Introducing RFToy, an Arduino-compatible gadget for radio frequency modules

Today I am introducing the first version of RFToy — an Arduino-compatible gadget for interfacing with Radio Frequency (RF) modules. First, let me show you a few pictures of RFToy and a video introduction:

Features

• ATmega328p @ 3.3V, 8MHz, with CH340G USB-serial converter and Arduino bootloader.
• Programming in Arduino using the on-board mini-USB port.
• One 128×64 OLED display, three tactile buttons.
• 20mm coin battery holder, and slide switch to select between USB or battery power.
• Pin headers for plugging in 433/315 MHz RF transmitter and receiver modules, and MOSFET power switches for them.
• 3.5mm audio jack to output receiver signals to a computer’s line-in port, to monitor RF waves.
• Pin headers for plugging in nRF24L01 transceiver.
• Pin headers for connecting external components and/or breadboard experiments.

So in essence, RFToy is a 8MHz Arduino with buttons, OLED display, battery holder. It’s compact (1.5″ x 2.3″) and it’s suitable for a variety of projects involving RF modules.

Demos

As shown in the video above, I’ve written a couple of examples to demonstrate the basic features of the RFToy.

RF Recorder: this demo shows how to use RFToy to decode signals from the remote control of a typical wireless power socket, store the decoded signal in EEPROM, and play it back to simulate the remote control. You can store up to 7 different signals, allowing you to control up to 7 power sockets. The demo is based on the RCSwitch library, and it has a basic UI using the OLED display and buttons

For more detail: Introducing RFToy, an Arduino-compatible gadget for radio frequency modules