Contributors:
QCPete,
santaimpersonator Introduction
The SparkFun LoRa Thing Plus – expLoRaBLE is a feather form-factor development board with the NM180100 system in package (SiP), from Northern Mechatronics. The NM180100 SiP includes a Semtech SX1262 LoRa module paired with the Apollo3 MCU, which is used in the SparkFun Artemis module. This provides the board with compatibility in the Arduino IDE, through our Apollo3 Arduino core. The Semtech SX1262 is a long range, low power RF tranceiver introduces LoRaWAN capabilities to the board. Additionally, both the BLE and LoRa capabilities of the expLoRaBLE allow it to operate as a Bluetooth enabled LoRa node.
In stock
WRL-17506
The SparkFun expLoRaBLE Thing Plus is a Feather form-factor development board with the NM180100 system in package (SiP), from…
3
Required Materials
To get started, users will need a few items. Now some users may have a few of these items, feel free to modify your cart accordingly.
In stock
WRL-17841
This Wide Band, 700-2700Mhz frequency range, 4G LTE antenna provides a wide enough range for a number of applications includi…
1
In stock
WRL-17506
The SparkFun expLoRaBLE Thing Plus is a Feather form-factor development board with the NM180100 system in package (SiP), from…
3
In stock
CAB-14743
USB C is fantastic. But until we have converted all our hubs, chargers, and ports over to USB C this is the cable you're goin…
4
Gateways
Antennas
Headers
Batteries
Jumper Modification
JTAG Functionality
Click the buttons above to toggle the additional materials based on the options you
wish to use. Feel free to modify the items in your cart to fit your needs.
Li-Po Battery
For mobile applications, users will want to pick up a single-cell LiPo battery from our catalog. Below, are a few available options:
Out of stock
PRT-13851
This is a very small, extremely lightweight battery based on Lithium Ion chemistry, with the highest energy density currently…
11
In stock
PRT-13853
This is a very small, extremely light weight battery based on Lithium Ion chemistry. This is the highest energy density curre…
4
In stock
PRT-13855
These are very slim, extremely light weight batteries based on Lithium Ion chemistry. Each cell outputs a nominal 3.7V at 200…
9
Retired
PRT-13813
Slim, extremely light weight batteries based on Lithium Ion chemistry. Each cell outputs a nominal 3.7V at 1000 mAh!
8
Retired
Jumper Modification
To modify the jumpers, users will need soldering equipment and/or a knife.
Out of stock
TOL-14579
This 10mL no-clean flux pen from Chip Quik is great for all of your solder, de-solder, rework, and reflow purposes!
4
In stock
TOL-09325
This is your basic spool of lead free solder with a water soluble resin core. 0.031" gauge and 100 grams. This is a good spoo…
8
21 available
TOL-09200
It's like an Xacto knife, only better. We use these extensively when working with PCBs. These small knives work well for cutt…
2
Retired
TOL-14228
The WLC100 from Weller is a versatile 5 watt to 40 watt soldering station that is perfect for hobbyists, DIYers and students.…
2
Retired
Qwiic Example
If you would like to follow along with the examples below to interact with the physical world, you will also need the following items:
In stock
DEV-15334
The SparkFun Qwiic 12 Bit ADC can provide four channels of I2C controlled ADC input to your Qwiic enabled project.
1
In stock
PRT-14427
This is a 100mm long 4-conductor cable with 1mm JST termination. It’s designed to connect Qwiic enabled components together…
Retired
TOL-15003
This is a 20 piece screwdriver set that magnetically keeps each of the unused bits secured inside of a thin case that easily …
1
Retired
JTAG Functionality
Users interested in JTAG applications (i.e. programming and debugging the RP2040) will need an Arm® Programmer and need to solder on a JTAG header. We recommend these programmers from our catalog:
In stock
PRT-15362
This is a super small, 2x5 pin male PTH header. This header is in the common configuration for JTAG applications.
Retired
PGM-15345
Tiny J-Link programmer for programming any ARM microconroller. Comes with an educational/ non-commercial license.
1
Retired
Retired
PGM-15346
J-Link programmer for programming any ARM microconroller. Comes with an educational/ non-commercial license.
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Retired
Retired
PGM-15347
Compact J-Link programmer for programming any ARM microconroller.
Retired
Antennas
Below, is a selection of a few LoRA antenna options from the antenna product category.
Out of stock
WRL-14875
A small 1/4 wave rubber duck antenna for LoRa or other 860-960MHz communication. Antenna has a center frequency of 915MHz and…
1
In stock
WRL-00662
Commonly used to attach WiFi, Bluetooth, or nRFxxx based devices to a 2.4GHz antenna.
1
28 available
WRL-14876
Increase your range with this 1/2 wave duck antenna. Designed for 860 to 960MHz it is ideal for distant LoRa nodes. Utilizes …
Retired
WRL-14676
This universal Antenna Kit can also be used with LoPy, SiPy, LoPy4, and FiPy IoT development boards to talk over LoRa and Sig…
Retired
In stock
WRL-17841
This Wide Band, 700-2700Mhz frequency range, 4G LTE antenna provides a wide enough range for a number of applications includi…
1
In stock
CAB-14911
This connector cable interfaces N type female to RP-SMA male. Primarily used to connect our larger 915MHz LoRa antenna to RP-…
In stock
WRL-15597
If you need maximum distance for your LoRa project you need this incredibly durable, outdoor antenna with 5.8dBi gain.
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(*A diplexer is used to combine the BLE and LoRa signals to a single U.FL connection. Only the Wide Band 4G LTE Internal FPC Antenna is recommended for use as a combination LoRa and BLE antenna.)
LoRa Gateways
Below, is a selection of a few LoRa gateway options from the LoRa product category.
Retired
WRL-15336
This LoRa Gateway has 8 channels, 15km line of sight range, & comes assembled with everything necessary for easy deployment i…
2
Retired
Retired
WRL-16447
This LoRa Gateway has 8 channels, 15km line of sight range, & comes assembled with everything necessary for easy deployment i…
3
Retired
Retired
WRL-17843
Join The People's Network and help provide hundreds of square miles of wireless network coverage on Helium LongFi™ (LoRaWAN…
16
Retired
Retired
WRL-17844
Join The People's Network and help provide hundreds of square miles of wireless network coverage on Helium LongFi™ (LoRaWAN…
10
Retired
Out of stock
WRL-14875
A small 1/4 wave rubber duck antenna for LoRa or other 860-960MHz communication. Antenna has a center frequency of 915MHz and…
1
In stock
WRL-00662
Commonly used to attach WiFi, Bluetooth, or nRFxxx based devices to a 2.4GHz antenna.
1
Retired
WRL-15006
The SparkFun 1-Channel LoRa Gateway is a powerful 3-network capable device thanks to an onboard ESP32 WROOM module and an RFM…
3
Retired
Suggested Reading
As a more professionally oriented product, we will skip over the more fundamental tutorials (i.e. Ohm's Law and What is Electricity?). However, below are a few tutorials that may help users familiarize themselves with various aspects of the board.
Serial Communication
Asynchronous serial communication concepts: packets, signal levels, baud rates, UARTs and more!
I2C
An introduction to I2C, one of the main embedded communications protocols in use today.
Logic Levels
Learn the difference between 3.3V and 5V devices and logic levels.
ARM Programming
How to program SAMD21 or SAMD51 boards (or other ARM processors).
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.
Artemis Development with the Arduino IDE
This is an in-depth guide on developing in the Arduino IDE for the Artemis module and any Artemis microcontroller development board. Inside, users will find setup instructions and simple examples from blinking an LED and taking ADC measurements; to more complex features like BLE and I2C.
Artemis Development with Arduino
Get our powerful Artemis based boards (Artemis Nano, BlackBoard Artemis, and BlackBoard Artemis ATP) blinking in less than 5 minutes using the SparkFun Artemis Arduino Core!
Analog vs. Digital
This tutorial covers the concept of analog and digital signals, as they relate to electronics.
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.
One of the new, advanced features of the board is that it takes advantage of the Qwiic connect system. We recommend familiarizing yourself with the Logic Levels and I2C tutorials. Click on the banner above to learn more about Qwiic products.
