1W LoRa MicroMod Function Board Hookup Guide

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Contributors: Nate, santaimpersonator
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Introduction

Frequency Operation

This LoRa module can only be used in the 915MHz LoRaWAN frequency band (i.e. 902 to 928 MHz). It is not compatible with other frequency bands; double check the frequency band used in your region. Check out these resources from The Things Network for an unofficial summary of regional radio regulations and list of the regional frequency plans.

The 1W LoRa MicroMod Function Board adds LoRa capabilities to your MicroMod project. It is intended to be used in conjunction with a MicroMod processor board and a MicroMod main board, which provides the electrical interface between a processor board and the function board(s).

SparkFun MicroMod LoRa Function Board

SparkFun MicroMod LoRa Function Board

WRL-18573
$39.95

Match up the board's M.2 edge connector to the slot of the M.2 connector and secure the function board with the screws provided with the main board.

Utilizing the 915M30S LoRa module from EBYTE, which is a 1W (30dBm) transceiver based around the SX1276 from Semtech. There is a robust edge mount RP-SMA connector for large LoRa (915MHz) antennas; with modification, a U.FL connector is also available. We've successfully tested a 12 miles line-of-sight transmission with this module (user results may vary).

With the MicroMod standardization, users no longer need to cross-reference schematics with datasheets, while fumbling around with jumper wires. Simply, match up the function board's M.2 edge connector to the slot of the M.2 connector on the main board and secure the function board with screws. All connections are hardwired to compatible pins of the processor board and the pin connections are standardized for the processor boards.

Required Materials

To get started, users will need a few of the items listed below. (You may already have a some of these items; read through the guide and modify your cart accordingly.)

MicroMod Processor Board

A processor board is required for the MicroMod system to operate. Users can choose a processor board, based upon their needs, to attach to the MicroMod M.2 connector of the main board. Below, are few options:

SparkFun MicroMod SAMD51 Processor

SparkFun MicroMod SAMD51 Processor

DEV-16791
$18.95
1
SparkFun MicroMod mikroBUS Starter Kit

SparkFun MicroMod mikroBUS Starter Kit

KIT-19935
$79.95
SparkFun MicroMod STM32 Processor

SparkFun MicroMod STM32 Processor

DEV-21326
$16.50
SparkFun Arduino IoT Weather Station

SparkFun Arduino IoT Weather Station

KIT-22636
$124.95
2

MicroMod Main Board

A main board provides the electrical connections between the function and processor boards to operate. Users can choose a main board based upon their needs. Below, are few options:

SparkFun MicroMod Main Board - Double

SparkFun MicroMod Main Board - Double

DEV-20595
$19.95
SparkFun MicroMod Main Board - Single

SparkFun MicroMod Main Board - Single

DEV-20748
$15.95
SparkFun Blues Wireless MicroMod Starter Kit

SparkFun Blues Wireless MicroMod Starter Kit

KIT-21702
$149.95

Required Hardware

A Phillips screw driver is necessary to attach the processor board and function board(s) to the main board. Additionally, a USB-C cable is needed to connect the main board to a computer. The LoRa function board also requires a LoRa antenna for the transceiver to operate.

USB 3.1 Cable A to C - 3 Foot

USB 3.1 Cable A to C - 3 Foot

CAB-14743
$5.50
4
SparkFun Mini Screwdriver

SparkFun Mini Screwdriver

TOL-09146
$1.05
3

Below, is a selection of our 915MHz frequency band RP-SMA antennas.

915MHz LoRa Antenna RP-SMA - 1/2 Wave 2dBi

915MHz LoRa Antenna RP-SMA - 1/2 Wave 2dBi

WRL-14876
$9.95
915MHz LoRa Antenna RP-SMA - 1/4 Wave 2dBi

915MHz LoRa Antenna RP-SMA - 1/4 Wave 2dBi

WRL-14875
$9.95
1

Pycom LoRa and Sigfox Antenna Kit - 915MHz

WRL-14676
Retired

Optional Hardware

A LoRa gateway provides internet connection for LoRaWAN network. Below are a few options from our LoRa product category.

LoRa Raspberry Pi 4 Gateway with Enclosure

WRL-16447
3 Retired

Nebra Indoor HNT Hotspot Miner (915MHz)

WRL-17843
16 Retired

Nebra Outdoor HNT Hotspot Miner (915MHz)

WRL-17844
10 Retired

Users can also use other LoRa boards for peer-to-peer communication. Below are a few options from our LoRa product category.

SparkFun Pro RF - LoRa, 915MHz (SAMD21)

SparkFun Pro RF - LoRa, 915MHz (SAMD21)

WRL-15836
$33.95
4
SparkFun LoRa Thing Plus - expLoRaBLE

SparkFun LoRa Thing Plus - expLoRaBLE

WRL-17506
$53.50
3
915MHz LoRa Antenna RP-SMA - 1/4 Wave 2dBi

915MHz LoRa Antenna RP-SMA - 1/4 Wave 2dBi

WRL-14875
$9.95
1
Interface Cable RP-SMA to U.FL - 100mm

Interface Cable RP-SMA to U.FL - 100mm

WRL-00662
$4.95
1

To modify the jumpers, users will need soldering equipment and/or a knife.

Solder Lead Free - 100-gram Spool

Solder Lead Free - 100-gram Spool

TOL-09325
$9.95
8
Chip Quik No-Clean Flux Pen  - 10mL

Chip Quik No-Clean Flux Pen - 10mL

TOL-14579
$8.95
4
Hobby Knife

Hobby Knife

TOL-09200
$3.50
2

Weller WLC100 Soldering Station

TOL-14228
2 Retired

Suggested Reading

The MicroMod ecosystem is a unique way to allow users to customize their project to their needs. Click on the banner below for more information.

MicroMod Logo


For users who aren't familiar with the following concepts, we also recommend reading the following tutorials before continuing.

Serial Communication

Asynchronous serial communication concepts: packets, signal levels, baud rates, UARTs and more!

Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI)

SPI is commonly used to connect microcontrollers to peripherals such as sensors, shift registers, and SD cards.

Pulse Width Modulation

An introduction to the concept of Pulse Width Modulation.

Logic Levels

Learn the difference between 3.3V and 5V devices and logic levels.

I2C

An introduction to I2C, one of the main embedded communications protocols in use today.

Analog vs. Digital

This tutorial covers the concept of analog and digital signals, as they relate to electronics.

Processor Interrupts with Arduino

What is an interrupt? In a nutshell, there is a method by which a processor can execute its normal program while continuously monitoring for some kind of event, or interrupt. There are two types of interrupts: hardware and software interrupts. For the purposes of this tutorial, we will focus on hardware interrupts.

SparkFun expLoRaBLE Hookup Guide

Check out our latest LoRaWAN development board with Bluetooth capabilities! With this guide, we'll get you passing data to The Things Network in no time.

Getting Started with MicroMod

Dive into the world of MicroMod - a compact interface to connect a microcontroller to various peripherals via the M.2 Connector!

Designing with MicroMod

This tutorial will walk you through the specs of the MicroMod processor and carrier board as well as the basics of incorporating the MicroMod form factor into your own PCB designs!

MicroMod Main Board Hookup Guide

The MicroMod Main Board - Single and Double are specialized carrier boards that allow you to interface a Processor Board with a Function Board(s). The modular system allows you to add an additional feature(s) to a Processor Board with the help of a Function Board(s). In this tutorial, we will focus on the basic functionality of the Main Board - Single and Main Board - Double.

Installing an Arduino Library

How do I install a custom Arduino library? It's easy! This tutorial will go over how to install an Arduino library using the Arduino Library Manager. For libraries not linked with the Arduino IDE, we will also go over manually installing an Arduino library.

Installing Arduino IDE

A step-by-step guide to installing and testing the Arduino software on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Installing Board Definitions in the Arduino IDE

How do I install a custom Arduino board/core? It's easy! This tutorial will go over how to install an Arduino board definition using the Arduino Board Manager. We will also go over manually installing third-party cores, such as the board definitions required for many of the SparkFun development boards.