LoRa Distance Testing with RYLR998 in open field - Amazing results!
Вставка
- Опубліковано 4 сер 2024
- In this video, I will be exploring LoRa communication for the first time and I will be making two devices that I can test and measure the distance at which they will be able to communicate.
The LoRa modules that I will use are the RYLR998 from Reyax. These modules operate on the 868/915MHz LoRa range and have a theoretical operation range of a few kilometers.
Depending on the conditions, this can sometimes be much more as you can see in the video.
REYAX Official Website
reyax.com/products/rylr998/
RYLR998 Purchase Links :
www.techdesign.com/market/rey... (TECHDesign)
www.amazon.com/REYAX-RYLR998-... (Amazon)
Instructables article for the project:
www.instructables.com/LoRa-Di...
Code used on the devices
github.com/bkolicoski/rylr998...
Tools and materials used in the video:
NodMCU Development board - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_9uWH0D
Breadboard - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AYbD2V
Mini Breadboards - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_A0gvZL
USB OTG Adapter - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AqUV8p
Support my work on Patreon so I can continue producing free content and tutorials!
/ taste_the_code
My recording gear:
Canon M50 Mark ii - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_A6tEqv
GT10 Pro 5G Android Phone - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oDn...
Dragon Touch 4K Action Camera - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_mrc...
USB Condenser Microphone - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_mq5...
Tripod - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_ooa...
Phone tripod mount - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_s9WaiJ
LoRa Distance Testing with RYLR998 in open field - Amazing results!
#lora #arduino #lorawan #nodemcu #tastethecode
Main Site and blog: www.tastethecode.com
Facebook: / tastethecode
Instagram: / taste_the_code
Twitter: / taste_the_code
Get exclusive Taste The Code t-shirts and merch at
teespring.com/taste-the-code
Design great PCBs with Altium designer and get great discount!
aklam.io/vb3uTw
Click on the link below to get two months of free premium access to Skillshare and start learning today!
skl.sh/37LnRua
Get $50 off your order on hosting for all of your website needs and learning projects on Dreamhost!
www.dreamhost.com/r.cgi?24057...
These are so sweet. Made a dropper for my drone with an Esp32. Now want to go long range with no worries. This is the ticket.
Yes, this can be used for that and should work great.
Thank you a lot! Really helpful for an undergrate in Electrical Engineering like me.
You are welcome! I'm glad you found it helpful.
Thank you, I hope to make a similar demonstration at ARRL Amateur Radio Field Day in June. I am happy to see that a cell phone can power the devices and act as a display.
Yes, the phone needs to have OTG support but most do anyway. And you need an OTG cable or adapter.
Nice video, well done, thank you for sharing the knowledge with us :)
♥️♥️♥️
Thanks bro for video. This is great
Glad you liked it! 👍
thanks for sharing.
You are welcome!👍
Holy crap ! that little thing is amazing!
Sure it is! I'm currently planning how to use it next.
hello, do you know how much power does the LoRA module by the NodeMCU board itself? If not, can you suggest me a way how to find it using measuring equipment?
While transmitting, the module uses up to 140mA at most. During receiving, it is down to 17mA, but you can also use deep sleep where it only uses 10uA. It depends on your application and needs.
Good job mate , thanks for sharing.
I have a question. Can we detect real time distance from transmitter to reciver?
Hmmmm not that I'm aware of, unless you use a GPS module as well. Maybe you can use a timecode on the sender and then another timecode on the receiver but these clocks will need to be perfectly sincronized so you can then calculate the delay between sending and receiving. Sounds possible but it will be very difficult to pull out in reality.
@@TasteTheCode Ok. Thank you again ı will try
how much date could you squeeze in this link? what's the bandwith? ping? like what you could really use it for?
It depends on the parameters used but in general it is 0.3 kbit/s to 50 kbit/s. The purpose of it is to have sensor data collected from a remote, very low power usage sensor.
Can you recommend a Terminal APP for the phone? and does the App change the phones USB to work in USB-HOST mode?
I'm using "Serial USB Terminal" app and it worked beautifully. The app is not the one that makes the USB into a host but the adapter/cable used. You will need a USB OTG cable or adapter so the phone can recognize the device connected.
What was your max at+send string length?
About 45 characters... Why?
Do you know what power, bandwidth and spreading factor you were using?
Just the default of the module0 which based from the datasheet are Spreading Factor: 9, Bandwidth: 125kHz, Power: 22dBm
was there any obstructions? at all, i think im going to head out west and try it in the salt flats in the US
No, there were no obstructions. My house is on a hillside and there is open view to the relatevely flat valley in front pf it. At the 5.7km mark, there were some houses in between and the communication only worked from outside the car.
impressive range. pitty data rate isn't fast but that it was designed for. short messages not lots of data transfer unless you use like multiple units for multiplexing?
Yes, this is only for short messages. As for multiplexing, I don't know if that is even possible. But for reading out sensor values and sending short commands it is ideal!
can i use it to transmit data from several sensors at once? such as water debit monitoring
Yes, sure, it can be used with a lot of sensors.
hi does the connection required line of sight ??
if not what the distance they can communicate without line of sight??
Yes, in my case they do have a line of sight. If they do not, then it really comes down to environment and how hidden they are from each other. In those cases the range goes down to just several hundred meters but it needs to be tested.
Thank you for the video. Do you think it's possible to see video realtime using those LoRa?
No, not at all. They are only meant to periodically transmit small packets like sensor data. For video, you need to look at 4G or 5G GSM modules but they need quite a lot of power.
@@TasteTheCode Thank you a lot, I was wondering how those drones reach 10km using camera
@@RafaelSales55 sorry, I can't tell as I haven't explored their radios but that might be an interesting point of research. Thanks!
From your code, I see that you used the max baud rate of 115200. Does the LoRa's transmit baud rate vary depending upon the serial bus baud rate or is it sent at the same rate in a packet no matter what the serial bus rate is set at? If it varies, a lower baud rate setting might result in even greater range.
From what I'm aware of serial baud rate does not affect the transmit baud rate. It's just the way that the microcontroller talks to the module. To get better range, you might lower the baud rate of the module by issuing the right command.
One update, now AT command is returning +ERR=5, when i try to execute AT+SEND command from esp32
what app you use for terminal arduino?
The app is called "Serial USB Terminal". It worked perfectly every time.
Must try with two yagi antennas on these modules. I made some reliable communication relay with wifi cards at 2.4 GHZ and two yagi at 15 KM with really good bitrate. 915 MHZ must be more than that easily.
Yeah, these do those distances with just the coil antennas on them. Unfortunately I don't have Yagi antennas to try, but it might be an interesting avenue to explore. Thanks!
Can I use another Laura model for this project?
Sure you can. Any LoRa module should be usable in a project. It all depends on your requirements and objective.
What is the difference between LoRa and a normal 915mhz UART transceiver module from someone like HopeRF? I really struggle to understand the terminology and what the differences are. Great video!!! Thank you!
Thanks! I haven't got a module from HopeRF yet to test but from what I know this allows you to set your own standard of sending while a LoRa module already uses a defined standard. If I'm not mistaken, I think that you can use this modules with LoRa as well. The UART specification just defines how you comunicate between the module and your microcontroller.
@@TasteTheCode Ahhh, I think I understand now. I always get confused between the data communication between devices and communication over RF. So LoRa is the RF protocol. I am an electro-mechanical engineer who is trying to learn electronics and programming. I love it but unfortunately the bar for entry is pretty steep and there aren't many resources out there that explain certain aspects in extremely basic terms to get you going. I just stumbled upon your videos and they are fantastic!! BTW Macedonia is a BEAUTIFUL country!!!! Thanks again from currently frigid Illinois, USA.
You are welcome! Yes LoRa is the RF protocol. It can be on different frequencies depending on the local law. In Macedonia is on 868MHz. Have you been to Macedonia? Usually we are the ones with snow but now it seems that the weather is quite different.
Hey, so just to clarify some things:
LoRa is a technology of it's own, meant for wireless sensor networks, so its main focus is to be power efficient and long range ("LoRa" actually means "Long Range"). The way it handles radio waves isn't as simple as a typical UART transceiver, it uses chirp signals and some engineering (that I'm too dumb to explain 😅) to make the signal travel a very long distance (at the cost of low data rates, up to 50kbps).
However, LoRa itself is basically just the "hardware level" technology that deals with the signal. A MAC layer protocol called "LoRaWAN" was then created, so that different sensors could communicate with each other in a network of LoRa devices and also to make it possible for them to communicate with the internet. For example, a LoRa end device in Australia can communicate with another in the UK, what happens is that a LoRa end device talks to a LoRa gateway in Australia, the LoRa gateway in Australia communicates with the other LoRa gateway in the UK through the internet and finally the LoRa gateway in the UK communicates with the LoRa end device.
To sum up:
- LoRa is the technology that makes power-efficient, long-range radio communications.
- LoRaWAN is the MAC layer protocol that makes LoRa versatile.
Well said!
Hi! Fellow tinker here trying to replicate your project. Do you have a video with the arduino ide settings? I keep getting error messages when trying to compile. I'm a noob with Arduino IDE so it could just be me. I have the com port selected, baud 115200, Both NL&cr. I can see the board booting up in the serial monitor but thats about how far I can get.
Check the video description, I have a link to the code running on both devices. In theory you can open that, compile it, upload it to the devices and be good to go. One thing to note is the version of the software serial library that is different for NodeMCU and Arduino boards.
Which country is this, Looks like beautiful Macedonia 🇲🇰?
Which Spred Factor and Transmit power did you use?
With an heltec esp32 lora module I managed to get 500m in an urban area with SF 11 and TX of 18dbm. Would be interested in a second video with more content:)
Hey, yes I'm based in Macedonia! The modules were set at their defaults of SF 12 and output power of 15dBm. What would you like to see if I make a second video on them? 👋👋
@@TasteTheCode Maybe the maximum bandwith with different SF and Stability eg. rain/foggy weather would be nice. Extra Bonus if you test different LoRa ESP32 Modules to determine the Top3 for example. Keep up the good work - will subscribe :)
@@hofertyp Thank you and thanks for the suggestions! I'll definitely include them if I decide to make another video.
@@TasteTheCode Znao sam da je Balkan čim sam vidio ovu kuću na četiri vode, to je Turski stil gradnje.
What were the frequencies, bandwidths, and spreading factors used for this? Default options?
Yup everything at default on 868MHz.
What chip does it use?
In the specs, it says: "NUVOTON MCU & Semtech LoRa Engine".
What is the maximum data rate, how many bits/sec?
It depends on the circumstances but it ranges from 0.3 kbit/s to 50 kbit/s
Great video, thank you! Couple quick questions: (1) I'm not an engineer, so pardon if my question doesn't make sense... but is it be possible to send a tiny packet of data from the TX to the RX within 7ms or less? Also (2) is it possible to have each LoRa setup to send and receive (bi-directional)? Thanks! :)
Hey, thanks! So LoRa is bidirectional so yes, you can send packages from any to any device but the time it takes greatly depends on the distance as well. If the devices are close enough, maybe. I haven't measured this to know for sure but it always works quite quickly. I'm interested why you need it to be in 7ms?
@@TasteTheCode wow thank you for the quick response and answers! :) I'm currently trying to setup a simple wireless proof-of-concept for a new digital music instrument. Closest technology to it are professional UHF wireless microphones. Anything over 7ms starts feeling delayed with live audio situations. Thank you again for the video and help! :)
Wow, that sounds like a cool project. I'm not aware of LoRa being used to send music at distance because of the small package size but since it is digital it might work. If I were you I would probably go with the 2.4GHz spectrum (WiFi, Bluetooth). In any case, good luck with it!
@@TasteTheCode yes, 2.4GHz. :) Thank you so much!
on the roof of the car use a magnet to hold a external antenna so it will send and recieve better
Yes there are magnetic antennas available that you can purchase.
We are working on the same module could you help us working with it in any way....can we contact you regarding it.
I'm not much of an expert in it but let's see what your problem is?
Connection diagram?
Hey Hari, it's very simple. D6 (pin 14) is connected to RX on the module and D5 (pin 12) to TX on the module. Additionally, the module is powered from 3.3V out on the NodeMCU module. That's all.
I get +11 km range on LoRaWAN using 15 dBm and a 3dBi antenna :)
Nice!
Do you do the same configurations with same code?
what country is this? very interesting!
Macedonia! Thanks!
@@TasteTheCode it is funny you have a similar accent to a French Canadian person speaking english. hahaha. 😁 anyway thank you for your videos!
Hahhahah that's a first. I do not know a word in French but it's funny how it sounds like that. Many compare our English accent as to that of Russians but never French. 😂😂 Thanks for watching!
Seria mas potente que RFM96 LoRA? mostrar RSSI o dBm en el siguiente video! Buen video!
Thanks for the tip! I don't own such module so I would not know to tell if that one is better.
I wander what the terminal you are using in your phone...?
It is an app called Serial USB Terminal.
How to pass AT commands to Lora from ESP32 UART?
I am not able to send Address,Band, network id through program ?
@@MrNams You do it exactly like I do with the NodeMCU but you will need to find a Software Serial Library that is meant to work with ESP32 boards (try this one: github.com/plerup/espsoftwareserial) and also make sure that the wiring is connected as stated in the sketch. Maybe even try swapping RX and TX as they need to be crossed.
@@TasteTheCode Its successfully receive data, it fails to send data i.e. At command through Serial Print not properly sent by ESP32 to Lora
@@MrNams That's weird. Does it have an error? Check the line termination character.
can you do a video on using Lora with raspberry pi or any other sbc's
That's a good idea. I'll try to do it soon.
@@TasteTheCode thankyou ✨😁
Has anyone used these to send actual typed messages? Whether using a phone as a UI, or an Arduino and letter selection/screen etc. I don't know if that's possible? Or is there a video of someone doing this?
Yes this is possible. Try searching for LoRa messenger. I'm not exactly sure who did this.
Meshtastic or LoRaWan
@@zazugee I know Meshtastic has that capability.. I just haven’t seen a device using the RYLR998 that does this. Surely, someone has? I just haven’t run across it yet. The range sounds incredible
@@VanceLambert Meshtastic on RPi should work with it as long as it supports SPI. I was just looking into this. You have to change the pin outs and some other configs stuff since I don’t think this chip is in the default list, since as far as I read, the RPi support for meshtastic is pretty new.
Looks doable and I’m sure it’s been done just not documented anywhere I’ve seen yet. I’m 90% sure my RYLR998’s are SPI according to the data sheet, I was think of taking at stab at this with a RPi zero when I get some time.
@@gianni_schicchi Thank you! I’m new and in way over my head.. but ideally, that’s what I want. A super long range messenger using this technology. Let me know when you figure it out! I’ll buy a couple :)
Is it possible to know the distance from each other?
No, not without additional hardware like GPS modules.
@@TasteTheCode not even if we use the send time and use some mathematical formula?
@@pedro96465 yes but then you run into the challenges of syncing time. If you figure it out, let me know.
car = faraday cage
Yeah, it blocked some of the signal but still it worked quite well.
@@TasteTheCode yes....nice
The car might be blocking some of the signal, but it is also reflecting and providing a mulit-path. If the module api provides an RSSI figure it would be interesting to see what the sending and receiving units are seeing.
@@TasteTheCode yes agreed....I was just pointing this out to creater
is this transmit voice
No, LoRa is ment to be used with small sensor data.
What's surprising?
You test devices in line of sight.
There are no other similar devices, so the interference level is very low.
This reminds me of the situation with WiFi 2.4 at the dawn of development
Maybe but I'm new into this and for me it was really surprising and amazing to communicate on such distance with low power.
How is it possible to get 8km, I did everything the same and I can only communicate for a maximum of 50m :(
How are your antennas placed? For me it was important to have line of sight between them. If you don't then it only works at small distances.
Meshtastic LoRa on 915mhz @ 100mA has been sucessfully tested up to 250kms.
nearly 5 to 6 km range
did you do everything like the video? It's giving me an error 1
@@pedromendes8595 no sir I just save time of people who is watching video
:D
Hello! I tried to make this project but it keeps sending me an error... :(
What do you think it could be?
AT+SEND=1,26,Hello from Dev2 - Count: 0
+OK
+ERR=1
Without looking at the code it is a bit difficult to know what is going on. Have you checked the formatting of the message? Maybe some extra CR?
@@TasteTheCode I simply bought the mentioned material, made the same connections and in the end the two modules dont communicate, supposedly they are sending a signal, but none of them receive it
There is not “enter” or 0x0D 0x0A in the end of the AT Command.
@@gigigisi6297 but I have the same code... what I have to do to solve this error?
@@pedromendes8595 Maybe you can try AT+SEND=1,5,HELLO
To slow for RC Airplane Radio Receiver/telemetry products.
Yes, true. This is more for a sensor data.
correct - that is not what lora was designed for though. It's like saying a car is not a good boat because it can't float - but it wasn't designed to float.
👍✌
👍👍👍