Welcome to another exciting edition of “In The Mail” where we unbox and explore the latest electronics goodies that have arrived at my doorstep. This time around, we have a diverse array of items ranging from radio modules to antennas, charging solutions, wiring essentials, and even some handy tools.
Let’s kick things off with the CC1101 sub-GHz radio module, a popular choice for wireless communication projects. I plan to connect this module to an ESP32 and explore platforms like Tasmota, ESPHome, or others to create an RF bridge to Home Assistant. This will allow me to capture signals from devices like smoke detectors with built-in radio signaling capabilities.
Moving on, we have a couple of USB-C charging modules that promise to upgrade our charging game. The TP4057 module with a USB-C connector and an integrated battery protection chip looks promising, while the second module offers switch-mode charging and boosting capabilities, all packed into a tiny SOT23.5 chip.
Speaking of USB-C, I’ve also got some handy adapters to bridge the gap between USB-C and USB Type-A, ensuring seamless connectivity across devices. And for those times when you need to extend your charging reach, I’ve got a couple of 1-meter USB-C extension cables, albeit a bit thicker than expected due to their high-speed data and power delivery ratings.
Wiring is an essential part of any electronics project, and I’ve stocked up on some silicone and PVC wires in various colors and gauges. These will come in handy for quick prototyping and testing, and having multiple color options makes it easier to keep track of connections. For my LoRa and LoRaWAN adventures, I’ve acquired a couple of antennas, including a beefy 55cm 12dBi 868MHz antenna and its smaller 37cm sibling.
I plan to put them through their paces with a nano VNA to test their center frequencies and SWR performance. Rounding out the mailbag, we have some handy tools like a J-Link PCB adapter for ARM microcontroller debugging, specialized screwdriver bits for electrical work and security screws, an electric engraving tool for PCB modifications, a sturdy syringe booster for dispensing viscous materials, and a multifunctional flume wrench kit for tight spaces.