Summary of LONG-DISTANCE TEXT COMMUNICATION WITH LORA
This article discusses a low-power, off-grid text messaging device designed for remote areas without cellular infrastructure. Inspired by BlackBerry devices, it features a physical QWERTY keyboard and an LCD screen. Built using the nRF52840 and SX1262 chips with LoRa technology, the project achieves a current draw of only 12 mA. The author also mentions alternative options like MSG's module-based communicator or pairing smartphones with LoRa networks.
Parts used in the Off-Grid Text Messaging Project:
- nRF52840 chip
- SX1262 chip
- Physical QWERTY keyboard (BlackBerry keyboards)
- Memory LCDs
- LoRa transmitter and receiver
Affordable and reliable cell phones have revolutionized the way we communicate over the last two decades or so, and this change was only accelerated by the adoption of the smartphone. This is all well and good if you’re living in a place with cellular infrastructure, but if you’re in more remote areas you’ll have to be a little more inventive. This text-based communications device, for example, lets you send text messages without all of that cumbersome infrastructure.
While [Arthur] didn’t create this project specifically for off-grid use, it’s an interesting project nonetheless. The devices use a physical QWERTY keyboard and a small screen, reminiscent of BlackBerry devices from the late 2000s (partially because they are actually using BlackBerry keyboards). One of the other goals for this project was low power consumption, and between polling the keyboard, the memory LCDs, and receiving and transmitting messages using LoRa, [Arthur] was able to get the current draw down to 12 mA.
Between the relatively common nRF52840 and SX1262 chips, plus the fact that [Arthur] made the schematics available, this makes for an excellent off-grid device for anyone who likes to drive off into the wilderness or lives far enough outside of town that cell phone reception is a concern.
Looking for something a little easier to put together before your upcoming camping trip? This similarly styled LoRa communicator from [MSG] uses off-the-shelf modules to greatly reduce the part count. Another option for off-grid communications is to use existing smartphones paired with a LoRa network like we saw in this project.
Source: LONG-DISTANCE TEXT COMMUNICATION WITH LORA
- How does this device function in remote areas?
The device sends text messages using LoRa technology, eliminating the need for cumbersome cellular infrastructure. - What is the power consumption of the device?
The current draw is down to 12 mA due to efficient polling of the keyboard, memory LCDs, and LoRa transmission. - Which chips are used in this specific project?
The project utilizes the relatively common nRF52840 and SX1262 chips. - What kind of input method does the device use?
The devices use a physical QWERTY keyboard reminiscent of late 2000s BlackBerry devices. - Is there an easier option for building a similar communicator?
Yes, a similarly styled LoRa communicator from [MSG] uses off-the-shelf modules to reduce part count. - Can existing smartphones be used for off-grid communication?
Yes, you can pair existing smartphones with a LoRa network as an alternative option. - Why was this project created for wilderness users?
It serves as an excellent off-grid device for those who drive into the wilderness or live far outside town where cell reception is poor.
