LoRa PHY power question

Projects Networking, Protocols, and Devices
1

Hello,
I'm working on LoRa and I'm quite confused with the power limitations:

  • in EU433 it is 10mW (10dBm)
  • in EU863-870 it is 25mW (14dBm)

However, when on the Lora.h API it says:

  • txPower - TX power in dB, defaults to 17
    Supported values are 2 to 20 for PA_OUTPUT_PA_BOOST_PIN, and 0 to 14 for PA_OUTPUT_RFO_PIN.
    Most modules have the PA output pin connected to PA BOOST

Does this mean the default is already over the limit? And why is it in dB and not dBm?
Thank you! :slight_smile:

2

If your in Europe using ISM bands, then yes. But the library does not know that.

Speeeling error ?

3

Thank you!
Now I'm curious about this: If I want to exceed the regulations, meaning use 20dBm, should I be licensed as radio amateur right?

Lastly, let's suppose I get the license, and I want to TX beyond 25mW, let's say 100/200mW. Can I do it? I only know SX127x modules, that I guess don't reach those powers, are there commercial solutions for that?

4

In a lot of places you could only LoRa as a licensed radio amateur if its for the purposes of communicating with other radio amateurs and you send your callsign etc etc.

There are LoRa modules that go up to 1W.

5

Thanks. Can you suggest me some of those, if you have any experience on that?

Thinking about this, I have another question (really the last one ahah): are all LoRa modules available based on the Semtech chips? For example also the Ebyte or HoperRF ones?
Have a nice day

6

Nope, I stick to ISM legal modules.

Yes.

7

This topic was automatically closed 180 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.