RFLeo Brings nRF24L01 Wireless Connectivity to an Arduino Leonardo-Style Dev Board

A student of computer science at Fairfield University has partnered with his professor to create a low-cost two-part development board offering nRF24L01 radio connectivity and an Arduino Leonardo-compatible microcontroller: the RFLeo.

"The RFLeo is the result of collaboration between student and professor. We saw a need for wireless communication using Arduino Leonardo, but found no viable solutions in the market," writes Professor Doug Lyon of the project. "We are excited to bring you RFLeo to the Arduino community to open the possibilities of the Leonardo architecture with wireless communication — without the hassle of a cumbersome shield.

"We are inspired by the world of small form factor, plug and play devices. RFLeo is no exception: It may be small but it is powerful and great for DIY wireless HID devices."

The RFLeo is effectively a two-part design: A main board offers USB connectivity, using an edge connector on the PCB to keep size and weight down, and houses the Arduino Leonardo-compatible microcontroller; a secondary board, containing the radio side of the equation along with either a PCB antenna or a connector for an bundled external antenna, piggybacks on the rear.

While the resulting staircase-like design is perhaps a little clunky, the pricing is undeniably attractive. Early bird backers can receive the RFLeo mainboard and nRF24L01 PCB-antenna radio board plus USB-connected in-circuit serial programmer (ICSP) for just $12 or $16 for two of the former and a single programmer; those wanting the "Rubber Ducky" variant with external antenna need pay only $18 for two radios, microcontrollers, and programmers.

More information is available on the Kickstarter campaign page.