Small LoRaWAN nodes

Hi @eTh0maz, in fact I’ve imported some of your great ideas in to my project. You really did a nice work. :slight_smile:

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Topic title updated from “Smallest expected node” to “Small LoRaWAN nodes”.

nanoTracker


New nano tracker build on RAK4200 LORA module from RAK.

Module size only 18x16 mm

Contain Telit SE868 GPS module with integrated patch antenna, barometer (BMP280/BME280), light sensor (OPT3001), accelerometer (MMA8652/MMA8653), additional 4 MBytes flash for save data and firmware updates.

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Neat!..questions everyone will ask - where to get one, when, how much, design open source?..etc! :wink:

Come along way from this http://akb77.com/g/gps/lora-stx3-microtrackers/ (Posted long ago above!)

Now only some nanoTrackers for software development. Possible make batch. A very specific device. Mainly for observing wild animals. Try ask RAKWireless for production :slight_smile:

Will you be open sourcing schematic / PCB?

Now are close - because for customer. Consulting about open source.
In principle, there is nothing complicated there.
The sensors are written. GPS is also named. RAK4200 from RAK.
May be RAK can make for sale or other.

I’ve RAK4200’s, the rest of the parts are OK, just no enthusiasm for doing another PCB layout this month!

OK, If you go for “VERY SMALL” the RAK4200 seems perfect to me ( no experience with it yet ). But it’s not cheaper as the Arduino Pro Mini/ESP32-WROOM + RFM95 ( 8.49 <-> 1.80 + 3.74 ). I am still very satisfied with my
Sandwich Concept
iot-fat-sandwich
All resources are open and free, the world is my customer.

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My LoRa Warrior (based on @CharlesMini-LoRa) is only 70 x 25 x 9 mm.
(Batteries and antenna/connector not included)

Some relatively small and battery power friendly development boards are

  • Heltec CubeCell HTCC-AB01
    Size: 41.5 x 25 x 7.6 mm

  • Heltec CubeCell HTCC-AB02A
    Includes SMA antenna connector and 1/2 AA battery holder for use with 14250 primary Lithium batteries (Lithium Thionyl Chloride, non-rechargeable)
    Size: 56.6 x 24 x 21.5 mm

These are ARM Cortex based with SX1262 and work with the Arduino framework.

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Maybe we have to setup a node/development board database with the primary properties (dimensions, supported functions, supported ide, power consumption, vendor/project link). I see passing very interesting possibilities. We (and novices) can learn a lot of all those possibilities for specific applications.

I build an Addon-board for the M5Stack Atom Matrix
Siize of Node is 24x24x24mm
USB-C Connector, I²C Connector, 24 RGB Leds
If you need more informations just drop me a message
Got some spare pcbs left

Including certifications (aka FCC and CE,…)

New topic like " Overview of LoRaWAN Libraries [HowTo]"? Where? How?

General comment … small nodes are fun but remember that monopole antennas will not work well.
A monopole is half of a dipole, and the theory works IF the monopole is mounted over an infinite ground-plane. If your node is smaller than INFINITE then it will be degraded.

Better to use a di-pole, which can be done by making the PCB ground a quarter wavelength (approx 8cm). Loop antennas are also good.

Are these available commercially? And if, from where?