Comparison IQRF vs Wireless Arduino

When using IQRF I often dealt with the problem of handling the obstacles that IQRF brings. Finally I realized that the best solution is to use something else - some open-source solution. An IQRF module is nothing more than a device produced together with a processor and a wireless part. I have an Arduino at home and it seemed to me that this is actually a very excellent candidate. I dusted off an Arduino for which I had no greater use. And I started to research how to implement wireless communication with Arduino. The advantage is that the Arduino has excellent support and is simple to put into operation, which means basically no initial barrier at the beginning of use. That is why I decided to create my own wiring with the Atmel microprocessor and a wireless part.

From left: Arduino Pro Mini 3,3V 8Mhz; IQRF TR-53B; wireless modul DRF4432F20 SI4432:

IQRF

IQRF is a finished wireless platform with a PIC processor. It is a product from the Czech company Microrisc s.r.o.

Positive of IQRF

• Finished wiring processor and wireless part.
• Small board
• You can quickly try wireless communication.

Negative of IQRF

• Microchip doesn't develop a compiler for their 8-bit microchip.
• IQRF uses the CC5X compiler. Why not rather use the SDCC compiler?
• The CC5X compiler is only for Windows. (But it works under WINE)
• The CC5X compiler is closed and commercial. For noncommercial use the compiler is free, but has limited functions.
• Small number of IO pins.
• You can't directly access memory!
• You need a special hardware programmer and software to upload the program.
• For real working you must be a programmer and learn to work with the device and study documentation of PIC processor.

Arduino

Arduino is an open-source platform for prototyping with an Atmel microprocessor.

Positive of Arduino

• Excellent support for various OS. You can still use the phone.
• Standard interfaces for communication and programming: Serial Port.
• Ability to connect to different wireless peripherals - according to the specific needs.
• Normal work with memory - direct access to memory.
• You can connect Ethernet, a display (even graphic), GSM, GPS, etc.
• For all electronics there are ready-to-use libraries with a good API.
• The first use is trivial - you needn't install anything, just unpack the zip archive!
• There are lots of examples and even specific instructions for real applications.
• Arduino is a very common device.
• You don't need any special software programmer or any hardware programmer.
• For the development is not necessary OS Windows. It is possible to use any OS, even computers with non-x86 CPU.

Negative

I don't know about any negatives :-)

Conclusion

From my practical experience of using it, I found that development with Arduino is quick and pleasant.