CTT Motus receiver dongles for 434 MHz (dual-mode) capability on SensorGnome
Last updated
Last updated
Once you have the SensorGnome loaded with the necessary software to detect CTT LifeTags/ PowerTags (i.e., it's "dual-mode"), you will require a USB receiver dongle for each antenna listening at 434 MHz. These are often referred to as "CTT Motus dongles."
CTT stopped manufacturing these dongles in early 2023. However, they have generously provided the firmware and 3D printing schematics that make it possible to build and assemble your own. Please contact the Motus team at Birds Canada if you have an interest in purchasing fully assembed dongles.
1) Acquire the necessary components and files
(2-3) M1-0.25 x 2mm screws (or similar), for securing Feather to case
uFL to SMA bulkhead adapter (a shorter, more flexible cable is preferred)
USB-A to microUSB cable or USB-C to microUSB cable, depending on your computer's USB port availability. If you can use a USB-A cable with your computer, and get a short one similar to the example linked, you can use it later when installing the CTT Dongle as part of the SensorGnome.
Arduino Feather Programmer and CTT Dongle firmware bundle below. NOTE: The firmware currently included in the below bundle is the last commercially-used firmware on the CTT dongle. Thus it does NOT require the jumper wire described and referenced elsewhere in Motus mailing list to function properly. If the firmware provided here is updated to the newest release requiring the jumper wire, these instructions will be modified to reflect that change.
CTT Dongle case 3D printing STL files below
2) Connect the AdaFruit Feather board to a USB port on your computer. The Feather board has a microUSB connection, so you'll need the USB cable.
3) Unzip the Arduino Feather Programmer and CTT Dongle firmware bundle to your computer. You will have to extract or copy the entire CTT_dongle_Feather_programmer_w_firmware folder contained in the zip file to a new, physical location on your computer. You cannot run the firmware installation program from within the zipped file.
4) Within the newly unzipped directory, run the Feather32u4Programmer.exe program. It should look something like this:
5) Once the program window opens, from the drop-down box, select the COM port that the Feather device is connected to. If you have multiple COM ports listed, you can identify the correct port by (a) noting which COM ports are listed, (b) unplugging the device, (c) pressing theRefresh button, (d) see which port has disappeared from the list of COM ports, (e) plugging the device back in, and (f) refreshing again and selecting the new COM port.
6) Press the Select File button and navigate to the station_radio_last_commercial.hex file located in the Firmware directory of the bundle you unzipped in Step 2.
7) Press the Program button at the bottom of the window and wait until the program indicates the firmware installation is done. You may then close the program and disconnect the Feather device.
8) Solder the uFL surface mount connector to the underside of the Feather (see here for tips).
9) Print the body and lid of the CTT dongle case with your 3D printer.
10) Install the SMA bulkhead first, tightening it securely and helping the bulkhead to fit into the hexagonal opening that fits its base.
11) Attach the uFL connector to the newly-installed uFL surface mount connector on the bottom of the Feather. This connection can easily come undone, so secure with some liquid electrical tape or high temperature hot glue.
12) Insert the Feather into the case, carefully maneuvering the SMA to uFL cable under the board and around the 3D printed board support, aligning the corner mounting holes with the screw mounts in the bottom of the case. Install 2-3 of the M1 screws in the corner, securing the board to the base.
13) Attach the case lid. It may be easiest to insert one long side in first and then press firmly on the opposite side until the lid snaps into place.
14) To use with a SensorGnome, you will need a USB-A to microUSB cable, preferably 25cm or less. This may be the same one you used above during firmware installation. Connect to a USB port on the SensorGnome via the USB-A to microUSB cable. The antenna connects to the SMA connector, similarly to a FUNcube dongle.
