Low-cost LoRa Module

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Introduction

Low-cost LoRa Module.png

This is low-cost LoRa gateway module which is powered by RFM96-low power long range transceiver module. The gateway can receive from any LoRa device and is designed to be fully customizable for a targeted application.Various applications are considered: water quality monitoring, cattle rustling, logistics and goods transportation.

This LoRa gateway could be qualified as "single connection" as it uses the SX1272, much like an end-device would do. However, in order to increase LoRa transmission robustness we improve the LoRa transmission with CSMA features (or so-called Listen Before Talk) and add Quality of Service guarantees with regards to radio time limitations.

Feature

  • LoRa Modem.
  • 168 dB maximum link budget.
  • +20 dBm - 100 mW constant RF output vs. V supply.
  • +14 dBm high efficiency PA.
  • Programmable bit rate up to 300 kbps.
  • High sensitivity: down to -148 dBm.
  • Bullet-proof front end: IIP3 = -12.5 dBm.
  • Excellent blocking immunity.
  • Low RX current of 10.3 mA, 200 nA register retention.
  • Fully integrated synthesizer with a resolution of 61 Hz.
  • FSK, GFSK, MSK, GMSK, LoRaTM and OOK modulation.
  • Built-in bit synchronizer for clock recovery.
  • Preamble detection.
  • 127 dB Dynamic Range RSSI.
  • Automatic RF Sense and CAD with ultra-fast AFC.
  • Packet engine up to 256 bytes with CRC.
  • Built-in temperature sensor and low battery indicator.

Tutorials

Prerequisites

Hardware

  • Arduino UNO x 2
  • Linker LoRa Radio x 2
  • Linker Base Shield x 2
  • 4 Pin DuPont line x 4

Software

  • Click here to download the Arduino project.
  • Put the files in src folder which contains SX1272 libraries and examples into the directory of the Arduino IDE's libraries.

Hardware assemble

  • According to the following picture, connect LoRa module and Arduino Uno Note: One is used to be LoRa gateway, and other one is used to be LoRa end device, they take same connections.

Low-cost LoRa Module1.png

LoRa Gateway

  • Open Arduino IDE
  • Open File --> Examples --> SX1272 --> Arduino_LoRa_Gateway
  • Upload code to Arduino Uno Note: Please select the right serial port and board type.

Low-cost LoRa Module2.png

  • Open the Arduino IDE Serial Monitor
  • Set the baudrate as 38400

Low-cost LoRa Module3.png

Check communication

  • Open the two serial Monitor, one for LoRa_gateway and one for LoRa end device
  • Restart both devices, then you can see them starting to communicate.

Schematic

Low-cost LoRa Module4.png