Hi !
I am working on an agriculture-related project and I want to use the LORA communication module 'SX1280IMLTRT' on my board, which is based on a SAMD21G microcontroller. I would like to know if there are any specific boards or development platforms that already incorporate this component. Additionally, if anyone has experience with this particular module, I would appreciate any insights into potential issues or challenges that I might encounter. Thank you!
Which board might that be? Please post a link.
Rather than start from scratch, consider using one of the Adafruit Feather Lora modules, which are not only inexpensive, but come complete with a wide variety of MCUs, well-tested libraries, example code and product support.
Well, the obvious question.
Why the SX1280 versus the more common SX127X or even SX126X LoRa modules ?
because supply current transmitting of SX1280 is just 24 mA as for SX126 is 120 MA.
You are confused.
For a given distance requirement, for sensor type applications, a SX126x will use significantly less 'supply current' than a SX128x.
In a typical 'agricultural' application an SX128X might have a range of 500m, whereas the SX126x would likely extend the range to 5km, for the same power consumption.
now I understand,
but I notice that supply transmitting current varies with output power.
I don't understand the concept of output power, so in my case i don't know the value of output power that I need
Neither does the forum.
There can be considerable variations in how far a particular module will reach depending on the location, objects or hills in the way, the heights of transmitting and receiving antennas and the speed of data transmission.
There are also legal restrictions on power levels so you cannot simply use as much power as you need.
so the value of output power changes automatic ?
No it does not, and power output is only one part of the setup.
How much experience do you have with RF communications, Arduinos and LoRa modules ?
Good eye!
The definition of power in electrical circuits is voltage x current. Since in this case, the supply voltage is constant, the current is proportional to power.
how can i know the power that i need ?
One approach is to build the circuit and experiment with using it under realistic conditions, which includes proper antenna design and construction.
The transmitter power is programmable, so people tend to use the minimum power required for reliable communications.
However, if you lack even very basic knowledge, such as the definition of power, this project would be way above your head.
Experience and a lot of practical real world testing.
In the case of LoRa transmit power is only a part of what affects range so do not concentrate on it.
Even a small amount of practical testing would tell you that there is a lot of other stuff that affects range.
how can i configure the output power ?
Thats just one tiny part of your 'project'.
There is a great deal of other configuratons needed for the LoRa modules to operate, yet you keep concentrating on the power for some reason, why is this ?
Besides, the SX1280 is a very poor choice of module for a so called 'agriculture project'.
I have a comment.
In order to use the Lora SX1261 module, you need to build a specific circuit like the one shown in this image. Is there a complete Lora module available, similar to the RFM95W-868S2, that is both ultra-low power and suitable for agricultural applications?
The SX1280 operates at 2.4GHz all the others are sub-gigahertz.
Is here a reason you need to operate at 2.4GHz?
yes i need to operate at 2.4 GHZ
In that case I you are forced to go with the SX1280.
The 61/62 only operate in the lower frequency bands
This may help you:
https://os.mbed.com/components/SX1280RF1ZHP/
How can anyone possibly answer that without detail of what this 'agricultural project' actually is ?
Is the project on a farm that is only 200m square or one thats 200km square for instance. Is the farm on flat ground with no obstancles like the Dakota salt flats or hilly with lots of trees and bush like in the Rockies ?
Provide some detail of the project and you might get answers.