Summary of CUSTOM LORA PAGER DESIGNED WITH CARE
Parts used in the LoRaNicator:
- Cortex M0+ microcontroller
- Arduino compatible bootloader
- RFM95W module for LoRa communications
- Pager vibrator
- Piezo buzzer
- LiPo charger
- RTC (Real Time Clock)
- Soft-power button module
- PCB with solder mask
LoRa is a useful technology if you need to send data a long way at low power levels. Leveraging this, [5Volt-Junkie] decided to build a small pager named the LoRaNicator.
Those who love a detailed build log will enjoy this. The pager features everything up to and including the kitchen sink. A Cortex M0+ runs the show, flashed with an Arduino compatible bootloader, while a RFM95W module handles the LoRa communications. There’s a pager vibrator and piezo buzzer for notifications, along with a LiPo charger to make keeping the battery topped up easy. There’s even an RTC and soft-power button module.
Even if the LoRa side of things isn’t relevant to your interests, it’s a great example of how to build a useful tool rather than just a proof-of-concept. Things like an easy-to-use interface and simple battery charging go a long way to making something usable in the field. [5Volt-Junkie] even goes so far as to point out that even solder mask matters – if you’re using an infrared oven, your black boards will need a different profile to the usual green PCBs.
All the hard work has paid off, creating an attractive end product that we’d be proud to pack with the rest of our ham gear. LoRa is a useful platform, and as we’ve seen, it can be useful for everything from viticulture to meterology. Video after the break.
Source: CUSTOM LORA PAGER DESIGNED WITH CARE
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What is the LoRaNicator?
It is a small pager built by [5Volt-Junkie] using LoRa technology to send data long distances at low power levels. -
Which microcontroller runs the device?
A Cortex M0+ processor runs the system and is flashed with an Arduino compatible bootloader. -
How does the pager handle LoRa communications?
An RFM95W module is utilized to manage the LoRa communication capabilities. -
What notification methods are included?
The device features both a pager vibrator and a piezo buzzer for alerts. -
How is the battery charged?
A LiPo charger is integrated into the design to keep the battery topped up easily. -
Does the project include timekeeping functionality?
Yes, an RTC is included alongside a soft-power button module. -
Why does the author mention solder mask on the PCB?
The author notes that if using an infrared oven, black boards require a different profile than usual green PCBs. -
Is this build considered just a proof-of-concept?
No, it is described as a useful tool designed with an easy-to-use interface and simple charging rather than just a concept.
