A new project has launched via Crowd Supply to take preorders for a new open source USB LoRa device called the LoStik. Designed to provide an easy way to connect and take advantage of the growing Internet of Things network the small dongle has been designed to be used with any computer or microcontroller. Once installed the LoStik is capable of acting as a USB Host and featuring an ASCII interface, the LoStik can be used in both packet and LoRaWAN modes – making it compatible with The Things Network, watch the video below to learn more.
“LoStik uses a RN2903 (US) or RN2483 (EU) depending on what ITU region you are in; if you are unsure which version you need check out the frequency plan. The device uses a simple ASCII interface. You can configure it and send commands over serial / COM port. Microchip provides a detailed command refference RN2903, RN2483”
The LoStik is now available to back via the Crowd Supply website with pledges available from $39 and worldwide shipping expected to take place during September 2018. “The radio can be used in packet mode sending packets between nodes. This provides simplex, single-channel communications. If you want to speak LoRaWAN you need a gateway or access to one. Some countries in Europe provide nation-wide coverage. If you want to tinker with the MCU directly it is possible (but not necessary) to write your own firmware. There is an unpopulated ICSP header and the onboard MCU is a PIC18LF46K22 and Microchip supplies LoRaWAN libraries for use with MPLab.”
Source: Crowd Supply