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
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
So Long Neofetch and Thanks for the Info
Today is a day that every Linux user who enjoys bragging about their system(s) will mourn, as Neofetch has come to an end.
-
Ubuntu 24.04 Comes with a “Flaw"
If you're thinking you might want to upgrade from your current Ubuntu release to the latest, there's something you might want to consider before doing so.
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.