
“I made the observation that, if you want to build a sensor that runs on batteries, you have to buy the arduino and the radio module separately. Then you need to solder some jumper wires or use dupont cables and desolder the LED and the voltage regulator. They draw too much current from your battery and you will run out of battery in a few days. Only after all this you can start playing with your temperature, humidity, PIR or contact sensor and you’re not totally sure the radio works properly. I’ve decided to build a single PCB board that embeds the brain (arduino) and the radio module (nRF24L01+) and is low power capable. That means you don’t have to worry about the radio configuration and directly start with what is important in your project.”
For more details and full specifications jump over to the official Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign page by following the link below, where the Arduino RF Pro Mini is now available to back with early bird pledges from €18 or roughly £16 and worldwide delivery expected to take place during September 2020.
Source: Arduino RF Pro Mini open source development board
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What is the main inspiration behind the Arduino RF Pro Mini?
The creator wanted a single low-power PCB that embeds the Arduino and radio module to avoid buying parts separately and soldering jumper wires. -
Why did Etienne decide to build this specific board?
He observed that separate modules require desoldering LEDs and voltage regulators to save battery, which often drains power in just a few days. -
How does this board benefit battery-powered projects?
It integrates the brain and radio on one board to ensure low power capability so batteries last longer than standard configurations. -
Is this board suitable for the MySensors IoT project?
Yes, the combination of Arduino Pro Mini and nRF24L01+ is considered a solution of choice for the MySensors IoT project. -
Can I use this board with various sensors out of the box?
Yes, you can directly connect temperature, humidity, PIR, or contact sensors without worrying about radio configuration. -
Where can I find more details and specifications?
Full details are available on the official Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign page linked in the article. -
What is the early bird pledge price for the board?
Early bird pledges start from €18 or roughly £16 through the Kickstarter campaign. -
When is worldwide delivery expected?
Worldwide delivery is expected to take place during September 2020.
