Is the Hydra RF 424 Cap compatible with my Cardputer ADV and what modules does it support?

Yes, the Hydra RF 424 Cap is designed specifically for the Cardputer ADV, enabling seamless expansion with both CC1101 433MHz and nRF24 2.4G wireless modules. Simply attach the cap to your Cardputer ADV and you're ready to use robust wireless communication for your projects.

How does the auto-switching feature and power stability benefit my setup?

The Hydra RF 424 Cap features an advanced auto-switching circuit that intelligently selects between connected radio modules as needed, so you don’t need manual intervention. Its onboard power regulation ensures clean and stable voltage for reliable data transmission—which means you get enhanced range and fewer connectivity drops, even under demanding power loads.

What do I need to set up the Hydra RF 424 Cap, and is the host device included?

The Hydra RF 424 Cap package includes only the cap itself; you’ll need your own Cardputer ADV and any desired CC1101 or nRF24 modules separately. To get started, snap the cap onto your Cardputer ADV, connect your chosen wireless module, and configure your firmware/software to communicate with the new hardware. If you experience issues, double-check module orientation and ensure firmware libraries support the modules you’ve connected for smooth operation.

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PINGEQUA

Hydra RF 424 for Cardputer ADV - CC1101 + nRF24L01+ 433 MHz

Name: Hydra RF 424 for Cardputer ADV - CC1101 + nRF24L01+ 433 MHz
Brand: PINGEQUA
SKU: CP-HYDRA-424

$34.99 USD

~~$38.99 USD~~ $34.99 USD

Sale Sold out

Duties and taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

CC1101 Frequency Hydra RF 424 · 433 MHz

// 01 · HOW IT WORKS

Two radios. One Cardputer. No physical band switch.

Hydra RF connects through the Cardputer ADV expansion header. Bruce selects the active transceiver while the module’s hardware mutual-exclusion circuit isolates the other radio.

This is Hydra RF 424: 433 MHz. Hydra 824 is 868 MHz; Hydra 924 is 915 MHz. The wrong band cannot be fixed in software — buying the wrong one is scrap. Cardputer ADV host not included.

Cardputer ADV

Host interface, screen and Bruce firmware controls.

→

Hydra switching logic

Software-directed hardware selection without jumpers.

→

CC1101 / nRF24L01+

Sub-GHz work or 2.4 GHz development from one module.

// 02 · BUILT FOR THE WORKFLOW

The useful hardware is already on the board.

Automatic radio selection

Bruce activates CC1101 or nRF24L01+ without a manual RF toggle.

Frequency-specific RF hardware

Choose 433 MHz or 915 MHz at purchase; each variant is tuned for its stated Sub-GHz band.

Stable power architecture

A dedicated low-noise regulator and local capacitance support RF transmit bursts.

Clean Cardputer ADV fit

Uses the native expansion header with no soldering or loose jumper wires.

// 03 · CHOOSE THE RIGHT REGIONAL VERSION

433, 868 and 915 MHz are separate Hydra RF hardware versions.

Select a model to open the matching product or variant. All three versions also include nRF24L01+ 2.4 GHz.

Hydra RF 424

CC1101 433 MHz + nRF24L01+ 2.4 GHz

433 MHz · Current product

Common in Asia and selected EU applications
Original SKU: CP-HYDRA-424
Select 433.00 MHz in Bruce

Hydra RF 824

CC1101 868 MHz + nRF24L01+ 2.4 GHz

EU / UK version · Check regional availability

Independent 868 MHz product
Original SKU: CP-HYDRA-824
Select 868.35 MHz in Bruce

Hydra RF 924

CC1101 915 MHz + nRF24L01+ 2.4 GHz

US / Canada / Australia · Check regional availability

915 MHz hardware version
Original SKU: CP-HYDRA-924
Select 915.00 MHz in Bruce

Confirm permitted frequencies and operating limits for your country before transmitting.

// 04 · CARDPUTER ADV RF ACCESSORY COMPARISON

Hydra RF vs M5Stack Cap LoRa-1262 for Cardputer ADV

These Cardputer ADV accessories solve different wireless problems. PINGEQUA Hydra RF combines CC1101 Sub-GHz and nRF24L01+ 2.4 GHz for Bruce firmware RF workflows. The official M5Stack Cap LoRa-1262 combines an SX1262 LoRa radio with GNSS for Meshtastic, long-range messaging and positioning.

Capability	PINGEQUA Hydra RF	M5Stack Cap LoRa-1262
Primary radios	CC1101 + nRF24L01+	SX1262 + GNSS receiver
Frequency focus	433, 868 or 915 MHz hardware variant + 2.4 GHz	868–923 MHz LoRa range
LoRa / Meshtastic	Not sold as a LoRa or Meshtastic module	Designed for LoRa and mesh communication
2.4 GHz nRF24	Included	Not included
GNSS / GPS	Not included	Integrated multi-constellation GNSS
Best fit	Bruce, CC1101 Sub-GHz and nRF24 development	Long-range LoRa messaging, mesh and positioning

Choose Hydra RF when you need a Cardputer ADV CC1101 + nRF24 module for Bruce firmware. Choose the official M5Stack Cap LoRa-1262 when you need a Cardputer ADV LoRa module for Meshtastic, long-range mesh communication or GNSS positioning.

Technical references: Hydra RF documentation · M5Stack Cap LoRa-1262 specifications · official Cardputer Mesh Kit Meshtastic guide

// 05 · SETUP

Flash, auto-configure, select your frequency.

The same Hydra GPIO mapping is used across 424, 824 and 924. Only the final CC1101 frequency selection changes.

Hydra RF flashing and configuration video poster

▶

Open the Cardputer Bruce flasher

Use Chrome or Edge on desktop and connect Cardputer ADV with a USB data cable.

Flash and apply the Hydra configuration

The flasher installs Bruce and writes the Hydra pin configuration automatically.

Select the matching CC1101 frequency

Choose 433.00 MHz for Hydra RF 424 or 915.00 MHz for Hydra RF 924, then restart.

Open one-click flasher GitHub setup guide

// 06 · SPECIFICATIONS

The numbers that matter.

Host platformM5Stack Cardputer ADV only

Sub-GHz radioTexas Instruments CC1101

2.4 GHz radionRF24L01+ with PA/LNA

Band options433 MHz / 915 MHz

InterfaceNative SPI/GPIO header

SwitchingHardware mutual-exclusion

FirmwareBruce with brucepins.conf

SolderingNot required

// 07 · HONEST LIMITS

Know what this module is—and what it is not.

Cardputer ADV onlyNot compatible with the original Cardputer V1.1 or earlier Cardputer versions.

Not a LoRa/GPS moduleChoose Cap LoRa-1262 if LoRa, Meshtastic or GNSS is your primary requirement.

Frequency is hardware-specificSoftware cannot turn a 433 MHz 424 into a 915 MHz 924.

Host device not includedThe product contains the Hydra RF module and stated accessories, not Cardputer ADV.

// 08 · CARDPUTER ADV RF MODULE FAQ

Hydra RF, LoRa Cap and Meshtastic: quick answers

Direct answers for buyers comparing Cardputer ADV accessories, CC1101 modules and the official M5Stack LoRa Cap.

What is this for, and is the host included?

For education, authorized research, and interoperability testing only. The host device is not included. See Compliance & Responsible Use.

What is the best RF accessory for M5Stack Cardputer ADV?

It depends on the radio workflow. Choose PINGEQUA Hydra RF for CC1101 Sub-GHz plus nRF24L01+ 2.4 GHz functions in Bruce firmware. Choose the official M5Stack Cap LoRa-1262 for LoRa, Meshtastic and GNSS positioning. Neither product is a complete replacement for the other.

What is the difference between Hydra RF and M5Stack Cap LoRa-1262?

Hydra RF uses CC1101 and nRF24L01+ radios and is designed around Bruce firmware RF workflows. M5Stack Cap LoRa-1262 uses an SX1262 LoRa radio and an integrated GNSS receiver for long-range LoRa communication, Cardputer Mesh Kit and Meshtastic applications.

Does Cardputer ADV support LoRa and Meshtastic?

Cardputer ADV can use LoRa and Meshtastic when paired with compatible SX1262 hardware such as the official M5Stack Cap LoRa-1262. Hydra RF is not an SX1262 LoRa module and is not sold as a Meshtastic accessory.

What is the difference between CC1101 and SX1262?

CC1101 is a configurable Sub-GHz transceiver used for a range of low-power RF protocols. SX1262 is a LoRa-capable Sub-GHz transceiver commonly used for long-range LoRa and Meshtastic communication. The chips serve different protocol and firmware ecosystems.

What is the difference between Hydra RF 424 and Hydra RF 924?

Hydra RF 424 uses frequency-specific CC1101 hardware for 433 MHz. Hydra RF 924 uses frequency-specific CC1101 hardware for 915 MHz. Both versions also include nRF24L01+ 2.4 GHz capability and work with M5Stack Cardputer ADV.

Does Hydra RF require soldering or manual wiring?

No. Hydra RF connects to the Cardputer ADV expansion header. Install Bruce firmware and apply the Hydra configuration before first use.

Can a 433 MHz Hydra RF 424 become a 915 MHz Hydra RF 924 in software?

No. The CC1101 frequency version is determined by the RF hardware. Select the model that matches the intended frequency and permitted local use.

PINGEQUA Hydra RF documentation: GitHub setup, pin reference and troubleshooting.

Shipping & Delivery

We dispatch in 1–3 business days from Dongguan / Shenzhen. Free tracked shipping from $29.99 USD ($34.99 in the EU). Typical transit after dispatch: 7–10 business days to the US, Canada, the UK, and the EU. Duties and taxes are included for the US, Canada, the UK, and the EU. Host device is not included.

Warranty & Returns

14-day returns for unused items in original packaging. 6-month limited warranty against manufacturing defects. Change-of-mind return shipping is paid by the customer. We cover return shipping for defective, damaged, or wrong items. Damage from wiring mistakes or incorrect flashing is not covered.

5 stars: 99 (95%)
4 stars: 3 (3%)
3 stars: 0 (0%)
2 stars: 1 (1%)
1 star: 1 (1%)

Working perfectly, please edit the pins before use, otherwise it will not work.
It comes with a QR code that provides a tutorial on how to do it via software. The RF must select the correct module "CC1101" for the board to work at 433 MHz; otherwise, it will not function.
I recommend the seller A+

Hydra RF 424 Cap for Cardputer ADV | CC1101 433MHz & nRF24 2.4G

Very good... easy to set up the pin codes, just follow the manual. Great.

Everything perfect! Fast shipping, careful and well-protected packaging. Excellent material and I really appreciated the setup guide inside the box. Very satisfied.

Hydra RF 424 Cap for Cardputer ADV | CC1101 433MHz & nRF24 2.4G

Just as the publication says. I am very satisfied. It arrived in perfect condition.

It arrived sooner than i expected. Great condition. The product appeared, and works, exactly as stated. The instructions to set everything up were very straight forward. Definitely recommended! Only thing i hope to see changed in a future version is to somehow either reduce the overhang somehow, or to have a small case around it that fastens onto the cardputer or something. Not a big problem though!

Excellent product, I recommend the seller 100%.

Works great once set up as per instructions.

Hydra RF 424 Cap for Cardputer ADV | CC1101 433MHz & nRF24 2.4G

Doesn’t work with 2.4

As expected, very good quality, its literally plug and play and doing amazing job!

Arrived well packaged and in good condition. Excellent product.

Hydra RF 424 Cap for Cardputer ADV | CC1101 433MHz & nRF24 2.4G

It arrived well packaged and with the 3D case, as agreed with the seller. The packaging was super small. One note: When attaching the antenna, don't apply too much force to avoid breaking it, which wasn't my case; I tightened it very carefully. It's a shame that it only works with Bruce after setting the pins, otherwise it would be perfect.

Hydra RF 424 Cap for Cardputer ADV | CC1101 433MHz & nRF24 2.4G

For whatever reason my unit is picking up ghost signals relentlessly. I've tried everything. Kind of disappointed to be honest.

Excellent quality material, very fast delivery, very well packaged, each piece was packaged separately, I haven't tested it yet, but it has an excellent finish!

I recommend it. The overlay works. You need to remember to manually change the PIN entries in the settings file, but the seller includes a printed manual. Good seller.

Hydra RF 424 Cap for Cardputer ADV | CC1101 433MHz & nRF24 2.4G

It works perfectly in conjunction with the Cardputer Adv. Following the configuration documents, it starts working quickly and easily. The finish of the board is very good and, although it looks attractive at first glance, it would be excellent to have a protective cover, even if it were optional (for those of us who don't have a 3D printer yet).