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7. FAQs

Carlos Alatorre edited this page Dec 19, 2023 · 4 revisions

In this section, you will find the most frequently asked questions and some solutions regarding the use of the Hunter Cat NFC.

Can I exchange the cap on my Hunter Cat NFC?

Of course, you do! You must use an Allen key to remove the M2 screws. Once done, uncover the plate and turn the lid. Put it back in place and screw it back in.

Does the Hunter Cat NFC have all the modes that are explained here available out of the box?

The Hunter Cat NFC will have firmware preloaded by default on the detection of NFC readers. To use the other available modes, the user must upload the firmware “HunterCatNFC_AllOne.ino” available in the Hunter Cat NFC “Firmware” folder to the board.

Did I upload new firmware to my Hunter Cat NFC and only one red LED is flashing?

There can be two possible problems:

1.- The firmware had problems when being uploaded to the board:

In some cases, when uploading the firmware to the board, there may be a problem, either disconnection or an error in the port. So it generates an error in the Hunter Cat NFC and turns on that LED.

To solve it, just try to upload the firmware to the board again, making sure it is done correctly.

2.- Initialization of flash memory failed

When this error occurs, it can be observed in the Serial Monitor since a text will be displayed indicating that it had one of these problems. To solve it, it is necessary for the user to recheck his code in search of an error and once repaired, upload the firmware back to the board.

3.- It did not detect the NFC chip on the board.

When this error occurs, the Serial Monitor will show "Error while setting up the mode, check connections!". The user must press the Reset button and upload the firmware back to the board.

4.- The firmware has a syntax error or something wrongly programmed

For more advanced activities, within the firmware there is the possibility of selecting any of the modes that the Hunter Cat NFC has by the user by modifying the code, otherwise, it executes well in the Serial Monitor that appears in the following text: "The Configure Mode failed!". To solve it, the user will have to check his code in search of the problem and upload the firmware back to the board.

If the firmware presents a syntax error or erroneous elements, Arduino IDE will mark where said error is found. The user must correct it and upload it back to the plate, thus solving the problem.

In either case, to solve the problem, the flashing of the red LED will stop and the Hunter Cat NFC will work normally.

Why can't my Hunter Cat NFC detect the NFC reader?

To solve this problem, check each one in order.

1.- Check if the NFC reader is turned on or connected to the power.

2.- Bring the Hunter Cat NFC antenna closer to the area indicated on the reader without damaging or pressing against the reader.

3.- Press the RESET button to reset the card and bring the Hunter Cat NFC back to the reader.

Can I only program my Hunter Cat NFC with Arduino?

At the moment, yes, but we are working to bring the experience soon to CircuitPython

Can I go back to the default program?

If you are trying to return to the program that your Hunter Cat NFC had when you purchased it, it is very simple, the Hunter Cat NFC board has a system to enter bootloader mode by pressing the reset button twice, the right blue LED will blink indicating that the board is in Bootloader mode when this happens you will be able to upload the "huntercat_nfc_detect_readers.ino" program that comes in the project's GitHub folder. NFC Hunter Cat Github.

To upload the program in NFC Hunter Cat you have to open the Arduino IDE with the mentioned program. As shown in the section "First step with Arduino".

Why can't I upload my firmware to the board if the syntax is correct?

First, you must make sure that all the necessary add-ons (libraries, extensions previously described in this manual) are installed correctly.

If the problem persists, you should check on which Serial port your Hunter Cat NFC was numbered on your PC or Mac: look on your PC or Mac for "Device Manager" > "Ports" there should be listed all connected and numbered devices.

Once you have it well located, in the Arduino IDE you will have to select the corresponding port to upload it.

Can I communicate the Hunter Cat NFC with my cell phone?

Yes, it can communicate as long as the cell phone supports NFC communication. It can be used with any device that has NFC technology.