CrowdSupply Open Source USB LoRa® Device

LoStik by Ronoth is an affordable, easy to use, LoRaWAN™ compatible device. It lets IoT (Internet of Things) integrators, network testers, and hobbyists get connected to LoRa® networks faster, diagnose network issues more easily, and build new and exciting connected devices.

Overview

LoRa® technology is one of the leading wireless technologies powering the emerging Internet of Things. It is used in tons of cool technologies such as automatic meter reading, smart parking, and even livestock tracking. It has the unique ability to send packets over fairly long distances using minimal power (We?re talking kilometers!). LoRa® technology is perfect for devices that are located far away and need to send small amounts of data.

Unfortunately, configuring and deploying these devices can be more challenging than it needs to be. Setting up and testing new networks can also be tiresome and complex. That?s where our device comes in.

Hobbyists can connect their Raspberry Pi or PC to any LoRa® gateway and start sending messages or sensor data with minimal fuss or configuration. There is no easier way to get connected to a LoRaWAN™ network. LoStik is ideal for connecting your Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone, or any PC to the LoRaWAN™ network. It connects over USB leaving your precious Raspberry PI GPIO pins free. If you?re looking to build an automated backyard garden, DIY home automation, or a garage door opener, LoStik can help you out.

IoT integrators can use LoStik to test and configure networks without carrying around development boards and random programmers, serial adapters, and wires.

LoRa® wireless techonolgy is used in tons of industries and use-cases including:

• Cattle farming - Tracking herd movement, location, body temperature, and local humidity
• Vineyards - Soil moisture, humidity, temperature, and weather conditions
• Asset Tracking - Realtime location tracking
• Railway - Early detection of freezing of railway switches
• Utilities - Waterflow meters, electric meters
• Pest Control - Connected mousetrap

No matter what your use-case is LoStik wireless networks is an essential tool for any IoT integrator.

Key Features

• Works with any PC, Raspberry Pi, or BeagleBone
• Simple ASCII interface
• Backpack friendly (compare to a dev boards and jumper wires)
• Supports Packet mode LoRa® (packet mode) or LoRaWAN™
• Compatible with The Things Network
• Based on the RN2903/R2483 by Microchip
• Two user-programmable LEDs
• Open source

Specifications

• Connectivity: USB 2.0
• Power Consumption: 140 mA typical TX, 20 mA idle (with power LED)
• Dimensions: 80 mm x 25 mm x 12 mm (without antenna)
• Receiver Sensitivity: down to -146 dBm
• TX Power: adjustable up to +18.5 dBm
• Range: up to 15 km coverage in suburban and up to 5 km coverage in urban areas

Technical Details

Radio & MCU

Ronoth USB Dongle for LoRa® wireless networks uses a RN2903 (US) or RN2483 (EU) depending on what ITU region you are in; if you are unsure which version you need check out the frequency plan.

LoStik uses a simple ASCII interface. You can configure it and send commands over serial / COM port. Microchip provides a detailed command refference RN2903, RN2483

The radio can be used in packet mode sending packets between nodes. This provides simplex, single-channel communications. If you want to speak LoRaWAN you need a gateway or access to one. Some countries in Europe provide nation-wide coverage.

If you want to tinker with the MCU directly it is possible (but not necessary) to write your own firmware. There is an unpopulated ICSP header and the onboard MCU is a PIC18LF46K22 and Microchip supplies LoRaWAN libraries for use with MPLab.