- WA9ONY - YouTube - Website -
- LoRa GitHub Repositories:
LoRa -
Meshtastic -
Meshtastic CLI -
T-Deck Plus -
T-Echo -
Goals
- Learn how to use LoRa technology.
- Collect and organzie LoRa information in a GitHub repository.
- Use OpenAI ChatGPT4o to learn about LoRa.
- Create a point to point LoRa communication project.
- Implement a LoRa height above ground logging system that is mounted on a kite.
Phases
- Collect LoRa information, organize it on a GitHub repository and study it.
- Implement a simple LoRa system
The OpenAI icon appears next to information in this web page that was created by OpenAI ChatGPT4o in a conversation with David Haworth, WA9ONY.
LoRa, Long Range, is a wireless communication technology that enables low-power, long-range data transmission. It is widely used in Internet of Things, IoT, applications for connecting devices over large distances with minimal power consumption. Here’s an overview of LoRa:
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Long-Range Communication: LoRa can transmit data over distances of up to 10-15 kilometers (6-9 miles) in rural areas, and 2-5 kilometers (1-3 miles) in urban environments, depending on conditions and antenna setup.
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Low Power Consumption: It is optimized for battery-powered devices, enabling years of operation on a single battery, making it ideal for remote or hard-to-reach IoT devices like sensors.
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Low Data Rate: LoRa is designed for low-bandwidth applications, with typical data rates ranging from 0.3 kbps to 50 kbps. It is best suited for applications that send small amounts of data intermittently, such as environmental monitoring, smart agriculture, and asset tracking.
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Unlicensed Spectrum: LoRa operates in the unlicensed Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) frequency bands, such as 868 MHz in Europe and 915 MHz in North America, allowing free access to the spectrum.
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Star Network Topology: LoRaWAN (the protocol layer for LoRa networks) typically uses a star topology, where multiple end devices communicate with a central gateway, which then connects to a cloud or local server.
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Robust Signal: LoRa uses Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS) modulation, which makes the signal highly resistant to interference and allows for communication even in environments with high noise levels or over challenging terrain.
- Smart Cities: Monitoring infrastructure, traffic management, smart parking, and environmental conditions.
- Agriculture: Remote monitoring of soil moisture, weather conditions, and livestock tracking.
- Industrial IoT: Tracking machinery status, energy usage, and predictive maintenance.
- Home Automation: Smart meters, security systems, and remote monitoring.
- LoRa refers to the physical layer (modulation technique) that enables long-range communication.
- LoRaWAN is the network protocol built on top of LoRa that defines how data is transmitted between devices, gateways, and servers.
LoRa's combination of long range, low power consumption, and cost-effectiveness makes it a popular choice for IoT applications where devices need to communicate over long distances with minimal energy use.
OpenAI ChatGPT4o LoRa Course
LoRa course created by OpenAI ChatGPT4o in a conversation with David Haworth, WA9ONY.
The below link is an OpenAI shared conversation link to the LoRa course conversation.
ChatGPT4o LoRa Course outline
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Introduction to LoRa and IoT
- Overview of wireless communication protocols for IoT.
- Introduction to LoRa: History, development, and role in IoT.
- LoRa vs. traditional communication systems (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular).
- Basic concepts: modulation, frequency, bandwidth, and range.
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LoRa Physical Layer
- Detailed analysis of the LoRa modulation technique (Chirp Spread Spectrum).
- Understanding the trade-offs: bandwidth, range, and data rate.
- Frequency bands and regulations for LoRa (ISM bands, regional variations).
- Setting up LoRa modules (SX1276/78/92).
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LoRaWAN Protocol Architecture
- Overview of LoRaWAN architecture: end devices, gateways, and network servers.
- LoRaWAN protocol layers and classes (A, B, C).
- Network topology: star-of-stars architecture.
- Security in LoRaWAN: encryption and data integrity.
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Building a LoRa Network
- Setting up a LoRa gateway and connecting end devices.
- Hands-on: Configuring and testing LoRa nodes (Arduino/ESP32 with LoRa modules).
- Understanding signal quality and link budget.
- Network performance analysis: RSSI, SNR, and data rate optimization.
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IoT Applications with LoRa
- Use cases: smart agriculture, environmental monitoring, industrial IoT, and smart cities.
- Low-power design principles for IoT devices.
- Sensor integration with LoRa: temperature, humidity, motion, etc.
- LoRa-based telemetry and remote monitoring systems.
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LoRa and Cloud Integration
- Data flow in an IoT system: from sensors to cloud platforms.
- Integration of LoRaWAN with cloud services (e.g., The Things Network, AWS IoT, etc.).
- Hands-on: Sending sensor data from a LoRa device to a cloud platform.
- Analyzing data from the cloud: dashboards, alerts, and notifications.
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Advanced Topics in LoRa
- Mesh networks and alternatives to LoRaWAN.
- Designing low-power systems for remote IoT deployments.
- Performance optimization in real-world environments.
- Challenges in scalability, security, and interference mitigation.
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Final Project
- Individual or group project: Building an IoT solution using LoRa.
- Project design, development, and implementation.
- Presentation and demonstration of the final project.
- Feedback and future directions in LoRa-based communication systems.
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LoRa/LoRaWAN De-Mystified: This tutorial explains the basic principles of LoRa and LoRaWAN, showcasing practical examples like setting up a LoRa gateway and client. It's a great introduction for beginners.
- Watch it here【17†source】.
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Getting Started with LoRa: This video demonstrates how to work with LoRa modules, set up a LoRa gateway, and connect LoRa devices to interact with the network.
- Watch it here【18†source】.
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LoRa Tutorial | Getting Started with LoRa: This video covers the features of LoRa, its applications, and how to set up a basic LoRa network.
- Watch it here【19†source】.
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Mobilefish.com LoRa/LoRaWAN Tutorials: This playlist includes a series of tutorials covering various aspects of LoRa and LoRaWAN, from decibel calculations to advanced topics like spreading factors and data rates.
- Watch the playlist here【21†source】【20†source】.
These tutorials offer both conceptual overviews and hands-on guidance for using LoRa and LoRaWAN in IoT projects.
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Semtech Academy for LoRaWAN: This platform offers a self-paced course on the fundamentals of LoRaWAN. It includes detailed explanations of the protocol, security, and device classes, making it perfect for those who want to develop LoRaWAN applications from the ground up. Semtech LoRaWAN Academy【9†source】.
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The Things Network: This resource provides a comprehensive guide to LoRaWAN, covering topics such as device classes, spreading factors, and adaptive data rates. It also offers a certification program for those wanting to demonstrate their skills. The Things Network Fundamentals【11†source】.
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Arduino LoRaWAN 101: If you're into hardware, Arduino's LoRaWAN guide is a great place to start, with practical tutorials for using LoRa with Arduino boards. Arduino LoRaWAN 101【10†source】.
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Udemy – Free IoT LoRaWAN Tutorial: This course focuses on using LoRaWAN for IoT applications, and it’s great for understanding the basics of low-power wide-area networks and how they work. LoRaWAN Free IoT Course on Udemy【8†source】.
These tutorials will help you build a solid foundation in LoRa and LoRaWAN and get started with practical projects.
LoRa YouTube Play Lists
- LoRa Alliance playlists
- The Things Network playlist
- Semtech Corporation playlists
- LoRa/LoRaWAN tutorials by Mobilefish.com (68 videos)
- Heltec WiFi Lora 32 Playlist by ShotokuTech (46 video)
- LoRa Technology by Semtech Corporation (39 videos)
- LoRa, LoraWAN, Sigfox by Andreas Spiess (35 videos)
- LoRa Playlist by ShotokuTech (29 videos)
- LoRa Tutorial | Long Range wireless network by CETech (21 videos)
- LoRa by Dr.Eng.Daniel Amariei (19 videos)
- LoRa & LoRaWAN Projects by How To Electronics (16 videos)
- STM32WL - LoRa Guide by TrueStepbyStep (8 videos)
- LoRa by Electronics Innovation (8 videos)
- LoRa by Antonello Di Giulio (7 videos)
LoRa YouTube Videos
- LoRa - Long-Range Radio for IoT | Arduino, ESP32, RPI Pico by DroneBot Workshop (>1 hour video)
- How LoRa Modulation really works - long range communication using chirps by Visual Electric
- Everything you need to know about LoRaWAN in 60 minutes - Johan Stokking, The Things Industries
Google LoRa search
- LoRa with the Raspberry Pi Pico
- My First LoRaWAN
- Seeed Studio RFM95 Ultra-long LoRa Transceiver Module (EU868)
MagPi
- LoRa product search
- LoRa product search
- LoRa search
- LoRa DigiKey videos search
- LoRa YouTube videos search
- LoRa search
- IoT & LoRa
Here are some highly recommended books for learning about LoRa and LoRaWAN:
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"Building Wireless Sensor Networks Using Arduino" by Matthijs Kooijman
This book focuses on building wireless sensor networks using LoRa and Arduino. It's a practical guide for hobbyists and engineers interested in deploying LoRaWAN networks with Arduino boards. -
"Internet of Things with ESP8266 and LoRa: The Holistic Guide" by Marco Schwartz
This book takes a project-based approach to building IoT systems using LoRa and the ESP8266 microcontroller. It covers practical implementations of LoRa technology in real-world applications. -
"LoRa and LoRaWAN for IoT: How LoRa and LoRaWAN Enable Long-Range Low Power Wireless IoT Solutions" by Pradeeka Seneviratne
This book provides a thorough understanding of how LoRa and LoRaWAN work, with a focus on their role in the Internet of Things (IoT). It explains key concepts and includes practical projects to help you get started with LoRaWAN networks. -
"Practical LoRa Projects for the Internet of Things" by A. Bhatt, G. Gupta, and B. Giridhar
This book is an excellent resource for developers interested in practical LoRa applications. It covers various projects involving LoRa, such as smart farming, home automation, and environmental monitoring. -
"The Internet of Things: Do-It-Yourself at Home Projects for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and BeagleBone Black" by Donald Norris
While not exclusively about LoRa, this book offers some great DIY projects involving LoRa modules and how to integrate them with popular platforms like Arduino and Raspberry Pi.
These books will help you gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience with LoRa and LoRaWAN technology.
Here are some useful articles on using LoRa with the Raspberry Pi Pico:
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Interfacing LoRa with Raspberry Pi Pico: This guide walks you through setting up LoRa communication with a Raspberry Pi Pico, covering everything from the wiring connections to writing simple sender and receiver programs in the Arduino IDE. It explains how to configure the pins for SPI communication and how to send data using the LoRa library.
- Source: Embedded There【29†source】.
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LoRa with Raspberry Pi Pico: This Elektor Magazine article focuses on using the Pico with a LoRa module and the MicroPython programming language. It offers a detailed look at creating a LoRaWAN node using a SeeedStudio RFM95 module and includes hardware suggestions and code examples.
- Source: Elektor Magazine【30†source】.
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Add LoRaWAN Support to Raspberry Pi Pico: This tutorial explains how to use the Raspberry Pi Pico with a LoRaWAN module to connect to The Things Network. It includes setup instructions for hardware and software, covering topics like reading the temperature sensor data and transmitting it via LoRa.
- Source: Raspberry Pi Official Site【32†source】.
These articles will help you get started with LoRa on the Raspberry Pi Pico, from basic setups to more advanced LoRaWAN applications.
Here are some helpful online articles that explain how to use LoRa with Arduino boards:
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Arduino Guide to LoRa® and LoRaWAN®: This comprehensive guide from the Arduino documentation explains the basics of LoRa and LoRaWAN, including how to set up a LoRa communication system using the Arduino MKR WAN 1310. It walks you through core concepts such as frequency plans, message types, and LoRaWAN security.
- Arduino Documentation【38†source】
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Interfacing SX1278 LoRa Module with Arduino: This detailed tutorial from Circuit Digest covers the setup for both transmitter and receiver sides using the SX1278 LoRa module and Arduino boards (UNO and Nano). It explains the hardware connections, preparing the Arduino IDE, and writing code for wireless communication using the LoRa library.
- Circuit Digest【42†source】
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ESP32 with LoRa Using Arduino IDE: Random Nerd Tutorials provides a step-by-step guide to using LoRa with an ESP32 board in the Arduino IDE. Although the article focuses on ESP32, the example code and setup are highly applicable to using LoRa with Arduino as well. It explains how to send and receive LoRa messages using simple code examples.
- Random Nerd Tutorials【39†source】
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How to Interface Arduino with LoRa: This tutorial from EmbeddedThere focuses on interfacing the SX1278 LoRa module with Arduino UNO. It also includes a project using an LDR sensor to send light intensity data wirelessly via LoRa, offering a hands-on example for setting up basic communication.
- EmbeddedThere【40†source】
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Enabling LoRa and LoRaWAN on Arduino and Raspberry Pi: This article from Seeed Studio shows how to set up a LoRa network using the Arduino-compatible Seeed XIAO SAMD21 and the Wio-E5 LoRaWAN module. It provides clear steps for connecting hardware and preparing the Arduino IDE for LoRa communications.
- Seeed Studio【41†source】
These articles will help you set up and explore different LoRa communication projects with Arduino.
Below is a list of popular LoRa ICs grouped by manufacturer, along with their advantages and limitations:
Semtech is the primary manufacturer and the patent holder for the LoRa modulation technology. Most LoRa ICs are based on Semtech’s designs, making them the industry standard.
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Advantages:
- Long range: Can reach distances up to 15-20 km in rural areas and several kilometers in urban settings.
- Low power consumption: Suitable for battery-operated devices (sleep modes consume very little power).
- Versatility: Operates in different frequency bands (868 MHz, 915 MHz, 433 MHz) and supports FSK modulation in addition to LoRa.
- Wide adoption: Supported by many libraries and development kits (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, etc.).
- Low cost: Available at relatively low prices for wide adoption.
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Limitations:
- Data rate: Max data rates are lower (~50 kbps in LoRa mode).
- Complexity: Requires external microcontroller or processor for configuration and communication.
- Single-radio operation: It does not support concurrent channels or spectrum usage as efficiently as some newer chips.
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Advantages:
- Improved range and power consumption compared to SX127x series.
- Better blocking immunity: Enhanced resistance to signal interference.
- Smaller form factor: Ideal for compact designs.
- Low energy modes: Enhanced low-power modes (especially in deep sleep).
- Higher output power: Up to +22 dBm for longer ranges.
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Limitations:
- Cost: Slightly higher cost compared to SX127x series.
- Newer in the market: Less community support compared to SX127x series but growing fast.
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Advantages:
- Multiple channels: Can process up to 8 channels simultaneously, which is essential for gateways in large LoRaWAN networks.
- High sensitivity: Enables higher sensitivity and coverage in gateway operations.
- Concurrent reception: Can receive data from multiple end devices at once.
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Limitations:
- Power consumption: Higher power consumption due to multiple-channel support.
- Complexity: More complicated to use than end-device LoRa ICs and usually integrated into gateway solutions.
Murata integrates Semtech’s LoRa chips into their modules but offers their own advantages in terms of size and manufacturing process.
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Advantages:
- Very small form factor: Ideal for small IoT devices or wearables.
- Certified modules: Pre-certified for various regulatory regions, simplifying product certification.
- Low power consumption: Optimized for battery-powered devices.
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Limitations:
- Limited flexibility: As a module, there is less flexibility in how you can modify the radio.
- Higher cost: Higher cost compared to standalone Semtech chips due to the added module overhead.
Microchip produces both standalone LoRa ICs as well as integrated LoRa modules.
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Advantages:
- Integrated LoRaWAN stack: Simplifies development for LoRaWAN applications (no need for complex stack development).
- Easy to use: Comes in a pre-certified module that simplifies regulatory certification.
- Low power consumption: Built for low power IoT applications, especially in end devices.
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Limitations:
- Cost: More expensive than standalone LoRa ICs due to the integrated stack and module form factor.
- Flexibility: Limited configurability compared to chips like SX127x/SX126x.
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Advantages:
- High sensitivity: Operates in the ISM bands and provides excellent range with low power.
- Low power: Ultra-low power operation in sleep and active modes.
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Limitations:
- Proprietary protocol support: Does not have direct LoRaWAN support, so it requires custom protocols or additional software for LoRaWAN networks.
- Lower community support: Less widespread usage compared to Semtech-based chips.
STMicroelectronics provides modules that integrate LoRa into STM32 microcontrollers.
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Advantages:
- Integrated microcontroller: Combines an STM32 microcontroller with a LoRa transceiver, reducing BOM (Bill of Materials) and complexity.
- Flexibility: Programmable with the STM32 ecosystem, allowing for powerful applications.
- Low power: Designed for low power operation in IoT applications.
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Limitations:
- Complexity: More complex to develop for, especially if you’re new to STM32 or LoRa.
- Size: The integrated microcontroller makes it larger than standalone LoRa ICs.
HopeRF integrates Semtech LoRa ICs into modules like the RFM series. These are widely used in DIY and hobbyist projects due to their affordability.
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Advantages:
- Low cost: Very affordable, making them popular in hobbyist and experimental applications.
- Easy to integrate: Available in a small, easy-to-integrate module.
- Widely available: Available from many distributors and well-documented by the community.
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Limitations:
- Not fully certified: Many of these modules are not pre-certified, meaning regulatory approval could be more difficult for commercial products.
- Limited range of supported frequencies: Typically focused on 433 MHz and 868/915 MHz, which could limit usage in certain regions.
- Higher power consumption: Not as optimized for ultra-low power applications compared to newer chips.
- Semtech dominates the market with a range of LoRa ICs like the SX127x and SX126x series. The SX126x series offers enhanced performance and efficiency over the SX127x series.
- Murata offers very compact, pre-certified modules, ideal for space-constrained and certified applications.
- Microchip provides modules with integrated LoRaWAN stacks, simplifying development but at a higher cost.
- STMicroelectronics combines STM32 with LoRa, offering a powerful and flexible solution but with a steeper learning curve.
- HopeRF provides affordable, easy-to-use modules that are great for hobbyists but may not meet certification requirements for commercial projects.
Each IC has its niche, whether it’s low cost, compact size, regulatory compliance, or performance optimization.
Below is a detailed list of available LoRa modules grouped by manufacturer, along with their advantages and limitations:
Semtech provides the core LoRa technology, but they primarily supply ICs, while partners use their chips in modules. However, Semtech provides reference modules as well.
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Advantages:
- High range: Can communicate up to 15-20 km in rural areas and several kilometers in urban settings.
- High sensitivity: Ideal for long-range, low-power applications.
- Wide frequency band support: Supports multiple frequencies (433 MHz, 868 MHz, 915 MHz).
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Limitations:
- External microcontroller required: Does not come with an integrated microcontroller, meaning developers need to pair it with one.
- Complex development: Requires experience with radio protocols and LoRa configuration.
Murata’s LoRa modules integrate Semtech LoRa ICs (e.g., SX1276) and are widely used in compact IoT devices.
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Advantages:
- Extremely small form factor: Among the smallest LoRa modules available, ideal for wearables or space-constrained designs.
- Pre-certified: Pre-certified for regulatory compliance in major regions (FCC, CE).
- Low power consumption: Optimized for battery-powered IoT devices.
- Supports LoRaWAN: Fully integrated LoRaWAN stack.
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Limitations:
- Limited configurability: Being a module with a pre-integrated stack, there is less flexibility in how developers can customize the LoRa radio.
- Higher cost: Murata modules tend to be more expensive due to their compact size and certification.
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Advantages:
- Very compact: Even smaller than the CMWX1ZZABZ.
- High sensitivity and power output: Supports +22 dBm transmission power for long-range communication.
- Low power consumption: Optimized for ultra-low power, making it ideal for battery-powered applications.
- Pre-certified: Simplifies certification in different regions.
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Limitations:
- Higher cost: Like other Murata modules, the small form factor and pre-certification increase the price.
- Limited flexibility: Designed primarily for LoRaWAN applications, and using it outside the LoRaWAN stack can be challenging.
Microchip offers both standalone LoRa modules and modules with an integrated LoRaWAN stack.
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Advantages:
- Integrated LoRaWAN stack: Pre-configured with the LoRaWAN protocol, reducing development complexity.
- Easy to use: Supports an AT command interface, simplifying communication with the microcontroller.
- Pre-certified: Certified for use in various regions, making it easy to integrate into commercial products.
- Low power: Ideal for low-power IoT applications.
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Limitations:
- Limited flexibility: The integrated LoRaWAN stack can limit custom configuration or use in non-LoRaWAN systems.
- Higher cost: Due to pre-certification and integrated LoRaWAN support, it is more expensive compared to standalone ICs or modules.
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Advantages:
- Integrated LoRaWAN stack: Pre-configured for LoRaWAN, simplifying development for 915 MHz applications.
- Easy-to-use AT command interface: Supports rapid development.
- Pre-certified: Comes with regulatory approvals, speeding up product development.
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Limitations:
- Similar to RN2483: Faces similar limitations in terms of flexibility and cost.
HopeRF modules are known for their affordability and simplicity, making them popular in hobbyist and low-cost IoT projects.
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Advantages:
- Low cost: Among the most affordable LoRa modules available, popular for DIY projects.
- Wide availability: Available for both 868 MHz (RFM95) and 433 MHz (RFM96) frequencies.
- Easy to use: Compatible with a wide range of development platforms like Arduino and Raspberry Pi.
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Limitations:
- Not pre-certified: Typically, these modules are not pre-certified, so product certification may be more challenging for commercial products.
- Higher power consumption: Compared to more recent LoRa modules, these consume more power, especially in sleep mode.
- Limited community support: While widely used by hobbyists, professional-level support or documentation can be harder to find.
Ebyte manufactures LoRa modules that integrate Semtech chips and are popular in industrial IoT applications.
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Advantages:
- Long range: Can transmit over several kilometers, with a line-of-sight range up to 10 km.
- High power output: Provides up to +30 dBm transmission power for long-range communications.
- Low cost: Affordable, even for higher power versions.
- Wide operating voltage: Operates from 2.3 V to 5.5 V, offering flexibility for different battery-powered applications.
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Limitations:
- No integrated LoRaWAN: Requires external software for LoRaWAN or custom protocol development.
- Not pre-certified: Commercial use may require additional certification.
- Power consumption: Higher transmission power results in higher energy consumption.
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Advantages:
- High sensitivity: Ideal for long-range IoT applications with limited power resources.
- Compact: Small form factor, suitable for space-constrained designs.
- Low cost: Like other Ebyte modules, it is cost-effective.
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Limitations:
- No integrated LoRaWAN stack: Similar to the E32 series, it does not have LoRaWAN stack support, requiring custom firmware development.
- Limited community support: Less widely used than HopeRF or Semtech-based modules, resulting in limited resources for developers.
Adafruit and Dragino provide easy-to-use LoRa modules for DIY and maker projects.
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Advantages:
- Maker-friendly: Comes with detailed guides and is designed to work with platforms like Arduino.
- Affordable: Moderately priced and suitable for prototyping and hobbyist projects.
- Good community support: Backed by Adafruit’s extensive documentation and forums.
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Limitations:
- Not pre-certified: Requires certification for commercial use.
- Not suitable for industrial applications: Primarily aimed at hobbyists and makers.
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Advantages:
- Easy integration with Arduino: Built for use with Arduino development platforms.
- Affordable: Cost-effective for prototyping and low-volume production.
- Good range: Supports up to 5 km range in ideal conditions.
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Limitations:
- Limited to Arduino: Primarily designed for Arduino, with limited flexibility outside of the platform.
- Not pre-certified: As with many hobbyist modules, certification may be required for commercial use.
Pycom offers LoRa modules that are integrated into development boards with Wi-Fi and other wireless technologies.
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Advantages:
- Multi-protocol: Combines LoRa, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Sigfox in a single module.
- Integrated microcontroller: Includes an ESP32 microcontroller for development without additional hardware.
- Easy-to-use development platform: Supports MicroPython and has a strong developer community.
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Limitations:
- Higher cost: More expensive due to the integration of multiple wireless protocols.
- Power consumption: Higher than other LoRa-only modules because of the multi-radio setup.
- Semtech provides the reference design for most modules, and their modules offer high sensitivity and long-range communication but require external microcontrollers.
- Murata offers compact, pre-certified modules that are ideal for space-constrained and commercial applications but come at a higher cost.
- Microchip provides modules with integrated LoRaWAN stacks, simplifying development but limiting flexibility and increasing cost.
- HopeRF offers affordable modules for hobbyists, though they are not pre-certified and consume more power.
- Ebyte offers high-power, long-range modules at a low cost but without pre-certification or integrated LoRaWAN.
- Adafruit and Dragino focus on maker-friendly solutions, while Pycom provides multi-protocol solutions with integrated microcontrollers, catering to developers needing flexibility.
TTN (The Things Network) is an open, global infrastructure that supports the development of Internet of Things (IoT) applications using LoRaWAN, a protocol on top of LoRa.
Here’s a breakdown of what LoRa TTN involves:
- Low Power: Devices can operate on small batteries for years due to the energy-efficient nature of LoRa communication.
- Long Range: It allows communication over several kilometers, often 10-15 km in rural areas and 2-5 km in urban environments.
- Low Data Rate: Ideal for IoT applications that transmit small packets of data, like sensors, actuators, and monitoring systems.
- Wide Area Network Protocol: LoRaWAN defines the communication protocol and system architecture for the network, specifying how data is exchanged between end devices (e.g., sensors) and gateways.
- Scalable: LoRaWAN is highly scalable, allowing for the deployment of large networks of connected devices.
- Open Network: TTN is a free, community-driven network that provides infrastructure for IoT devices using LoRaWAN. Anyone can set up a gateway and join the network, contributing to a global coverage.
- Global IoT Connectivity: TTN connects devices to the internet using LoRaWAN gateways, allowing devices in different parts of the world to communicate with cloud applications without the need for cellular or Wi-Fi connections.
- Ease of Use: TTN simplifies connecting LoRa devices to the internet by providing a platform for registering devices, managing data, and integrating with cloud applications.
- End Devices: These are sensors or IoT devices (e.g., temperature sensors, water level monitors) that send data using LoRa.
- Gateways: Devices that receive LoRa signals from end devices and forward them to the TTN backend via the internet.
- TTN Backend: Manages devices, routing, and data flow between gateways and applications.
- Applications: Cloud-based systems that process data from the end devices, using it for analytics, control, or display.
LoRa TTN is widely used for applications like smart agriculture, environmental monitoring, and industrial IoT, where long-range and low-power communication is critical.
How to locate LoRa TTN (The Things Network) gateways near Camas, WA, USA, you follow below steps:
TTN provides a public map where you can see the locations of community-managed LoRaWAN gateways.
- Go to the TTN Map: The Things Network Gateway Map.
- Navigate to Camas, WA: Either manually scroll to your location or use the search bar to enter "Camas, WA, USA."
- View Gateways: The map will show nearby gateways with their statuses (online/offline).
Once on the map, you'll see markers indicating the presence of gateways. These gateways might be public (available for anyone) or private (restricted access). Public gateways allow anyone with LoRa devices to connect to TTN and send data.
- Green Dots: Represent active, public LoRa gateways.
- Gray Dots: Represent gateways that may be inactive or have restricted access.
The map is interactive, so you can zoom in and out to explore different areas near Camas. You can click on individual gateways to get more details about their status, owner (if publicly available), and sometimes the range of the gateway.
Some regions have dedicated TTN communities that manage several gateways and provide better coverage. Although Camas itself might not have an official TTN community, nearby cities like Portland, OR, could have active communities with gateways that reach Camas.
- Search for Nearby Communities: TTN Community Search.
If you can’t find gateways directly in Camas, you might reach out to local makerspaces, universities, or IoT enthusiast groups in the region. These groups often host TTN gateways or can help you get set up with one.
This method should help you identify any TTN gateways available near you and whether you can leverage them for your LoRa-based projects.
Here’s a list of some Adafruit LoRa boards along with their advantages and limitations. Adafruit offers a few different models depending on your needs for integrating LoRa communication in your projects.
- Frequency: 900 MHz (US), 868 MHz (EU)
- Advantages:
- Compact Design: Can be easily stacked on top of any Feather board.
- Low Power: Designed for low-power applications, making it great for battery-powered projects.
- Integrated Antenna Port: Easy connection for antennas to improve signal range.
- Long Range: Up to 2 km in urban environments and even longer in rural areas with clear line of sight.
- Feather Ecosystem: Compatible with Feather microcontroller boards like the ESP32 and M0 series, providing flexibility in microcontroller choice.
- Limitations:
- No Built-in Microcontroller: Requires a separate Feather board to function, adding to the cost and complexity.
- Limited GPIOs: Some FeatherWing boards limit the available GPIO pins, depending on the base Feather board used.
- Frequency: 868/915 MHz
- Advantages:
- Integrated Microcontroller: Built-in ATmega32u4 microcontroller, which reduces the need for an external microcontroller.
- Built-in USB Programming Interface: Simplifies programming and firmware uploading.
- Compact: Combines LoRa and microcontroller on a single board, saving space in projects.
- Low Power Consumption: Ideal for low-power IoT applications.
- Limitations:
- Limited Processing Power: The ATmega32u4 is not very powerful compared to more modern microcontrollers (e.g., ESP32).
- Low Memory: Limited SRAM and flash memory, which might be a constraint for larger or more complex applications.
- Frequency: 868/915 MHz
- Advantages:
- Powerful 32-bit ARM Cortex M0 Processor: Much faster than 8-bit boards like the Feather 32u4.
- Integrated LoRa Module: Includes the LoRa RFM95W radio for long-range communication.
- USB Interface: For easy programming and debugging.
- Feather Ecosystem Compatibility: Works well with FeatherWing add-ons for additional functionality like displays or sensors.
- Higher Memory Capacity: More RAM and flash than 8-bit microcontrollers.
- Limitations:
- Higher Power Consumption than 8-bit Boards: While still efficient, the ARM Cortex M0 uses more power than the 32u4.
- Higher Cost: Slightly more expensive than simpler boards.
- Frequency: 868/915 MHz
- Advantages:
- Integrated ESP32-S2 Microcontroller: Supports Wi-Fi along with LoRa for a versatile communication platform.
- Dual-core 32-bit Processor: Offers high performance and the ability to run complex applications, including those requiring Wi-Fi and LoRa.
- More GPIOs: More pins for connecting external peripherals and sensors.
- Higher Memory: Ample flash and RAM for larger IoT projects or running MicroPython/CircuitPython.
- Limitations:
- Power Consumption: ESP32-S2 is more power-hungry than simpler microcontrollers like the ATmega32u4.
- More Complex to Use: Due to the combination of Wi-Fi and LoRa, it may be more challenging to program and set up for beginners.
- Frequency: 868/915 MHz
- Advantages:
- Bluetooth 5.0 and LoRa Support: Combines both Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and LoRa for projects that need local (BLE) and remote (LoRa) communication.
- nRF52840 Processor: 32-bit ARM Cortex M4 processor with floating point support, offering better performance for data-heavy applications.
- Low Power Modes: The nRF52840 chip is designed to be energy-efficient, especially in low-power modes.
- USB Support: Direct USB connectivity for programming and debugging.
- Limitations:
- Moderate Power Consumption: Higher power consumption compared to simpler 8-bit or lower-end boards.
- Slightly Complex Setup: Setting up Bluetooth and LoRa together can be tricky for beginners.
- Frequency: 433 MHz
- Advantages:
- Longer Range: 433 MHz can offer better penetration through obstacles compared to 868/915 MHz, making it ideal for environments with dense objects like buildings or forests.
- Simple to Integrate: Breakout board can be integrated into custom designs with various microcontrollers.
- Lower Cost: Compared to Feather boards with integrated microcontrollers, this breakout board is cheaper.
- Limitations:
- Requires External Microcontroller: Since it’s just a breakout, you’ll need to pair it with a microcontroller or development board.
- Larger Antenna Required: 433 MHz requires a longer antenna for optimal performance, which may not be ideal for compact designs.
- For Beginners or Simple Projects: The Feather 32u4 with LoRa offers a good balance of ease-of-use and functionality.
- For More Complex Projects: The Feather ESP32-S2 or Feather M0 with LoRa provide more processing power and flexibility for advanced applications.
- For Long Range or Penetration Needs: The RFM96W 433 MHz breakout is an excellent option when range is a primary concern, especially in difficult environments.
Each of these boards offers distinct advantages, depending on the project’s requirements for range, processing power, and power consumption.
Adafruit is a company that specializes in creating open-source hardware and software, with a particular focus on electronics for hobbyists, educators, and makers. Founded by engineer Limor "Ladyada" Fried in 2005, Adafruit designs and manufactures a wide range of products, including microcontrollers, sensors, components, and kits aimed at helping people learn about electronics and coding.
Some of their popular products include:
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Microcontrollers: Adafruit is well-known for their development boards like the Adafruit Feather and Adafruit Circuit Playground, which are designed for ease of use and flexibility in maker projects. They often use chips like the ESP32, ATSAMD21, and nRF52840, among others.
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Sensors and Modules: They provide a large variety of sensors (e.g., temperature, humidity, motion, light, etc.) and breakout boards, making it easy for hobbyists to integrate these components into their projects.
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Arduino and Raspberry Pi accessories: Adafruit offers a large selection of shields, breakout boards, and accessories for popular platforms like Arduino and Raspberry Pi.
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Educational Resources: One of Adafruit's core missions is education. They have extensive tutorials, guides, and even a YouTube channel that demonstrates how to use their products in real-world projects. They also created the Adafruit Learning System, a free resource for learning how to use electronics.
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Software: Adafruit supports its hardware with open-source software libraries and tools, including support for platforms like Arduino IDE, MicroPython, and CircuitPython (a Python implementation designed for microcontrollers).
In short, Adafruit is a go-to resource for anyone interested in hands-on electronics projects, ranging from beginner kits to advanced maker tools.
A search of GitHub, Wikipedia, repositories for LoRa.
- /LoRa 18.8k results
- /TTN 4.2k results
- /Adafruit/LoRa 98 results
- /Arduino/LoRa 818 results
GitHub is a web-based platform used for version control and collaboration on software development projects. It is built around Git, which is an open-source version control system that helps developers manage and track changes to code.
Here are the key features and purposes of GitHub:
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Version Control: GitHub allows multiple developers to work on a project simultaneously while keeping track of all changes made to the codebase. Each change is saved as a version, and you can revert to previous versions if needed.
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Repository Hosting: GitHub hosts repositories, which are directories where all your project files and revision history are stored. These repositories can be public (open to everyone) or private (restricted to certain users or teams).
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Collaboration: GitHub provides tools for team collaboration, such as pull requests, where developers propose changes, and others can review, comment, and merge them into the project. It also has features like issues and projects to track bugs, feature requests, and overall project progress.
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Branching: GitHub allows developers to create different branches of their code for experimenting with new features or fixing bugs without affecting the main project. Once the changes are tested and approved, they can be merged into the main branch.
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Community and Open Source: GitHub is widely used for open-source projects, where developers from around the world contribute to improving software by submitting code, reporting issues, or proposing new features.
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GitHub Pages: It allows users to host static websites directly from a repository.
In summary, GitHub is an essential tool for software engineers, teams, and open-source contributors for managing, sharing, and collaborating on code.
LoRa frequency for North America is 915 MHz.
- 1/4 wave length of 915 MHz is 7.8 cm. adjusted for velocity factor of .95. Antenna looks like 36.5 ohms.
Nuts and Volts article IoT Made Easy has a good table of different wireless technoliges.
YouTube
- How LoRa Modulation really works - long range communication using chirps
- Chrip spread spectrum
- Compare received sysbols with all ideal know sysbols and select best fit sysbol.
- SF: spreading factor, increasing the SF improves the ability to operate in lower SNR. Increase SF increase in data bits per second, Higher SF slower the communications.
- Math tricks to implement in low power circuits.
Chrip spread spectrum
- Preamble: 8 up-chirps
- Synchronization: 2 down-chirps
- Data: 5 up-chirps
US 902 to 928 MHz
Duty cycle US no limit
Time-on-air, dwell time US 400ms for channels 0-63, continious transmission not allowed
CF and bandwidth typical 125 kHz