MultiWave

Overview

MultiWave is a custom-engineered, wirelessly communicating multi-cable tester. It is designed to diagnose RJ45, RJ11, and BNC cables using two distinct hardware units: a main Receiver module (the processor/display) and a remote Transmitter module. The devices communicate via nRF24L01+PA+LNA 2.4GHz transceivers to compare pin states and verify cable integrity across distances.

Architecture & Hardware

• The Receiver (Main Unit): Acts as the "brain," featuring an Arduino Mega 2560, a 1.3-inch I2C OLED display for GUI, and an 8-LED array for visual pin states. It utilizes two 18650 Li-ion batteries connected to TP4056 BMS modules and a DC voltage booster. Navigation is handled via a rotary encoder and tactile switches.
• The Transmitter (Remote Unit): A smaller companion unit powered by an Arduino Mega Pro via Micro-USB. It reads the voltage states set by the Receiver, processes the data, and beams it back to the main unit for analysis.

Testing Modes

The system utilizes distinct operational modes to diagnose different cable faults, with real-time feedback rendered on an I2C OLED display.

• Continuity Mode: Cycles high voltage sequentially through each conductor. The Receiver displays live string matches alongside wire colors:

  SENT: 10000000
  RECV: 10000000
  PIN 1 CONNECTED
  WIRCLR: White Orange

• Wiring Mode: Verifies pin-to-pin alignment specifically against standard networking configurations like RJ45 T568A and T568B to ensure data-line integrity.
• Short Mode: Mathematically checks the received string (summing characters). If the total sum is greater than one (e.g., 01100000), it alerts the user to an internal short.
• Manual Mode: Allows the user to select and test specific pins independently and increment states (10000000 → 01000000) using the physical rotary encoder.

Key Hardware Components

This build integrates several microcontrollers and power delivery systems to maintain a stable, portable form factor.

• Arduino Mega 2560 (Receiver) & Mega 2560 Pro (Transmitter)
• 2.4GHz nRF24L01+PA+LNA Transceivers
• 1.3-Inch White I2C OLED Display
• Dual TP4056 1A Li-Ion Battery BMS Modules
• XL6009 DC-DC Step-Up Converter (3.7V to 8V limit)
• RJ45, RJ11, and BNC Female Breakout Ports
• Custom Dotted PCB 24x10 & PLA Generic Black Filament casing