Currently using the example for the rfid reader on arduino software it is only letting my partner and I use a read powr of 500 (500 = 5dBm). The max dBm on the m6e nano is 27 (2700 Read power) dBm but anything other than 500 is not working, higher or lower. Does anyone have advice on how to fix this? the command setreadpower() is only working for 500.
How is it being powered? Simultaneous RFID Tag Reader Hookup Guide - SparkFun Learn
Are you changing it via the universal reader assistant or arduino library?
Share a photo of your setup/wiring too
it is very hard to see how you M6E is powered, but it looks from Vin.
An M6E / M7E is very sensitive to good power supply that can handle “bursts”. With 500bDM from a USB on a laptop it can be handled. Setting to 2700dBM normally it is not able to. It quickly goes in an uncontrolled state. BUT there are steps you can set in between and see how that works.
Actually you need to have solid / soldered connections. Also the LESS connection points in between on the power supply, the better. Each connection brings a little more resistance and thus less power to the M6E.
1 Like
That sounds a bit frustrating! It might be related to the region settings some regions limit max power. Also, double-check your antenna setup; the module may restrict power to prevent damage. Hope that helps a bit!
I am powering it like this: Arduino 5V/GRND to breadboard power strips. Then M6E nano to the power strips. The m6e nano is soldered from TX and RX going to the RX and TX on arduino then grnd and VCC. But the breadboard is solderless. I want to try hooking it up to a battery so it can have a stronger/powerful connection compared to the USB but the battery I have is 12V and I am worried it will fry the board so let me know if a 12V is ok to use.
The maximum battery voltage is 5 Volt for the M6E. Try to get a lipo-battery of 3v7 or connect a real strong power supply of 5V. Not a wall wart, they normally don’t have enough capacitors.
As strong power supply is KEY on the M6E/M7E. Make sure the wirer are connect strongly, the less connection points between the source and M6E the better.
Then increase the dBm in steps and you should see a difference in detecting distance.
I am powering it like this; 12V battery → Arduino Mega2560 VIN, Arduino 5V/GRND → +/- Power Strip on Breadboard
Then m6e Nano VCC/GRND → +/- strip on breaboard
The 12V is in the range (7-12V) for powering it according to their website. It is not directly powering the m6e. I think the problem may be that the power isn’t being transferred sufficiently due to the solderless Breadboard instead of stronger connections? I’m sure to access the max read power for the m6e it needs to have sufficient power, and the USB plugged into my computer isn’t providing this. I will also try connecting it to 5V on the Arduino directly, just for testing, but the reason why I am using the Breadboard is so it can power more devices
An Arduino MEGA2560 has an MC33269d LDO to make 5V from12V input. It can deliver max 800mA. an MEGA2560 takes 100 - 120mA when connected (according to Chatgpt). Then your picture shows a 3-digit display (not sure what that takes)
Make sure to solder the powerwires to the M6E. connect the otherside directly to the MEGA2560 and see how much you can increase the dBm.