Waka Waka is built on the idea to build a standalone device for messaging on long distances in hard to get areas like mountains, forests etcetera. TIt is not always possible or needed to establish voice communication so it is mainly text-only communication and has delivery acknowledgement functionality.
We also aim to create and use state of the art technologies like crypto features of our target platform (i.MX RT1010). All messages are transferred in an encrypted state(AES) over the air and no personal data is exposed.
Main i.MX RT1010 hardware features used in application:
- FlexIO
- FlexRAM
- SNVS (secure timer)
- DCP (hardware crypto) - work in progress
We use SPI display and touch(resistive) sensor for user interaction due to lack of pins for 8080 display bus connection.
Getting StartedConnecting Hardware
You do need basic soldering skills to connect Lora board to IMXRT1010 board.
We have tried to connect everything using ribbon cables but it will be unreliable and wond last long. Our first attempt was using ribbon cables:
So we have decided to use Prototype Shield Mini Breadboard for Arduino to make prototype prettier and more reliable.
All peripherals are connected to IMRT1010-EVK via breadboard shield using follwing pinout:
RFM95 Pin SetupNSS -> J57[6]
SCK -> J57[12]
MOSI -> J57[8]
MISO -> J57[10]
3.3V -> J60[8]
GRND -> J60[14]
LCD Panel Pin SetupCS -> J57[6]
SCK -> J57[12]
SDI(MOSI) -> J57[8]
SDO(MISO) -> J57[10]
VCC(5V) -> J60[10]
LED -> J60[8]
DCX -> J26[12] J57[20]
REST -> J26[10] J57[18]
GRND -> J60[14]
Touch Pin SetupT_CS -> J57[16]
T_SCK -> J57[12]
T_DIN(MOSI) -> J57[8]
T_DO(MISO) -> J57[10]
T_IRQ -> J57[20] (via 1 kOhm resistor)
We used wrapping wire to connect all pins together.
It looks little bit rough but it is reliable type of connection and it lasts. We have plans to print our own shiled or even board in future :)
Then connect IMRT1010-EVK and shield.
Connect LCD display module to the shield
Install MCU Expresso using tutorial.
Import Git repository to MCU Expresso.
Clone Waka Waka repository
Go back to developer console
Build project
Connect first assembled device to PC with MCU Expresso.
Run Debug
After firmware is loaded to the device press F8. If all goes all well you'll see following
Check MCU Expresso console
If you see Radio initialized Viola! you have fully working Waka Waka. If you see message Radio initialization failed, this means that something wrong with wiring. Check LoRa module connections.
Connect second device and load firmware to it using Debug.
Waka Waka supports device naming. Initially all device names are called Device1. You can change names for your devices in source/waka_conf.h
Waka Waka supports hardware configuration like touch screen position and invertion which also can be adjusted in source/waka_conf.h
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