LoRa - Long-Range Radio for IoT | Arduino, ESP32, RPI Pico

The script introduces a workshop focused on Laura, a low-cost, low-power radio technology for long-distance communication using inexpensive modules with microcontrollers like Arduino Uno, Raspberry Pi Pico, and ESP32. The presenter will demonstrate how to build a remote data gathering system with a remarkable range, contrasting Laura's capabilities with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, especially for IoT projects. The story of an experimenter using Laura to overcome signal issues with Wi-Fi in a house and garden is shared, highlighting Laura's superior range and low power consumption, which allows for alternative energy sources like solar power. The script also explains the technical aspects of Laura, including its use of the unlicensed Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band, and its resistance to noise and interference due to Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) modulation.

This section delves into the practical aspects of Laura modules, including the RFM95 module by Hope RF, discussing its size, cost, and common use-cases. The script covers different methods of integrating the module into projects, such as soldering it onto a perf board or using a breakout board for easier use. It also touches on the importance of using the correct antenna with Laura modules to avoid damage and optimize range. The discussion extends to the differences between Laura and LoRaWAN, clarifying that Laura refers to the physical layer of transmission, while LoRaWAN is a network protocol. The script outlines a typical LoRaWAN setup, from nodes to gateways and application servers, emphasizing the versatility of Laura in such networks.

The script provides a detailed guide on setting up Laura modules for experiments, including the necessary components like Arduino Uno, push button, LED, and resistor. It explains the wiring process for the module with the microcontroller, emphasizing the importance of connecting an antenna. The section also covers the initial steps in coding for Laura communication, including installing the necessary library and writing code for basic packet transmission. The goal is to establish a foundation for understanding how data can be sent and received using Laura modules.

This part of the script describes an experiment to control an LED remotely using Laura technology. It involves modifying the existing code to include push-button interaction, where pressing the button on the transmitter sends a packet that, when received by the receiver, toggles the LED state. The script outlines the changes needed in the code for both the transmitter and the receiver to achieve this functionality, demonstrating the practical application of Laura in remote control systems.

The script introduces a more advanced experiment involving two-way communication between two Arduino devices using Laura. It explains how to modify the existing code to include callback functions that trigger upon data reception, allowing for interactive control between the devices. The setup enables each device to send and receive commands, such as toggling LEDs, by sending data packets to each other. The section provides insights into the code structure required for such bidirectional communication.

This section explores the use of MicroPython for programming Laura modules on Raspberry Pi Pico devices. The script guides through the process of installing MicroPython, wiring the Laura module to the Pico, and using the 'ulora' library by Martin Wheeler to establish basic communication. It demonstrates the simplicity of sending and receiving messages using MicroPython, showcasing the versatility of Laura across different programming environments.

The script concludes with a project to build a remote data gathering system using Laura. It involves setting up an ESP32 as a central controller with an OLED display and two remote Arduino Uno units equipped with DHT22 temperature and humidity sensors. The project explains the wiring and coding process for the system, which includes sending data requests from the controller to the sensors and receiving the sensor data back. The code structure is designed to ensure fresh and accurate data is displayed, handling timeouts and data freshness effectively.

In this part, the script discusses the impressive range capabilities of Laura, as demonstrated by a personal test where the signal from a basement freezer was received up to two blocks away using a simple wire antenna. The section emphasizes Laura's potential for various applications beyond the demonstrated temperature and humidity sensor system, hinting at its use in broader data gathering projects. It also mentions the upcoming coverage of LoRaWAN in future workshop videos and encourages readers to access accompanying articles and code for further information.