Air Messenger Serial: Complete Installation & Setup GuideAir Messenger Serial is a lightweight serial communication tool designed to transmit data wirelessly between devices using the Air Messenger protocol (a simple, low-latency link-layer protocol for short-range telemetry and command exchange). This guide covers prerequisites, installation, configuration, wiring, common commands, troubleshooting, and best practices. Follow the sections below to get Air Messenger Serial up and running on your hardware and host computer.
What you’ll need
- A host computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux) with USB ports.
- One or more Air Messenger Serial modules (hardware module or USB serial adapter supporting the Air Messenger firmware).
- USB cables and, if using microcontroller boards, jumper wires or an FTDI adapter.
- Optional: microcontroller (Arduino, ESP32, STM32) if you plan to integrate Air Messenger Serial into a custom device.
- Basic terminal software (PuTTY, minicom, screen, or the included Air Messenger host utility).
- Serial drivers (e.g., CP210x, CH340) installed on the host OS if required by your module.
Overview of Air Messenger Serial architecture
Air Messenger Serial uses a simple UART interface on each module and a radio link between modules. Data frames are packetized with a small header containing source/destination IDs, length, and a CRC for integrity. The host communicates with the module over a standard serial port at configurable baud rates (commonly 9600, 115200). Modules may support command mode (for configuration) and passthrough mode (for transparent UART forwarding).
Step 1 — Install drivers and terminal software
Windows
- Install the module’s USB serial driver (CP210x or CH340). Reboot if required.
- Install PuTTY or Tera Term for serial terminal access.
macOS
- Install drivers if your module uses non-native chips (use homebrew casks where available).
- Use the built-in screen command or install CoolTerm/minicom.
Linux
- Most kernels include drivers; plug in the module and confirm with ls /dev/ttyUSB* or /dev/ttyACM*.
- Install minicom, picocom, or use screen.
Step 2 — Connect the hardware
USB module
- Plug the Air Messenger Serial USB module into the host. Note the serial port assigned by the OS (COMx on Windows, /dev/ttyUSBx or /dev/ttyACMx on Unix).
Microcontroller connection
- Connect TX of the module to RX of the microcontroller and RX to TX.
- Connect ground between devices.
- Power the module according to its specifications (3.3V or 5V). Use a logic-level converter if needed.
If using multiple modules, power and wire each module separately and ensure unique IDs or channels are set to avoid collisions.
Step 3 — Configure serial connection settings
Open your terminal tool and set:
- Baud rate: commonly 115200 (but modules may use 9600 by default).
- Data bits: 8
- Parity: None
- Stop bits: 1
- Flow control: None
Press Enter after connecting; you may see a welcome banner or prompt.
Step 4 — Enter command mode and basic commands
Many Air Messenger Serial modules provide a command-mode prefix (e.g., +++, or a specific control sequence) to enter configuration. Typical workflow:
- Ensure no data is being transmitted for the guard time (often 1 second).
- Send the command-mode sequence (e.g., +++).
- Wait for an OK or prompt.
- Use commands such as:
- ATID — set module ID/address
- ATCH — set radio channel
- ATBR — set baud rate
- ATEN — enable/disable encryption or link features
- ATWR — write settings to non-volatile memory
- ATRE — reset to defaults
Example session:
- Send: +++
- Module replies: OK
- Send: ATID 12
- Module replies: ID=12 OK
- Send: ATWR
- Module replies: WRITE OK
Exact commands vary by firmware; consult your module’s datasheet.
Step 5 — Pairing and channel selection
To avoid interference and ensure modules communicate only with intended peers:
- Assign matching IDs or pair codes on the communicating modules.
- Choose a radio channel/frequency that’s free in your environment.
- For point-to-point links, set one module as master and the other as slave if firmware supports roles.
Step 6 — Testing data transfer
- With two modules connected to two hosts, open serial terminals on both.
- Type text on one terminal; it should appear on the other if link and baud settings match.
- Use small binary tests (e.g., sending known byte sequences) to verify CRC and integrity.
Troubleshooting
No serial port detected
- Reinstall drivers and check Device Manager (Windows) or dmesg/lsusb (Linux).
- Try different USB cable or port.
Cannot enter command mode
- Ensure correct guard time before sending the command prefix.
- Confirm the module uses the prefix you’re sending (+ + + vs AT style).
- Try toggling DTR/RTS if supported.
Packets lost or corrupted
- Lower baud rate to test link stability.
- Check antenna connection and orientation.
- Reduce distance or move away from interference sources (Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth).
- Verify CRC and packet size limits.
One-way communication
- Verify TX/RX crossing, ground common.
- Confirm both modules are on same channel and ID.
Advanced configuration
Encryption
- If supported, enable link-level encryption and set shared keys via ATEN/ATKEY commands. Store keys securely and write to non-volatile memory.
Baud bridging and passthrough
- Configure modules for transparent passthrough to use them as wireless serial cables. Use ATBR to match host baud rates.
Firmware updates
- Use the vendor’s update tool to flash firmware. Follow exact steps to avoid bricking; ensure stable power and correct firmware file.
Power management
- Use low-power modes when integrating with battery-powered devices. Configure sleep intervals and wake triggers in the module settings.
Best practices
- Use shielded cables and proper grounding for reliable serial signals.
- Keep firmware up to date and back up configurations.
- Use unique IDs and channels in multi-node setups.
- Test over the expected operating range and conditions.
- Document your module settings for future maintenance.
Appendix — Example Arduino passthrough sketch
#include <SoftwareSerial.h> SoftwareSerial airSerial(10, 11); // RX, TX void setup() { Serial.begin(115200); airSerial.begin(115200); } void loop() { if (airSerial.available()) Serial.write(airSerial.read()); if (Serial.available()) airSerial.write(Serial.read()); } If you want, I can tailor the article to a specific module (name/model), add screenshots for setup tools, or convert it into a step-by-step quickstart PDF.
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