What is it?

RNode is an integrated, long-range data-radio module that uses raw LoRa modulation in a variety of frequency bands. It connects to a host via USB or serial, or can be directly programmed for independent operation.
Or in short: A swiss army-knife of a LoRa-based communication device.


RNode can functions as a:

  • LoRa interface for any device with a USB or serial port
  • General purpose long-range data radio
  • A LoRA-based network interface for Ethernet and IP over LoRa
  • Packet sniffer for LoRa networks
  • LoRa development board
  • A LoRa-based KISS-compatible TNC
  • Network adapter for RNS
  • A flexible platform for experiementing with LoRa technology
  • LoRaWAN support is planned for a future firmware update

RNode is controlled by a powerful ATmega1284p MCU, and is fully Arduino compatible. You can use the included firmware, or it can be programmed any way you like, either from the Arduino IDE, or using any of the available tools for AVR development. The included firmware can also be edited and compiled directly from the Arduino IDE.

For adding RNode to your Arduino environment, please see this post.
For configuring an RNode, please have a look at the RNode Config Utility.
RNodes are now shipping, get yours from my shop

Specifications

  • High-quality LoRa module with genuine Semtech SX1276 chip
  • Powered by an ATmega1284p MCU clocked at 16 MHz
  • 128 kilobytes of flash
  • 16 kilobytes of RAM
  • Large payloads with a packet MTU of 500 bytes
  • Up to 17 dBm continuous TX output in 820-1020 MHz
  • Up to 14 dBm continuous TX output in 410-525 MHz
  • Sensitivity down to -139 dBm
  • Data rates ranging from 20 bps to 21.88 kbps
  • Mini-USB connector
  • SMA antenna connector
  • Fully programmable
  • Arduino compatible
  • Open source firmware and config util
  • 17 multi-purpose IO ports available
    • All ports can be used as digital inputs or outputs
    • 5 ports can be used as analog inputs
    • An extra UART serial port is available on two of the pins
    • I2C port
    • Two PWM outputs are available
    • JTAG port available
  • Operating range: -20°C to 60°C (non-condensing)
  • 23.3 mA idle power consumption

Frequency Bands

RNode can operate in the following two frequency bands:

  • 410 – 525 MHz
  • 820 – 1020 MHz

Operating Modes

RNode can operate in two modes, host-controlled (default) and TNC mode:

  • When RNode is in host-controlled mode, it will stay in standby when powered on, until the host specifies frequency, bandwidth, transmit power and other required parameters. In host-controlled mode, promiscuous mode can be activated to sniff any LoRa frames.
  • When RNode is in TNC mode, it will configure itself on powerup and enable the radio immediately. This mode can be enabled by using the configuration utility (the utility will guide you through the settings if you don’t specify them directly).

Resources and Downloads

Examples and Learning Resources

If you want some inspiration to get started with RNode, have a look at the following examples. Most of them contain step-by-step instructions on how to do them yourself.

Pinout and Overview

Programming Interface

Using the included libraries, it’s easy to use RNode in your software. Here’s a Python example:

from RNode import RNodeInterface
def gotPacket(data, rnode):
	print "Received a packet: "+data
rnode = RNodeInterface(
	callback = gotPacket,
	name = "My RNode",
	port = "/dev/ttyUSB0",
	frequency = 868000000,
	bandwidth = 125000,
	txpower = 2,
	sf = 7,
	cr = 5,
	loglevel = RNodeInterface.LOG_DEBUG)
rnode.send("Hello World!")

USB and Serial Protocol

You can communicate with RNode either via the on-board USB connector, or using the serial pins on the board (labeled RX0 and TX0). RNode uses a standard FTDI USB chip, so it works out of the box without additional drivers in most operating systems.

All communications to and from the board uses KISS framing with a custom command set. RNode also does not use HDLC ports in the command byte, and as such uses the full 8 bits of the command byte is available for the actual command. Please see table below for supported commands.

Command Byte Description
Data frame 0x00 A data packet to or from the device
Frequency 0x01 Sets or queries the frequency
Bandwidth 0x02 Sets or queries the bandwidth
TX Power 0x03 Sets or queries the TX power
Spreading Factor 0x04 Sets or queries the spreading factor
Coding Rate 0x05 Sets or queries the coding rate
Radio State 0x06 Sets or queries radio state
Radio Lock 0x07 Sets or queries the radio lock
Device Detect 0x08 Probe command for device detection
Promiscuous 0x0E Sets or queries promiscuous mode
Ready 0x0F Flow control command indicating ready for TX
RX Stats 0x21 Queries received bytes
TX Stats 0x22 Queries transmitted bytes
Last RSSI 0x23 Indicates RSSI of last packet received
Blink 0x30 Blinks LEDs
Random 0x40 Queries for a random number
Firmware Version 0x50 Queries for installed firmware version
ROM Read 0x51 Read EEPROM byte
ROM Write 0x52 Write EEPROM byte
TNC Mode 0x53 Enables TNC mode
Normal Mode 0x54 Enables host-controlled mode
ROM Erase 0x59 Completely erases EEPROM
Error 0x90 Indicates an error

A few notes on the EEPROM

As a completely open device, RNode does not block you from modifying the EEPROM contents, which specifies things like radio parameters, serial number, manufacture date and similar. But please be aware that doing so might render the device inoperable or burn out the radio. Before making any modifications, please make sure to create a backup of the EEPROM. RNode includes a cryptographic signature of the EEPROM contents, which validates all the information stored within it. You will not be able to re-create a valid signature if you erase it! Without this signature, the board will still function, but warranty will be void. If you upload your own programs or alternative firmwares to RNode, you should make sure that they don’t write to the last 200 bytes of EEPROM. You can back up your EEPROM with the config utility.

How do I get it?

You can buy one from my shop, or make it yourself. Using the circuit design files, it is possible to build a fully functional RNode on a breadboard.

38 thoughts on “RNode”

  1. Pingback: APRS over LoRa with RNode | unsigned.io
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    1. Hi there! They’ll be available in my shop very soon. You can preorder them already, and I will ship out as soon as the first production batch is ready, on the 12th of July the latest, but probably before that.
      If you want to build it yourself, there’s some preliminary resources available in the GitHub repository, but it will be easier once I upload files for a breadboard layout.

      Reply
  4. Pingback: LoRa packet sniffing with RNode | unsigned.io

    1. Hi there!
      Absolutely, RNode works perfectly with a Raspberry Pi!

      Reply

        1. Will do! You can also subscribe to the blog feed, I’ll definitely write a post when it’s ready.

          Reply

  6. Hello,
    Is it possible to set IPAddress to Arduino device using RNode and send/receive data within Arduino devices itself?
    I want to connect one more sensor in Arduino device with Rnode and send sensor data to another server also should able to receive commands from server using ipaddress.

    Reply

    1. Hi there!
      Currecntly RNode itself does not include an IP stack in the firmware. As such, it is up to the host device (computer, Raspberry Pi, other Arduino or similar) to implement the IP stack, or other networking layer. That being said, there is still enough room in the firmware, that a simple TCP/IP stack could be included on board. I might add this in a future firmware update, but not making any promises as to when 😉

      Reply

    1. Because it’s much more sturdy and mechanically secure than micro USB. I also find micro-b much more fiddly to connect, and harder to visually see the orientation at a glance. You can still buy mini-b cables most places online 🙂

      Reply

      1. I see your point, but it’s really frustrating to have to pack and track a legacy connector that I’ve worked to abandon, to support a single device. It would be great if you’d consider a USB Micro-B or USB C option in a future hardware redesign. If I could find a drop-in replacement receptacle for USB micro-B for that pad layout, I’d try swapping it out myself (on this and on a couple of other things I’d like to keep using), but I don’t think one is made.

        Reply

        1. Yeah, I totally get you. I will be moving all hardware to USB-C in the not too distant future, but I have been holding out on this until adoption was a bit more widespread. I have another product coming out in the next couple of months, and that will probably be the last of the mini-b connectors you will see from me 😉
          I’m not sure a micro connector with the same layout exists, but if you do find one, I will be happy to supply some boards to you with no USB connector soldered on, so you can put it on yourself. Or depending on the volume you need, I can make a custom version with a micro-b connector.

          Reply

          1. I applaud your use of the more robust connector and I have so many bits of test gear and GPSs I’ll never use all the Mini USB cables I have.
            Also, I own zero usb-c cables, so don’t rush that connector redesign on my account.

          2. Thanks for the comments! Don’t worry, I still have a couple of thousand mini-b connectors to go through before USB-C will be considered 😉 And then again, I will probably do a poll for current customers on what they’d like to see for the future before doing any design changes. I’m definitely not going to change existing designs over, without also offering an option that keeps the old connectors, since many people rely on these.

    1. I will have new stock on november 14th, I really underestimated how popular these would be, so sorry for the wait! I’m considering opening pre-orders, since so many are asking when they will be back.

      Reply
  9. Pingback: IP over LoRa: Using RNode as a wireless NIC | unsigned.io

  10. Hey Mark, does this support a mesh network? Looking to get something like this onto people in an area and have them mesh network back to a single bresknout poiht to log aprs locations etc.

    Reply

    1. Hi Chris, that is definitely possible, but depending on what you want to do, there’s different ways to achieve it. You’re welcome to send me an email with some more details on exactly what you’re building, and I’d be happy to offer some guidance on the system design.

      Reply

    1. I assume you want to connect the RNode to another device using RS-232? If that is correct it is very easy to do, and you can do so directly by using the TX, RX and GND connectors on the board itself, so you can skip the USB part entirely if you want.

      Reply

  13. Could this be purchased pre programmed and ready to go?
    What is the maximum range if placed above structures?

    Reply

    1. Yes, I do offer custom programming services. Please contact me by mail for the details, you can reach me via mark at unsigned dot io. The maximum range is very, very long. If there is no obstructions it is several hundred kilometers, but it obstructions will of course attenuate the signal. If you send me a mail, with a quick overview of what you are trying to achieve, I can give you a general assessment of whether it will be possible range-wise with these units.

      Reply
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  16. Hey!
    would the Rnode normally be delivered without an antenna ? because i already bought one and it delivered without it.
    best regards.

    Reply

    1. Hello!
      Yes, it is normally delivered without antenna. This is described on the product page on the shop, but I am sorry if you missed it. Since different uses and frequencies requires different antennas, there is not one standard one that will fit everyone, and you have to select it separately. I have a variety of suitable ones available in the shop, or you can use any other antenna with an SMA connector and suitable frequency. Or you can even build one yourself.

      Kind regards,
      Mark

      Reply

      1. hello Mark,

        Thank you for your quick reply!
        I see 🙂 it,s not a problem.

        best regards
        Mamo

        Reply

  17. Hi – is there a reference showing the bandwidth requirements for the different data rates? Sorry if i missed it in the docs …

    Reply

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