Introduction: LoRa Messenger for Two Devices for Distances Up to 8km

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Connect the project to your laptop or phone and then chat between the devices without internet or SMS using just LoRa.

Hey, what's up guys? Akarsh here from CETech.
Today we are going to make a project which can be connected to your smartphone or any computer and it makes that device LoRa-enabled messenger. Now when that will be done you would be able to message any other device using the same LoRa messenger. This all is done without presence of 4G/LTE/3G/GSM/WiFi/SMS.

Step 1: Parts

To make this you will need an ESP8266 board, I suggest to use a NodeMCU style board, I used Firebeetle board from DFRobot as it has onboard battery charging and monitoring solution.

For the LoRa purpose, I used an RYLR896 . I highly suggest this module as it is very easy to use over UART using AT commands.

Step 2: Get PCBs for Your Project Manufactured

You must check out JLCPCB for ordering PCBs online for cheap!

You get 10 good quality PCBs manufactured and shipped to your doorstep for 2$ and some shipping. You will also get a discount on shipping on your first order. To design your own PCB head over to easyEDA , once that is done upload your Gerber files onto JLCPCB to get them manufactured with good quality and quick turnaround time.

Step 3: Understanding the Reyax Module and How to Use It. (OPTIONAL : You May Skip Reading This Step If Not Interested About the Working)

1. The LoRa module we have is a UART module which is configured using AT commands.

2. The module houses a STM32 MCU which does all the talking to the SPI LoRa module onboard the RYLR896.

3. The commands in the picture are basic ones you may refer to this document for more: REYAX-Lora-AT-COMMAND-GUIDE
4. I still strongly recommend you to go through my YouTube video where I explain this properly.

Step 4: Connections of the Modules

1. Both the modules will be connected the same way as in the image above.

2. When both the modules are connected, you may program the modules one by one and then test the project.

Step 5: Download and Set Up the Arduino IDE

Download the Arduino IDE from here.

1. Install the Arduino IDE and open it.

2. Go to File > Preferences

3. Add http://arduino.esp8266.com/versions/2.5.0/package_esp8266com_index.json the Additional Boards Manager URLs.

4. Go to Tools > Board > Boards Manager

5. Search for ESP8266 and then install the board.

6. Restart the IDE.

Step 6: Coding the Project

1. Download the repository: https://github.com/akarsh98/LRM

2. Extract the downloaded folder and open Stage1.ino file in Arduino IDE.

3. Navigate to Tools > Board. Select the appropriate board that you are using NodeMCU(12E) works in most of the cases.

4. Select the correct comm. port by going to Tools > Port.

5. Hit the upload button.

6. When the tab says Done Uploading you are ready to use the device.

After uploading open the serial monitor to view the following details

Step 7: Playing With the Device

1. Connect the devices using USB cables to two different devices on which you need to do the messaging. In my case, I connected one module to my laptop and the other one to my phone using OTG cable.

2. Move over to the serial monitor and start texting instantly!

3. CONGO! the device is working as expected.