Can the CC1111 USB RF access point from eZ430-Chronos be use as Capture device for SmartRF Protocol Packet Sniffer?

Hi Bruce,

CC1111 USB RF access point from eZ430-Chronos can be used as a Capture device for SmartRF Protocol Packet Sniffer. In fact, this dongle is CC1111&its supplementary circuits, and its functionality depends on firmware flashed inside CC1111. The only problem you can get on this way is that it doesn't have header for reprogramming. Instead of header, it has corresponding testpoints, to which CC Debugger can be connected (using soldering) in order to reflash CC1111. For these testpoints pinout and description, please take a look at p.59 of slau292c.pdf (http://focus.ti.com/lit/ug/slau292c/slau292c.pdf)

Regards,

Ilia

I am also trying to use the CC1111 from the eZ430 Chronos kit. However, when I start up the SmartRF Packet Sniffer under the SimplicitTI protocol, my device does not show up in the list of "Capturing device". Any ideas?

Thanks,

Ky

Hi,

The main idea is that you should put sinffer  firmware into your dongle. To do so, please read my previous answer in this thread and follow mentioned PDF. Remember: the default Chronos AP firmware is incompatible with sniffer interface of SmartRF.

Regards,

Ilia 

Ilia,

OK, I see. Will reflashing the CC1111 affect its ability to function as the Chronos AP?

In fact, after you've flashed your dongle with sniffer's firmware it becomes sniffer :) To make it act as AP you should turn back it's original AP's firmware.

Well the CC1111 Access Point that ships with the eZ430-Chronos is similar to the CC1111EMK868-915 but is not identical; thus the code needs to be rebuilt for it.

Also the CC1111 Access Point has not headers to make programming as easy as the CC1111EMK868-915. (BTW - I have both).

And the CC1111EMK868-915, from a practical point of view, needs the CC-DEBUGGER  to program the SmartRF Protocol Packet Sniffer firmaware on to it.

It would be nice if TI provided the CC1111EMK868-915 with the SmartRF Protocol Packet Sniffer firmaware already on it; that would not reduce its other functionality for those who do hve the CC-DEBUGGER but would mean that someone buying CC1111EMK868-915 stand a loan could just use the CC1111EMK868-915.

CC1111 AP and CC1111EMK have more different than just those JTAG pins, also their pin 3 and 4 are swapped. 

Yep!

Can I use 2nd USB dongle (eZ430 USB programming and debugging interface) to program AUSB ccess Point?

KYBAJLDA

Can I use 2nd USB dongle (eZ430 USB programming and debugging interface) to program AUSB ccess Point?

The cheapest solution for flashing CC111x, CC243x and CC251x devices is CCFlasher (http://www.modula.si/cc_flasher/en). You might be able to port the software to the eZ430 or just use existing cheap hardware, e.g. a USBasp programmer with 3.3V hardware (around 4$ at ebay).

Wiring table between USBasp and CCxxxx:

A german discussion thread which includes the pre-build CCFlasher firmware for the USBasp can be found here: http://www.mikrocontroller.net/topic/86539#2672795

  Michael