Wireless control over a long distance with the LoRa modem
Conclusion
I hope the system described in this article, and the details of how it was built, will prove of interest. For an in-depth understanding of the modem chip, see the datasheet [14], as well as many of the LoRa resources on Semtech's site. There is always scope for improvement, both in hardware and software. The LoRa HAT board could be put to many different uses with simple changes and additions to the software. The SX1272 software module provides a very simple abstraction of the modem function, so replacing something like an RS485 link or an existing TCP/IP messaging system would be fairly simple. For a more in-depth understanding of LoRa and its applications, see the many excellent YouTube tutorials on the subject – and on low-power radio in general.
Infos
- LoRa: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LoRa
- LoRa world distance record: https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/article/lorawan-distance-world-record
- US 915MHz licence-free band: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISM_band
- European 868MHz license-free band: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short-range_device#SRD860
- LoRa modulation basics: https://www.semtech.com/uploads/documents/an1200.22.pdf
- LoRa example deployments: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LoRa#Deployments_of_LoRa_Technology
- Semtech's SX1272RF1BAS module: https://www.digikey.co.uk/product-detail/en/semtech-corporation/SX1272RF1BAS/SX1272RF1BAS-ND/4490407
- LoRa test software for the Raspberry Pi: https://github.com/mngiess/lora-sx1272-test/blob/master/README.md
- SX1272 modules: SX1272RF1xAS – 868 or 915 MHz – Combined RFI and PA_BOOST design: https://www.semtech.com/products/wireless-rf/lora-transceivers/sx1272
- Planar F-Antenna Reference Design: https://www.semtech.com/uploads/documents/AN1200.20-SARANT_V1_0_STD.pdf
- Slice of relay – Pi accessory: https://rlx.sk/en/raspberry-pi/2120-slice-of-relay-raspberry-pi-b047-relay-board-for-raspberry-pi-.html
- Author's GitHub project page: https://github.com/andrewrussellmalcolm/lora_hat
- LoRaWAN introduction: https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/docs/lorawan/
- SX1272 datasheet: https://www.semtech.com/uploads/documents/SX1272_DS_V4.pdf
« Previous 1 2 3
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Direct Download
Read full article as PDF:
Price $2.95
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Find SysAdmin Jobs
News
-
Kubuntu Focus Announces XE Gen 2 Linux Laptop
Another Kubuntu-based laptop has arrived to be your next ultra-portable powerhouse with a Linux heart.
-
MNT Seeks Financial Backing for New Seven-Inch Linux Laptop
MNT Pocket Reform is a tiny laptop that is modular, upgradable, recyclable, reusable, and ships with Debian Linux.
-
Ubuntu Flatpak Remix Adds Flatpak Support Preinstalled
If you're looking for a version of Ubuntu that includes Flatpak support out of the box, there's one clear option.
-
Gnome 44 Release Candidate Now Available
The Gnome 44 release candidate has officially arrived and adds a few changes into the mix.
-
Flathub Vying to Become the Standard Linux App Store
If the Flathub team has any say in the matter, their product will become the default tool for installing Linux apps in 2023.
-
Debian 12 to Ship with KDE Plasma 5.27
The Debian development team has shifted to the latest version of KDE for their testing branch.
-
Planet Computers Launches ARM-based Linux Desktop PCs
The firm that originally released a line of mobile keyboards has taken a different direction and has developed a new line of out-of-the-box mini Linux desktop computers.
-
Ubuntu No Longer Shipping with Flatpak
In a move that probably won’t come as a shock to many, Ubuntu and all of its official spins will no longer ship with Flatpak installed.
-
openSUSE Leap 15.5 Beta Now Available
The final version of the Leap 15 series of openSUSE is available for beta testing and offers only new software versions.
-
Linux Kernel 6.2 Released with New Hardware Support
Find out what's new in the most recent release from Linus Torvalds and the Linux kernel team.