M7e Hecto with ESP32 - “Module Failed to Respond - Check Wiring”

Sensors NFC & RFID
21

Here are some photos for more clarity.

Not working
Not working1920×2560 1 MB

This is what I’m trying to do using serial but I can’t seem to get it to work.

Working
Working1920×2560 1000 KB

This is how I’ve been communicating via serial but it doesn’t work as well as when I plug the Hecto directly into the computer and run the URA.

PS. Pardon the spaghetti of wires.

22

couple of thoughts:

  1. Try to reduce the complexity, Only connect the M7E and use the example1 of the library. Check to see whether you still notice a difference in detection distance. Then add the TTF only etc. Take step by step.
  2. The M7E (like the M6E) can quickly in an uncontrolled state when the power is not stable. Power must be stable during reading, you can not change to another supply without a complete reset to re-init. Also when you plug in the power and the power dips shortly or jitters the M7E can go in uncontrolled state. If you happen to have a logic analyzer you can often see the TX line just “going bananas”. All you do then is remove and re-apply power (fingers crossed)
  3. An external supply must have enough capacitors to handle RFID reading/writing on-off power spikes. As such it is not only the constant current it can handle that is important. Most of the PC power supplies can handle that. But wall wart most of the time do not have enough capacitors. On my M6E I used to add an external battery (3v7) directly to the board. It the worked much more stable when doing that… as long as the battery was charged enough :slight_smile:
23

Thank you for the suggestions. After removing the TFT LCD and running the Constant Read Example the RFID works the same as when it’s directly connected and using the URA.

Thanks again for your help with this.

Cheers!