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
- 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
- User manual
- Configuration utility
- Firmware downloads and source code
- LoRa packet sniffer program for RNode
- Programming examples
- Schematics and design files
- Adding RNode to the Arduino IDE
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.
Any idea where I can buy these or how to diy one?
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.
They’re shipping now!
Hello,
Can this be used with a raspberry pi?
Hi there!
Absolutely, RNode works perfectly with a Raspberry Pi!
ok, let me know when your firmware integrates lorawan. best
Will do! You can also subscribe to the blog feed, I’ll definitely write a post when it’s ready.
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.
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 😉
This is neat, but why does it have an outdated mini USB connector? I don’t even know where I’d find a mini USB-B cable.
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 🙂
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.
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.
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.
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.
820Mhz versions are out of stock. Will there be a new batch?
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.
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.
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.
Can you connect this to an RS-232 port by connecting to another USB serial adapter via a powered USB hub?
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.