AiPi-UNO-ET485 LoRa Expansion Board - AiPi-LoRaBoard

Introduction:

The AiPi-LoRaBoard made by Ai-Thinker is an AIPi-UNO-ET485 expansion board that supports node data display and LoRa protocol for self-organizing networks.

Open Source License: GPL 3.0

Overview of AiPi-LoRaBoard:

It is an expansion board designed for the AiPi-UNO-ET485 development board, equipped with the Rd-08 module and a 1.9-inch MIPI-DBI capacitive touch screen.

The Rd-08 operates in the 410MHz to 525MHz frequency range and is compatible with connections from LoRa modules such as Rd-01/SC and Rd-02. The default antenna is a 433MHz Chili Antenna (communication distance not practically tested). If you switch to the Rd-08H, you can use the 803MHz to 930MHz frequency range.

The 1.9-inch screen features a MIPI-DBI interface, with a resolution of 170*320 pixels, and supports capacitive touch.

Default Firmware Function Description

There are two default firmware options available:

AiPi-LoRaBoard_v0.0.5.bin

AiPi_uno_loraBoard.bin

• AiPi-LoRaBoard_v0.0.5.bin is the firmware for the Rd-08, which can be set to two modes: host and client. When operating in host mode, it functions as a gateway, receiving data sent from clients. In client mode, it can actively send data to the host.
• AiPi_uno_loraBoard.bin is the firmware for the AiPi-UNO-ET485, primarily configuring the Rd-08 as a host and displaying client data on the 1.9-inch screen.

It also allows for the setting of the Rd-08's operating frequency range and some LoRa parameters, such as the spreading factor. Thus, this firmware is only useful when the Rd-08 runs the AiPi-LoRaBoard_v0.0.5.bin firmware.

Instructions for Using AiPi-LoRaBoard:

It's designed for and recommended to use in self-organizing network communication. It acts as a gateway.

Therefore, Rd-08 nodes also need to be flashed with AiPi-LoRaBoard_v0.0.5.bin, with the firmware address available at: https://docs.ai-thinker.com/en/aipi-loraboard

After installing the AiPi-LoRaBoard onto the AiPi-UNO-ET485 and powering it up, the LoRa on the AiPi-LoRaBoard operates under the following parameters:

• Frequency (Freq): 470000000
• Spreading Factor (SF): 7
• Bandwidth (BW): 0
• CRC: 1

The default interface displays data monitoring, initially showing data from the AiPi-LRW-TH1.

You can slide left to enter the configuration page, where you can set the main LoRa parameters.

Instructions for Using LoRa Nodes:

To have the AiPi-LoRaBoard receive and display data, you need to flash AiPi-LoRaBoard_v0.0.5.bin, then configure it to client mode.

After a successful flash, use a serial assistant to send the AT command (baud rate 115200): AT+MODE=1.

Once configured, the AiPi-LRW-TH1 will automatically send temperature and humidity data to the host.

Schematic Diagram: AiPi-LoRaBoard_V1.1

PCB Layout: