nrf24 question

[mattinjersey]

Hello, I started with NRF24L01 + Arduino and that works fine for me. Then I saw the nrf24LE1 and I thought that would be smaller and cheaper. I ordered the NRF24LE1 development kit and that comes with NRF24LE1 modules but I think what I want to do is program the NRF24-LE1-D16Q32 samples. So it looks like I'll have to get the NRFgo Starter Kit. Then I'll have to design a PCB board for the NRF24-LE1 ? Is all of this going to be more complex and expensive then just using the nrf24L01? Thx Matt

[Petter Myhre]

Smaller and cheaper? Are you talking about the actual chip or the development platform? The actual nRF24L01+ chip is 4 x 4 mm, the same size as the smallest nRF24LE1 package. I also thought the NRF24L01+ was cheaper.

nRFgo Starter Kit can be used to program the nRF24LE1 DK. It can also be used to program unmounted chips if you have the nRF24LE1 Programming Kit. It can also be programmed through a SPI interface, see Section 6.3.5 in the PS for more information.

You can either design your own PCB or you can buy nRF24LE1 modules. The best option for you depends on the number of products and development cost of the PCB.

[mattinjersey]

Thanks for the answer. I guess I have been working with the nRF24L01+ PCB boards that are sold online which include the chip but also include the antenna, so I got confused there. A couple more questions-

1. Will I need to buy the nRF24LE1 programming kit or is that a free software download?
2. Do you sell a nRF24LE1 module that comes with antenna and all parts mounted for less than $5 ? I am trying to get down to that sort of cost?
3. I think I could design my own PCB board but I don't know how to mount & solder that small chip. Is that something a hobbyist can do or would we typically have a company do that.