Support FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions. If you have a specific question, ask it through the PandwaRF Forum and we will update both forum and this wiki section.

Please also check the FAQ page here.

How do I know what frequency to scan?

To sniff data you need to know the frequency. It is generally written on the device. If you don't know, try using one of the preset frequency bands in the Spectrum Analyzer (SpecAn) page.

SpecAn graph is flat (but not empty)

A flat line around -80dBm indicates that PandwaRF doesn't detect any RF activity. Check that the chosen frequency band is correct, eg. has some RF activity on it.

I try to sniff many RF devices and PandwaRF never sees anything. Is it normal ?

Possible causes are:

• chosen frequency is incorrect (No RF activity on this frequency). Try the SpecAn page too to have an idea of the frequency.
• chosen modulation is incorrect (No RF activity using this modulation). Also, the modulation needs to be known by PandwaRF.
• selected channel bandwidth is too small. Try increasing it to 200 KHz
• No or wrong antenna connected to PandwaRF for the selected band
• RF power amplifier are set to "TX", which disconnects the RX path.
• RF activity is too weak (target is out of range)
• a solar flare is ongoing, causing disruption across the electromagnetic spectrum. Travel to the other side of the Earth and retry.

Have a look at the Rx/Tx wiki section for more details.

Captured data looks like garbage and seems not related to real data sent by my device

Check that PandwaRF battery is fully charged. Check the data rate at which you capture data. If data rate is tool low compared to the device you want to capture, you will have inconsistent data. See RX Parameters that need to be set up before use

How can I check that PandwaRF data capture is reliable ?

A simple test with a low cost 433MHz transmitter and low cost signal generator will allow you to send an OOK modulated square signal. According to the Data rate you set in PandwaRF app, you shall see binary data toggling at different rates, like 0xAAAAAAAAA... or 0x55555555 or 0xC71C71C7 etc...
This is the same kind of circuit we have for testing capture reliability.

After selecting the PandwaRF in the Scan screen it shows a connected message and shortly after a disconnected message.

This kind of disconnect can occur when:

• there is a bluetooth service or characteristics change. Did you try checking the "Connect & refresh cache" checkbox in Scan page ?
• when battery is low. Is your PandwaRF charged completely ?
• when the BLE RSSI level is too low (your phone is too far from PandwaRF). Get closer.

How do I power off PandwaRF ?

Normally, you don't need as PandwaRF enters sleep mode when not connected. But if you really want you can force a full power off from the BUS Service page. PandwaRF will awaken if a button is pushed or if USB is plugged in. More details in PandwaRF shutdown page.

How do I power on PandwaRF ?

Cf Hardware Power Management

How can I know if my phone supports Bluetooth Smart (aka Bluetooth Low Energy) ?

When you start the PandwaRF app, if you see the message: "This device does not have a Bluetooth Smart feature :-(" it means that your phone doesn't meet the requirement for BLE connection. To double check, install System Info for Android and check in System/Functionnalities and check if you see android.hardware.bluetooth.le ?

Unexpected BLE disconnect

It can be due to a low battery voltage, not providing enough juice for a correct BLE/CC1111 functionning. Check that PandwaRF battery is charged.

I can't connect my PandwaRF to my phone using USB

Please check that your phone has the USB Host feature. For more details have a look at Android USB Connection page.

"PandwaRF" is flashing white and red

The word "PandwaRF" is flashing white and red in the title bar of the app to indicate a RF activity (RX or TX). This should go with red or green LEDs blinking on the PandwaRF. Refer to the RF activity status for more details.