rfm12b-linux | Linux kernel SPI-driver for the RFM12B

You will only need some wires to connect the RFM12B/RFM69CW module to your Linux board. The RFM12B data sheet with a visual description of the pinout is available at http://www.hoperf.com/upload/rf/RFM12B.pdf. Similarly, the datasheet for the RFM69CW is available at http://www.hoperf.com/upload/rf/RFM69CW-V1.1.pdf. For the pinouts of the Linux boards, either check the silkscreen or their respective technical manuals. Be sure to double-check that your connections are correct, since wrong connections might harm your board or RFM12B/RFM69CW module. Also, be sure to add an antenna to your RFM12B/RFM69CW board (ANT pin), or the range and reliability will be severely hampered.
Generally, you only need to clone the repository and run make to build the kernel module, then insmod rfm12b.ko to insert it into the kernel. The radio board type will be recognized by the module automatically. I've included more detailed steps below for the actual Linux distributions I am using on my boards. I compile the module directly on the board.
To install the kernel sources for your running kernel, please use rpi-source. Follow the instructions carefully. Alternatively, you can install kernel sources manually by using a script such as this: https://gist.github.com/azbesthu/3893319 – However, if your kernel is recent enough, rpi-source is highly preferred!
Open the rfm12b_config.h file, read it carefully and edit the settings to your liking. Be especially sure to correctly choose the board you are building for.
Clone this repository and run make
Make sure that the RFM12B/RFM69CW board is connected
Load the kernel driver for the SPI interface: sudo modprobe spi-bcm2708
Load the driver module: sudo insmod rfm12b.ko.
Check the output of dmesg and look into /dev to make sure that the driver has been loaded successfully.
Install the kernel sources for your running kernel, either manually or by using this script I made.
Ensure that the SPI bus driver is enabled via the device-tree. You can do this manually or by running another script I made (reboot after running this script).
Open the rfm12b_config.h file, read it carefully and edit the settings to your liking. Be especially sure to correctly choose the board you are building for.
Clone this repository and run make.
Make sure that the RFM12B/RFM69CW board is connected
Load the driver module: sudo insmod rfm12b.ko
Check the output of dmesg and look into /dev to make sure that the driver has been loaded successfully.
Hint: You might also want to ensure that your Beaglebone is not throttling the CPU, since the RFM12B/RFM69CW driver is somewhat timing-sensitive for its interrupt handling. I'd recommend running the CPU performance governor: sudo cpufreq-set -g performance - This is especially advisable if you use an RFM12B module, since the single-byte buffer makes it very latency sensitive!