LoraWan

[TeeDee]

LoraWAN ( I believe that is how its known )

Anyone know more about this relatively fresh tech ?
Had a play/experiment.

 

[Broch]

I am aware of it but not used it; to be honest it only really started coming into mainstream view after I retired from technology development. We briefly looked at it but, because most of our applications required reasonably high quantities of data transfer, we did not pick it up. Its data transfer rates are too low for consistent live real-time data of a large number of parameters but it looks perfectly suited for small levels of compacted data and control messages.

I may well have another look now from a hobbyist point of view

 

[Damascus]

In

 

[Damascus]

Interesting concept, low data transfer, second video was more informative in its application, as a ham radio licence holder there is other mediums to use, however as a non ham licence holder, like CB has some interesting uses.
I think the cost of these units as well would be a factor to think about.

 

[Jared]

Was just watching a video yesterday that brought up https://meshtastic.org
Seems serious airsofters are using ATAK ( https://www.civtak.org/ ) with meshtastic for their games.

 

[TeeDee]

Interesting concept, low data transfer, second video was more informative in its application, as a ham radio licence holder there is other mediums to use, however as a non ham licence holder, like CB has some interesting uses.
I think the cost of these units as well would be a factor to think about.

Indeed - cost is cheap , wouldn't take up much to set a decent Mesh up from what i understand.

 

[Jared]

Video in question

 

[Damascus]

here’s a link worth looking at.

LoRaWAN — Norfolk & Suffolk Innovation Network Website

www.innovationnetwork.uk

 

[TeeDee]

TTN Coverage

Coverage of The Things Network

ttnmapper.org

 

[neoaliphant]

LoRa does seem intriguing
long range/low data speed seems very usefull for SAR type, or if you dont want satellite messenger devices.

ive always liekd the idea of device like gotenna that turn your phone in to a radio, using ssmartophone processing with just a bit of hardware

there are walkie talkies that run android after all as well, and ones like the rhino that share live location data by radio.

makes sense to add that to your own phone with a mesh
and meshs do make sense in grid down type communication
like serval mesh

ATAK looks intriguing
some of the features exist in Locus navigation app already, live location with groups and chat etc.....just a gratuitous plug for my favourite android app

 

[TeeDee]

Today I found out about Helium Mining which utilises LoRaWAN tech.

Tempted.

 

[grizzlyj]

I think LoRa needs repeaters within line of sight of each other and your own LoRa, then you use bluetooth to it?
LoRa to LoRa can be a long way apart it seems.

 

[grizzlyj]

here’s a link worth looking at.

LoRaWAN — Norfolk & Suffolk Innovation Network Website

www.innovationnetwork.uk

Interesting. The cost of bits from their suggested suppliers is a bit eye watering though

 

[Jared]

I think LoRa needs repeaters within line of sight of each other and your own LoRa, then you use bluetooth to it?
LoRa to LoRa can be a long way apart it seems.

In a mesh network every device is a repeater, including your own.

Line of sight or somewhere around 10km I believe, whichever is shortest.

 

[Jared]

Beartooth

Beartooth is a hardware device that allows for off grid communication. Talk, text and location share without cell service or Wi-Fi. Beartooth pairs with both iOS and Android smartphone via Bluetooth and allows you to connect with all Beartooth users in range.

beartooth.com

Turns mobile phone into a talkie using LoraWan. Unfortunately seem to only US only, due to differing frequency band & power regulations for EU.

Some Americans in Ukraine using them.

 

[TeeDee]

 

[Jared]

Yeah, been watching.

People reporting able to communicate over 110km from the top of mountains.

Heltec V3 Capsule is close to off the shelf product, but they put a tiny battery inside.

Some better looking 3D printed cases out there too, like the H1.

H1 Case for Heltec V3 Running Meshtastic - Etsy UK

This Gadgets item by muziWORKSlab has 303 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from United States. Listed on 22 Mar, 2024

www.etsy.com

Just a shame P&P almost doubles the price.

 

[bobnewboy]

Have you guys had a look at the Ringway Manchester YT channel? He covers a lot of radio stuff - my particular twist is for cellular, having been a cellular geek - but he’s done some interesting videos around meshtastic LORA devices.

 

[TeeDee]

Have you guys had a look at the Ringway Manchester YT channel? He covers a lot of radio stuff - my particular twist is for cellular, having been a cellular geek - but he’s done some interesting videos around meshtastic LORA devices.

I did have a quick look. Definitely very interesting projects