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LORA THING PLUS EXPLORARABLE
SparkFun Electronics
SparkFun expLoRaBLE Hookup Guide
2022-01-04 | By SparkFun Electronics
License: See Original Project Arduino Qwiic
Courtesy of SparkFun
Guide by QCPETE, SANTA CLAUS IMPERSONATOR
Introduction
The SparkFun LoRa Thing Plus – expLoRaBLE is a feather form-factor development board with the NM180100 system in package (SiP), from Northern Mechatronics. The NM180100 SiP includes a Semtex SX1262 LoRa module paired with the Apollo3 MCU, which is used in the SparkFun Artemis module. This provides the board with compatibility in the Arduino IDE, through our Apollo3 Arduino core. The Semtex SX1262 is a long range, low power RF transceiver introduces LoRaWAN capabilities to the board. Additionally, both the BLE and LoRa capabilities of the expLoRaBLE allow it to operate as a Bluetooth enabled LoRa node.
SparkFun LoRa Thing Plus - expLoRaBLE
Required Materials
To get started, users will need a few items. Now some users may have a few of these items, feel free to modify your cart accordingly.
USB 3.1 Cable A to C - 3 Foot - The USB interface serves two purposes: it powers the board and allows you to upload programs to it. (*If your computer doesn't provide a USB-A slot, then you will need to choose an appropriate cable or purchase an adapter as well.)
Access to a LoRa gateway (connected to The Things Network)
An account with The Things Network
Computer with an operating system (OS) that is compatible with all the software installation requirements.
GATEWAYS
LoRa Gateways
Below, is a selection of a few LoRA gateway options from the LoRa product category.
LoRa Raspberry Pi Gateway with Enclosure
LoRa Raspberry Pi 4 Gateway with Enclosure
Nebra Indoor HNT Hotspot Miner (915MHz)
Nebra Outdoor HNT Hotspot Miner (915MHz)
SparkFun LoRa Gateway - 1-Channel (ESP32)
Interface Cable RP-SMA to U.FL
ANTENNAS
Below, is a selection of a few LoRA antenna options from the antenna product category.
Interface Cable RP-SMA to U.FL
Pycom LoRa and Sigfox Antenna Kit - 915MHz
(*A diplexer is used to combine the BLE and LoRa signals to a single U.FL connection. Only the Wide Band 4G LTE Internal FPC Antenna is recommended for use as a combination LoRa and BLE antenna.)
HEADERS
Headers & Accessories
Headers are great for development purposes, letting users swap parts with just a set of jumper wires. If you would like to add headers to your board, check out some of the options for the Thing Plus or Feather form factor boards:
SparkFun Beginner Tool Kit
Below is a sample selection of our other headers and soldering tools in our catalog. For a full selection of our available Headers or Soldering Tools, click on the associated link.
Arduino Stackable Header Kit - R3
Raspberry Pi GPIO Tall Header - 2x20
Soldering Iron - 60W (Adjustable Temperature)
Weller WE1010 Soldering Station
Solder - 1/4lb Spool (0.020") Special Blend
BATTERIES
Li-Po Battery
For mobile applications, users will want to pick up a single-cell LiPo battery from our catalog. Below, are a few available options:
JUMPER MODIFICATION
Jumper Modification
To modify the jumpers, users will need soldering equipment and/or a knife.
Weller WLC100 Soldering Station
JTAG FUNCTIONALITY
JTAG Functionality
Users interested in JTAG applications (i.e. programming and debugging the RP2040) will need an Arm® Programmer and need to solder on a JTAG header. We recommend these programmers from our catalog:
J-Link EDU Base Programmer
J-Link BASE Compact Programmer
Suggested Reading
As a more professionally oriented product, we will skip over the more fundamental tutorials (i.e. Ohm's Law and What is Electricity?). However, below are a few tutorials that may help users familiarize themselves with various aspects of the board.
Serial Communication: Asynchronous serial communication concepts: packets, signal levels, baud rates, UARTs and more!
I2C: An introduction to I2C, one of the main embedded communications protocols in use today.
Bluetooth Basics: An overview of the Bluetooth wireless technology.
Logic Levels: Learn the difference between 3.3V and 5V devices and logic levels.
Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI): SPI is commonly used to connect microcontrollers to peripherals such as sensors, shift registers, and SD cards.
ARM Programming: How to program SAMD21 or SAMD51 boards (or other ARM processors).
Installing an Arduino Library: How do I install a custom Arduino library? It's easy! This tutorial will go over how to install an Arduino library using the Arduino Library Manager. For libraries not linked with the Arduino IDE, we will also go over manually installing an Arduino library.
Three Quick Tips About Using U.FL: Quick tips regarding how to connect, protect, and disconnect U.FL connectors.
LoRaWAN with ProRF and The Things Network: Learn how to make a LoRaWAN node for your next long range IoT project and connect it to the internet with The Things Network!
Artemis Development with Arduino: Get our powerful Artemis based boards (Artemis Nano, BlackBoard Artemis, and BlackBoard Artemis ATP) blinking in less than 5 minutes using the SparkFun Artemis Arduino Core!
Pulse Width Modulation: An introduction to the concept of Pulse Width Modulation.
Analog vs. Digital: This tutorial covers the concept of analog and digital signals, as they relate to electronics.
Installing Board Definitions in the Arduino IDE: How do I install a custom Arduino board/core? It's easy! This tutorial will go over how to install an Arduino board definition using the Arduino Board Manager. We will also go over manually installing third-party cores, such as the board definitions required for many of the SparkFun development boards.
Artemis Development with the Arduino IDE: This is an in-depth guide on developing in the Arduino IDE for the Artemis module and any Artemis microcontroller development board. Inside, users will find setup instructions and simple examples from blinking an LED and taking ADC measurements; to more complex features like BLE and I2C.
Installing Arduino IDE: A step-by-step guide to installing and testing the Arduino software on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
One of the new, advanced features of the board is that it takes advantage of the Qwiic connect system. We recommend familiarizing yourself with the Logic Levels and I2C tutorials. Click on the banner above to learn more about Qwiic products.
Hardware Overview
Board Dimensions
The board dimensions are illustrated in the drawing below. The listed measurements are in inches and the four mounting holes are compatible with 4-40 standoff screws.
Board dimensions (PDF) for the SparkFun expLoRaBLE, in inches
USB-C Connector
The USB connector is provided to power and program the board. For most users, it will be the primary programing interface for the NM180100.
USB-C connector on the SparkFun expLoRaBLE
CH340E Serial-to-UART
The CH340E allows the NM180100 to communicate with a computer/host device through its USB-C connection. This allows the board to show up as a device on the serial (or COM) port of the computer. Users will need to install the latest CH340 driver for the computer to recognize the board.
How to install CH340 drivers (if you need them) on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.
Power
The SparkFun expLoRaBLE only requires 3.3V to power the board. However, the simplest method to power the board is with the USB-C connector. There are additional power pins available on the board:
3.3V - A regulated 3.3V voltage source
Regulated from the USB 5V power and/or battery connection
Used to power the NM180100 SiP and Qwiic I2C bus
USB - The voltage from the USB-C connector, usually 5V
VBAT - The voltage from the JST battery connector; meant for single cell LiPo batteries
GND - The common ground or the 0V reference for the voltage supplies
SparkFun expLoRaBLE power connections
Charging Circuit
The charging circuit utilizes the MCP73831 linear charge management controller and is powered directly from the USB-C connector or USB. The controller is configured for a 500mA charge rate and battery charging is indicated when the yellow, CHG LED. If the charge controller is shutdown or charging is complete, the CHG LED will turn off. For more information, please refer to the MCP73831 datasheet.
NM180100 SiP
The NM180100 SiP from Northern Mechatronics is the brains of the SparkFun expLoRaBLE. The system in package (SiP) includes an Apollo3 MCU connected to a Semtech SX1262 radio transceiver. The connection between the two ICs is laid out in the table below.
NM180100 SiP on the SparkFun explorable
A breakdown of the NM180100 functionality is shown in the block diagram below and the functionality of each embedded chip is laid out in the following subsections. It should be noted, that the Bluetooth and LoRa antenna connections on the SparkFun expLoRaBLE share the same u.FL connector with the use of a diplexer. For more details on the NM180100 SiP check out the datasheet.
Note: While most users will utilize the USB connection for serial programming, the Apollo3 MCU in the NM180100 SiP can also be programmed through its JTAG or SWD pins. This might be useful for individuals developing and testing firmware that would be flashed directly onto the NM180100 SiP, such as in production for commercial applications. For more details on programming, please check out our ARM Programming tutorial.
How to program SAMD21 or SAMD51 boards (or other ARM processors).
The JTAG pins on the SparkFun expLoRaBLE
Apollo3 MCU
For details on the Apollo3, users should refer to the Designing with the SparkFun Artemis hookup guide. Additionally, users can reference the following resources for more technical information:
Designing with the SparkFun Artemis
Let's chat about layout and design considerations when using the Artemis module.
Hardware Information:
Development Platforms:
SX1262 RF Transceiver
Note: In the US, LoRaWAN operates in the 915MHz frequency band (i.e. 902 to 928 MHz).
The Semtech SX1262 module is a long range, low power, half-duplex transceiver with global LoRa® frequency coverage, capable of operating as a Long range (LoRa) wide area network (LoRaWAN) or frequency-shift keying (FSK) modem. The module was designed for long battery life with just 4.2 mA of active receive current consumption and it can transmit up to +22 dBm with the use of its highly efficient, integrated power amplifiers. The SX1262 is optimal for devices that are designed to comply with the physical layer requirements of the LoRaWAN specification released by the LoRa Alliance™. For more details on the SX1262, check out the datasheet.
Functional block diagram for the SX1262
u.FL Antenna Connector
Note: Make sure to utilize an antenna that is appropriate for your RF and/or BLE application.
The Apollo3 BLE and SX1262 RF antenna connections share a single U.FL antenna connector with the use of a diplexer.
Antenna connection on the SparkFun expLoRaBLE
Breakout Pin Connections
The pins from the NM180100 SiP are broken out into a feather form factor layout.
SparkFun expLoRaBLE breakout pins
Power Pins
The power pins aren't really I/O (Input/Output) connections for the microcontroller; however, they are pertinent to the board.
SparkFun expLoRaBLE power pins
The power I/O mostly consists of voltage supply pins. These pins are traditionally used as power sources for other pieces of hardware (like LEDs, potentiometers, and other circuits).
3.3V - A regulated 3.3V voltage source
Regulated from the USB 5V power and/or battery connection
Used to power the NM180100 SiP and Qwiic I2C bus
USB - The voltage from the USB-C connector, usually 5V
VBAT - The voltage from the JST battery connector; meant for single cell LiPo batteries
GND - The common ground or the 0V reference for the voltage supplies
Note: The EN pin is used to control the 3.3V voltage regulator output (i.e. the boards power) from the battery or USB connection to the rest of the board.
I/O Pins
Note: All the GPIO on the SparkFun LoRa Thing Plus – expLoRaBLE are 3.3V pins.
There are 21 I/O pins broken out on this board, which can be used as digital inputs to or outputs from the NM180100 SiP.
I/O breakout pins and headers
All of the SparkFun expLoRaBLE pins are broken out with .1" pitch spacing for headers. It is best practice to define the pinMode() (link) in the setup of each sketch (programs written in the Arduino IDE) for the pins used.
Input
When configured properly, an input pin will be looking for a HIGH or LOW state. Input pins are High Impedance and takes very little current to move the input pin from one state to another.
Output
When configured as an output the pin will be at a HIGH or LOW voltage. Output pins are Low Impedance: This means that they can provide a relatively substantial amount of current to other circuits.
Note: It should be noted that there are electrical limitations to the amount of current that the NM180100 SiP can sink or source. For more details, check out the Absolute Maximum Ratings section of the Electrical Characteristics on page 774 of the Apollo3 datasheet.
Additional Functions
There are several pins that have special functionality in addition to general digital I/O. These pins and their additional functions are listed in the tabs below. For more technical specifications on the I/O pins, you can refer to the Apollo 3 datasheet.
ANALOG INPUT
Analog Input Pins
Note: Be aware that the ADC input range is from 0 - 2V. Although connecting a sensor with an output to 3.3V is safe for the NM180100 SiP, it will saturate the ADC at 2V.
The NM180100 SiP offers a 14-bit ADC input for eight of the SparkFun expLoRaBLE's I/O pins. This functionality is accessed in the Arduino IDE using the analogRead(pin) function.
Note: By default, in the Arduino IDE, analogRead() returns a 10-bit value. To change the resolution of the value returned by the analogRead() function, use the analogReadResolution(bits) function.
Analog input pins on the SparkFun explorable
Note: To learn more about analog vs. digital signals, check out this great tutorial.
This tutorial covers the concept of analog and digital signals, as they relate to electronics.
PWM OUTPUT
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Output Pins
The NM180100 SiP provides 16-bit PWM output for all of the SparkFun expLoRaBLE's twenty-one digital I/O pins. Additionally, the SCL line of the primary, Qwiic I2C bus and GPIO 10, which is connected to the status LED are also PWM capable outputs. This functionality is accessed in the Arduino IDE using the analogWrite(pin, value) function or the Servo library.
Note: By default, in the Arduino IDE, analogWrite() accepts an 8-bit value. To change the resolution of the PWM signal for the analogWrite() function, use the analogWriteResolution(bits) function.
(*The PWM output is the result of the NM180100 SiP's signal generator clock functionality and is not a true analog signal.)
PWM pins on the SparkFun expLoRaBLE
Note: To learn more about pulse width modulation (PWM), check out this great tutorial.
An introduction to the concept of Pulse Width Modulation.
SERIAL COMM.
Serial Communication Pins
The SparkFun expLoRaBLE has two UART modules that can function independently of each other. By default, the dedicated UART port to the USB connection (Serial) can be accessed through the Arduino IDE using the serial communication module. D0 (RX) and D1 (TX) of the breakout I/O pins are connected to the secondary UART module.
The available serial communication connections on the SparkFun expLoRaBLE
Note: To learn more about serial communication, check out this great tutorial.
DECEMBER 18, 2012
Asynchronous serial communication concepts: packets, signal levels, baud rates, UARTs and more!
SPI
SPI Communication
The default SPI bus on the SparkFun expLoRaBLE is accessible through the Arduino IDE using the SPI module. By default, in the Arduino IDE, the SPI module is configured to utilize pins 25, 27, and 28.
Note: To comply with the latest OSHW design practices, on the SparkFun expLoRaBLE we have replaced the MOSI/MISO nomenclature with SDO/SDI; the terms Master and Slave are now referred to as Controller and Peripheral. The MOSI signal on a controller has been replaced with the title SDO. Please refer to this announcement on the decision to deprecate the MOSI/MISO terminology and transition to the SDO/SDI naming convention.
The SPI pins on the SparkFun expLoRaBLE
Note: To learn more about the serial peripheral interface (SPI) protocol, check out this great tutorial.
Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI)
JANUARY 14, 2013
SPI is commonly used to connect microcontrollers to peripherals such as sensors, shift registers, and SD cards.
I2C
I2C Communication Pins
The SparkFun expLoRaBLE has 2 I2C modules. The Qwiic connector is connected to the default I2C bus that is accessed through the Arduino IDE using the Wire module.
The available I2C bus connections for the SparkFun expLoRaBLE
Note: To learn more about the inter-integrated circuit (I2C) protocol, check out this great tutorial.
JULY 8, 2013
An introduction to I2C, one of the main embedded communications protocols in use today.
Buttons
There are two buttons on SparkFun expLoRaBLE; a reset and GPIO button.
Reset Button
The reset (RST) button allows users to reset the program running on the NM180100 SiP without unplugging the board.
Reset button on the SparkFun expLoRaBLE
User Button
Note: In order to utilize the user button, connected to GPIO 10, the pin mode will need to be configured as an input with an internal pullup (i.e. INPUT_PULLUP); see an example below.
Copy Code
The user (10) button allows users to short GPIO 10 to ground (GND).
GPIO 10 button on the SparkFun expLoRaBLE
Indicator LEDs
There are five indication LEDs on the SparkFun expLoRaBLE:
Status/Pin 18? (Blue)
Power (Red)
Battery Charging (Yellow)
RX (Yellow) and TX (Green)
Power LED
The red, PWR LED will light up once 3.3V is supplied to the board. For most users, it will light up when 5V is supplied through the USB connection and/or when a LiPo battery is attached to the JST connector.
SparkFun expLoRaBLE Thing Plus PWR status LED indicator
Battery Charging LED
The yellow, CHG LED will light while a battery is being charged through the charging circuit. The LED will be off when no battery is present (*dimmed), when the charge management controller is in standby (after the battery charging has been completed), or when the charge management controller is shutdown. The LED will be on when the charge management controller is in the process of charging the battery. For more information, please refer to the MCP73831 datasheet.
The battery charging (CHG) LED indicator on the SparkFun expLoRaBLE Thing Plus
STAT LED
The blue, status (18) LED is typically used as a test or status LED to make sure that a board is working or for basic debugging. This indicator is connected to GPIO 18.
The status (18) LED indicator on the SparkFun expLoRaBLE Thing Plus
RX and TX LEDs
The yellow, RX and green, TX LEDs are used to indicate serial communication and programming between the CH340E serial-to-UART and NM180100 SiP.
The RX and TX LED indicators on the SparkFun expLoRaBLE Thing Plus
Jumpers
There are three jumpers on the back of the board that can be used to easily modify the hardware connections on the board.
ISO - This jumper can be used to isolate the 3.3V connection from the voltage regulator
LED - This jumper can be used to remove 3.3V power to the PWR LED and reduce power consumption on the board
RTS - This jumper can be used to disconnect the CH340E from the RESET pin of the Apollo3; effectively, disabling the ability of the CH340E to reset the MCU through software
Primary I2C Bus
The Qwiic connector is attached to the primary I2C bus. The primary I2C bus for this board utilizes the pin connections, detailed in the table below:
Qwiic Connector
A Qwiic connector is provided for users to seamlessly integrate with SparkFun's Qwiic Ecosystem.
Qwiic connector on the SparkFun expLoRaBLE
What is Qwiic?
The Qwiic system is intended a quick, hassle-free cabling/connector system for I2C devices. Qwiic is actually a play on words between "quick" and I2C or "iic".
Features of the Qwiic System
NO SOLDERING
Keep your soldering iron at bay.
Cables plug easily between boards making quick work of setting up a new prototype. We currently offer three different lengths of Qwiic cables as well as a breadboard friendly cable to connect any Qwiic enabled board to anything else. Initially you may need to solder headers onto the shield to connect your platform to the Qwiic system but once that’s done it’s plug and go!
Qwiic cables connected to Spectral Sensor Breakout
POLARIZED CONNECTOR
Minimize your mistakes.
How many times have you swapped the SDA and SCL wires on your breadboard hoping the sensor will start working? The Qwiic connector is polarized so you know you’ll have it wired correctly, every time, from the start.
The PCB connector is part number SM04B-SRSS (Datasheet) or equivalent. The mating connector used on cables is part number SHR04V-S-B or equivalent. This is a common and low-cost connector.
1mm pitch, 4-pin JST connector
DAISY CHAIN
Expand with ease.
It’s time to leverage the power of the I2C bus! Most Qwiic boards will have two or more connectors on them allowing multiple devices to be connected.
Shown above: Qwiic Shield for Arduino on RedBoard, Spectral Sensor Breakout - NIR, Spectral Sensor Breakout - Visible and SparkFun GPS Breakout
Software Overview
CH340 Driver
Users will need to install the latest CH340 driver on their computer, in order for it to properly recognize the board.
How to install CH340 drivers (if you need them) on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.
Arduino IDE
Note: For first-time users, who have never programmed before and are looking to use the Arduino IDE, we recommend beginning with the SparkFun Inventor's Kit (SIK), which includes a simpler board like the Arduino Uno or SparkFun RedBoard and is designed to help users get started programming with the Arduino IDE.
Most users will be familiar with the Arduino IDE and it's use. As a point of reference for professional developers who aren't aware, the Arduino IDE is an open-source development environment, written in Java, that makes it easy to write code and upload it to a supported board. For more details, feel free to check out the Arduino website.
To get started with the Arduino IDE, check out the following tutorials:
Installing an Arduino Library: How do I install a custom Arduino library? It's easy! This tutorial will go over how to install an Arduino library using the Arduino Library Manager. For libraries not linked with the Arduino IDE, we will also go over manually installing an Arduino library.
What is an Arduino? What is this 'Arduino' thing anyway? This tutorial dives into what an Arduino is and along with Arduino projects and widgets.
Installing Arduino IDE: A step-by-step guide to installing and testing the Arduino software on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Installing Board Definitions in the Arduino IDE: How do I install a custom Arduino board/core? It's easy! This tutorial will go over how to install an Arduino board definition using the Arduino Board Manager. We will also go over manually installing third-party cores, such as the board definitions required for many of the SparkFun development boards.
Software Dependencies
Install the latest SparkFun Apollo3 Boards board definitions in the Arduino IDE
Note: The installed board definitions for our Apollo3 development boards must be version 2.0.5 or later.
Adding the SparkFun expLoRaBLE in the Board Manager
Installing Board Definitions in the Arduino IDE
How do I install a custom Arduino board/core? It's easy! This tutorial will go over how to install an Arduino board definition using the Arduino Board Manager. We will also go over manually installing third-party cores, such as the board definitions required for many of the SparkFun development boards.
Note: For more instructions, users can follow this tutorial on Installing Additional Cores provided by Arduino. Users will also need the .json file for the SparkFun Ambiq Apollo3 Arduino Core:
https://raw.githubusercontent.com/sparkfun/Arduino_Apollo3/master/package_sparkfun_apollo3_index.json
Install the associated Arduino libraries for the board's features:
1. The ArduinoBLE Arduino library
2. The RadioLib Arduino library
Note: Currently, the RadioLib Arduino library, doesn't support the SparkFun expLoRaBLE Thing Plus. There is a pull-request to integrate support for the expLoRaBLE into the library. In the meantime, users will need to manually install the library with this .zip file.
DOWNLOAD THE MODIFIED RADIOLIB ARDUINO LIBRARY
Provides support for peer-to-peer RF communication
Note: Peer-to-peer refers to direct RF communication using FSK modulation and not a mesh network LoRa integration.
3. Our port of the basicmac code (*requires manual .zip file installation)
Note: Currently, there isn't an Arduino library that provides a LoRa implementation, supporting the SX1262. However, we were able to modify and port the basicmac code as an Arduino library for the SparkFun expLoRaBLE. Users will need to manually install the library with this .zip file.
DOWNLOAD THE PORTED BASICMAC ARDUINO LIBRARY
The library includes modifications for the SPI pins use by the NM180100 to connect the Apollo3 MCU to the SX1262 module. Additionally, it also contains modifications to pre-configure the library to use the SX1262, the US LoRa frequency band, and defaults to a SF7 (spreading factor).
Provides support for LoRa on The Things Network
GitHub repository for basicmac (original code)
How do I install a custom Arduino library? It's easy! This tutorial will go over how to install an Arduino library using the Arduino Library Manager.
For libraries not linked with the Arduino IDE, we will also go over manually installing an Arduino library.
Users will need an account on The Things Network for the example that demonstrates the LoRaWAN capabilities of the expLoRaBLE. Please, use the information in either of the following tutorials to create an account on register a node on The Things Network.
LoRaWAN with ProRF and The Things Network
Learn how to make a LoRaWAN node for your next long range IoT project and connect it to the internet with The Things Network!
SparkFun SAMD21 Pro RF Hookup Guide
Using the super blazing, nay blinding, fast SAMD21 whipping clock cycles at 48MHz and the RFM96 module to connect to the Things Network (and other Radio woodles).
Note: For more information, feel free to utilize the documentation from The Things Network to:
Once registered, in the device settings:
Configure the activation method to ABP (activation by personalization)
Disable (uncheck) the Frame counter checks
Hardware Assembly
USB Programming
The USB connection is utilized for programming and serial communication. Users only need to plug their SparkFun expLoRaBLE into a computer using a USB-C cable.
The SparkFun expLoRaBLE attached to a computer
Antenna
In order to utilize the LoRa and RF capabilities of the SX1262, users will need to attach an antenna. Check out the tutorial below for tips on using U.FL connectors.
The SparkFun expLoRaBLE with a whip or patch antenna attached
Three Quick Tips About Using U.FL
Quick tips regarding how to connect, protect, and disconnect U.FL connectors.
Note: Users should be aware that the transmission signal from the Wide Band 4G LTE Internal FPC antenna emits orthogonally to the top surface (i.e. towards the camera in the image above). Additionally, from our experience the antenna runs better in the wire down orientation as well.
Battery
For remote LoRa applications, a Li-Po battery can be connected. Additionally, users may be interested in utilizing a solar panel and USB-C cable to recharge their battery.
The SparkFun expLoRaBLE with a battery connected
Solar Panel Charger - 10W
USB 3.1 Cable A to C - 3 Foot
Qwiic Devices
The Qwiic system allows users to effortlessly prototype with a Qwiic compatible I2C device without soldering. Users can attach any Qwiic compatible sensor or board, with just a Qwiic cable. (*The example below, is for demonstration purposes and is not pertinent to the board functionality or this tutorial.)
The Qwiic XA110 GPS breakout board and Micro OLED board connected to the SparkFun expLoRaBLE
LoRaWAN Example
LEGAL IMPLICATIONS!!!
Regional Configuration: The (ported) basicmac library includes configurations required for the SPI pins use by the NM180100 to connect the Apollo3 MCU to the SX1262 module. Additionally, it also contains modifications to pre-configure the library to use the SX1262, the US LoRa frequency band, and defaults to a spreading factor of 7 (SF7).
In order to change the regional configuration (for outside the US), users will need to go into the library files to make the necessary modifications to the target configuration file (target-conf.h). The configuration file can be found with the following file path BasicMAC>src>hal>target-config.h; on Windows 10, the file path is C:\Users\"username"\Documents\Arduino\libraries\BasicMAC\src\hal\target-config.h.
Lines 36-43 in the target-conf.h file used to configure the regional settings
On lines 36-43, users will find the available regional options. To make the required modifications, users simply need to comment in/out their configuration choice and save the file, before uploading their code. (*It is recommended that users also close and re-open the Arduino IDE before uploading their code, to ensure the modifications are in place.)
Register a Device on The Things Network
In order to utilize this example, users will need access to a gateway that is connected to The Things Network. Additionally, users should have their own account on The Things Network and have registered a device for their node. A device must be registered, in order to receive the Network Session Key, App Session Key, and Device Address required for the SparkFun expLoRaBLE to operate as a node and have its data passed to The Things Network servers. For those who are unfamiliar with LoRaWAN and The Things Network, please refer to the information provided below.
Registering a Device on The Things Network:
Users will need an account on The Things Network for this example. Please, use the information in either of the following tutorials to create an account and register a device on The Things Network.
LoRaWAN with ProRF and The Things Network
Learn how to make a LoRaWAN node for your next long range IoT project and connect it to the internet with The Things Network!
SparkFun SAMD21 Pro RF Hookup Guide
Using the super blazing, nay blinding, fast SAMD21 whipping clock cycles at 48MHz and the RFM96 module to connect to the Things Network (and other Radio woodles).
Credentials:
A screen shot from the Device Overview page with labels
Additional Resources
For more information, feel free to utilize the documentation from The Things Network to:
Once registered, in the device settings:
Configure the activation method to ABP (activation by personalization)
Disable (uncheck) the Frame counter checks
5. Learn about Working with Bytes
LoRa Example Code
Once users have a device registered on The Things Network, the example code will need to be downloaded and a few modifications are required before uploading.
DOWNLOAD THE LORAWAN EXAMPLE CODE
Credentials
Lines 36-47 of the example code, need to be modified to hard code the credentials required for the payload from the node to be passed to The Things Network:
Copy Code
// LoRaWAN NwkSKey, network session key
// This is the default Semtech key, which is used by the early prototype TTN
// network.
static const PROGMEM u1_t NWKSKEY[16] = { 0x##, 0x##, 0x##, 0x##, 0x##, 0x##, 0x##, 0x##, 0x##, 0x##, 0x##, 0x##, 0x##, 0x##, 0x##, 0x## };
// LoRaWAN AppSKey, application session key
// This is the default Semtech key, which is used by the early prototype TTN
// network.
static const u1_t PROGMEM APPSKEY[16] = { 0x##, 0x##, 0x##, 0x##, 0x##, 0x##, 0x##, 0x##, 0x##, 0x##, 0x##, 0x##, 0x##, 0x##, 0x##, 0x## };
// LoRaWAN end-device address (DevAddr)
static const u4_t DEVADDR = 0x######## ; // <-- Change this address for every node! For example, our device address is 26022DEN. We will need to replace "DEVICE_ADDRESS_HERE" as 0x26022DEB.Transmission Interval
Lines 62-64 of the example code, are used to set the transmission intervals between payloads:
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// Schedule TX every this many milliseconds (might become longer due to duty // cycle limitations). const unsigned TX_INTERVAL = 20000;
Payload Data
Lines 329-336 of the example code, is where the contents of the payload can be modified. The contents of the transmission on can be viewed on The Things Network through the Application Data page, once the node begins broadcasting. To access the Application Data page, click on the Data tab from the Device Overview page on The Things Network console.
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void send_packet() {
// Prepare upstream data transmission at the next possible time.
uint8_t mydata[] = "<Enter Text>";
LMIC_setTxData2(1, mydata, sizeof(mydata) - 1, 0);
Serial.println(F("Packet queued"));
last_packet = millis();
}Note: The data is limited to 13 bytes in size. The data (mydata[]) can take 3 different formats: text (as shown above), integers (8-bit unsigned), or an array. Any data sent as an array, must be in the following format: { 0x01, 0x02, 0x03, ... up to ... 0x13} (i.e. up to 13 hexadecimal numbers in an array).
Before You Upload the Code
STOP!!!
Regional Configuration: Before uploading the code, be sure to make any necessary regional configuration changes, as mentioned at the beginning of this section, to avoid breaking any laws.
Note: For those utilizing our LoRa Gateway - 1-Channel (ESP32), the code on lines 288-300 will need to be uncommented. The modification forces the device/node to only use channel 8; instead of randomly picking a channel to broadcast on. This is important as the single channel gateeway only receives transmissions on channel 8 and if the device were broadcasting on channels randomly, only a portion of the transmissions would reach The Things Network.
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// disable channels 0-7
for (int i = 0; i <= 7 ; i++)
{
LMIC_disableChannel(i);
}
// note, leave channel 8 enabled
// disable all other higher channels
for (int i = 9; i <= 63 ; i++)
{
LMIC_disableChannel(i);
}Code in Operation
Once the example code has been modified and uploaded to the SparkFun expLoRaBLE, users can monitor the serial terminal (or SerialMonitor on the Arduino IDE) for successful transmissions. Additionally, users can use The Things Network to decode the data packets to verify the data transmission.
Example of serial output from successful transmissions
Mapping with Node
For those looking to test out the range of their setup configuration, The Things Network has an application called TTN Mapper. To get started follow the Mapping Gateway Coverage using a Things Node. There is also an option to map using a either an Android phone or iPhone. For more information on the app, please check out the documentation on The Things Network.
To generate the images below, the Android guide was followed. The steps were relatively simple:
Download the App
Link a Device by:
Logging-in to The Things Network
Select an Application
Select Device
Power on Device
Walk Around
The TTN Mapper app uses the phone's positioning and ties it to the data transmission from the linked device. Therefore, users will need to enable their phone's data and location for the application to work properly.
Patch Antenna
Whip Antenna
Example mapping of the signal coverage, using a spreading factor of 7 (SF7), for two different antennas.
Note: To maximize the range of the device, the spreading factor should be changed to SF12. However, this modification will reduce the bitrate; and therefore, lowers the data rate; and therefore, minimizes the packet size that can be transmitted.
You can even publish your data online, to get a radar-like coverage map for a gateway:
A radar, coverage map for a gateway
There were some vehicles parked to the northwest and northwest-by-north of where the gateway was positioned; as well as a tree and post to the immediate west and west-by-north. The image illustrates how the signal strength to the west drops off significantly, due to the proximity of the trees and poles. Additionally, how the signal strength in the northwest gradually falls from interference by the vehicles. The signal coverage to the south of the gateway was spotty since it was around the corner of the building.
Peer-to-Peer Example
In this example, the RadioLib library utilizes the frequency shift keying (FSK) capabilities of the SX1262 transceiver. For this example, users will need two expLoRaBLEs; one to transmit data and the other to receive that data. For more information on this library, check out the GitHub repository Wiki.
DOWNLOAD THE TRANSMITER EXAMPLE CODE
DOWNLOAD THE RECEIVER EXAMPLE CODE
Once the example codes have been uploaded to their respective boards, users should see the data transmissions in the Serial Monitor:
A screen shot of the Serial Monitor, showing that data is being transmitted
A screen shot of the Serial Monitor, showing that data was received
Note: The Arduino IDE only lets users connect to one COM (or serial) port at a time. Just verify that the board with the transmit code is sending data; then, monitor the COM port of the board with the receiver code for incoming data. If all is working, Hello World! transmissions will begin to appear.
Resources and Going Further
For more on the Artemis Development Kit, check out the links below:
Schematic (PDF)
Eagle Files (ZIP)
Board Dimensions (PDF)
Hardware Component Information:
Apollo3 MCU:
SX1262 RF Tranceiver:
SparkFun Qwiic Connect System
Arduino Libraries:
Development Platforms for Artemis Module:
SparkFun Ambiq Apollo3 Arduino Core
.json file needed for the SparkFun Ambiq Apollo3 Arduino Core: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/sparkfun/Arduino_Apollo3/master/package_sparkfun_apollo3_index.json
AmbiqSDK (Ported)
Software Guides:
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