# LoRa **URL:** \ **Category:** marker id\ **Created:** [December 10, 2022, 12:29am UTC](https://discuss.88.io/t/lora/858 "2022-12-10T00:29:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![admin](https://discuss.88.io/user_avatar/discuss.88.io/admin/32/38_2.png) [@admin](https://discuss.88.io/u/admin)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2022, 12:29am UTC](https://discuss.88.io/t/lora/858/1 "2022-12-10T00:29:07Z")
# Introduction [LoRa](https://www.semtech.com/lora/what-is-lora) is one of the three radio technologies used in Team Compute Activity Markers. LoRa is particularly useful in areas where there is no Cellular or WiFi or Bluetooth signals e.g. in remote rural areas or during disasters in urban areas. | Radio | Distance | Power | Speed | Approx. Meters | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Bluetooth | low | medium | medium | 10 m | | WiFi | medium | high | high | 100 m | | LoRa | high | low | low | 1000 m | LoRa is a sub-1GHz radio technology was designed for long range communications. Note LoRa does NOT perform well in some [high density urban use cases](https://tns.thss.tsinghua.edu.cn/~jiliang/publications/SenSys23-CityWAN.pdf). Although we are only experimenting with the [LoRa protocol](https://www.semtech.com/lora/what-is-lora) but there are other long range network protocols (e.g. thread, wise, wi-sun, sigfox, ts-unb, zigbee, z-wave etc.) as well as the IEEE ones (e.g. [802.11ah](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.11ah), [802.11af](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.11af), [802.22](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.22) etc.) available also. In rural areas, [LoRa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LoRa) can have reach, cost and privacy advantages over cellular carrier IoT offerings like [LTE-M](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LTE-M) (medium throughput usage) and [NB-IoT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narrowband_IoT) (low throughout usage), enables citizens to communicate wirelessly over long range WITHOUT going through traditional 3G, 4G, 5G cellular mobile networks. Depending on deployment parameters, a 10 km range outdoors (with direct line of sight) is possible. We are adding mesh technologies, so signals can be relayed to extend that range further. ## Protocols LoRa has a number of communication protocols : 1. [Meshtastic](https://meshtastic.org/) - decentralised use cases (supported) 2. [LoRaWAN](https://lora-alliance.org/) - centralised use cases (legacy support only) If you are joining Team Compute after 2024, please use Meshtastic instead of LoRaWAN. Realtime maps of some Meshtastic nodes worldwide: - [https://meshmap.net/](https://meshmap.net/) - [https://meshtastic.liamcottle.net/](https://meshtastic.liamcottle.net/) The Mestastic device must have WiFi so it can input CLI commands and output MQTT data. - [Network Configuration | Meshtastic](https://meshtastic.org/docs/configuration/radio/network/) ## Applications Initially we are using LoRa as [Activity Markers](https://activitymarker.com), but will expand it to transport messages, sensor data etc. progressively. ---
**Author:** ![admin](https://discuss.88.io/user_avatar/discuss.88.io/admin/32/38_2.png) [@admin](https://discuss.88.io/u/admin)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2022, 9:04pm UTC](https://discuss.88.io/t/lora/858/2 "2022-12-10T21:04:34Z")
# Meshtastic Firmware ## Meshtastic Guidelines 1. If a device does not support concurrent bluetooth and wifi, then wifi should be used. 2. Use the [latest release](https://github.com/meshtastic/firmware/releases) if possible. ## Meshtastic Presets | Radio Preset | Data-Rate | SF / Symbols | Coding Rate | Bandwidth | Link Budget | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Short Turbo | 21.88 kbps | 7 / 128 | 4/5 | 500 kHz | 140dB | | Short Fast | 10.94 kbps | 7 / 128 | 4/5 | 250 kHz | 143dB | | Short Slow | 6.25 kbps | 8 / 256 | 4/5 | 250 kHz | 145.5dB | | Medium Fast | 3.52 kbps | 9 / 512 | 4/5 | 250 kHz | 148dB | | Medium Slow | 1.95 kbps | 10 / 1024 | 4/5 | 250 kHz | 150.5dB | | Long Fast | 1.07 kbps | 11 / 2048 | 4/5 | 250 kHz | 153dB | | Long Moderate | 0.34 kbps | 11 / 2048 | 4/8 | 125 kHz | 156dB | | Long Slow | 0.18 kbps | 12 / 4096 | 4/8 | 125 kHz | 158.5dB | Notes: - Default Meshtastic Radio Preset is `Long Fast` we default to `Long Slow` - SF means Spreading Factor - each step up in SF doubles the airtime to transmit. - Coding Rate - how much redundancy we encode to resist noise (4/8 mean 2x overhead). - Bandwidth - how much of radio spectrum we use. - Link Budget - assumes transmit power 22dBm and antenna 0dB gain. ## Meshtastic Spectrum Frequency Slot Calculator - [Radio Settings | Meshtastic](https://meshtastic.org/docs/overview/radio-settings/#frequency-slot-calculator) ### High Frequency LoRa Example Using the calculator we got: | Region | Preset | Slots | Default | Start | End | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | ANZ | Long Fast | 52 | 20 | 915.1250 | 927.8750 | | ANZ | Long Slow | 104 | 27 | 915.0625 | 927.9375 | | US | Long Fast | 104 | 20 | 902.1250 | 927.8750 | | US | Long Slow | 208 | 27 | 902.0625 | 927.9375 | Australia uses LoRa high frequency bands that are slightly above the USA bands. ### Low Frequency LoRa Example Using the calculator we got: | Region | Preset | Slots | Default | Start | End | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | ANZ | Long Fast | 6 | 6 | 433.1750 | 434.4250 | | ANZ | Long Slow | 13 | 1 | 433.1125 | 434.6125 | | CN | Long Fast | 160 | 36 | 470.1250 | 509.8750 | | CN | Long Slow | 320 | 187 | 470.0625 | 509.9375 | Australia uses LoRa low frequency bands that are slightly below the China bands. ## Meshtastic HAM Meshtastic has a [set-ham option](https://meshtastic.discourse.group/t/1-2-10-python-tool-adds-support-for-ham-radio-users/2863) to for used by [Amateur Radio](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amateur_radio) operators. They can use their license to boost Lora power and range in some countries. ## Meshtastic References - [https://meshtastic.discourse.group/](https://meshtastic.discourse.group/) - [https://meshtastic.letstalkthis.com](https://meshtastic.letstalkthis.com) - [GitHub - NanoVHF/Meshtastic-DIY](https://github.com/NanoVHF/Meshtastic-DIY) - [https://wiki.oevsv.at/wiki/MeshCom](https://wiki.oevsv.at/wiki/MeshCom) - [GitHub - a-f-G-U-C/Meshtastic-ZPS: Zero-GPS Positioning System for Meshtastic](https://github.com/a-f-G-U-C/Meshtastic-ZPS) - [GitHub - paulmandal/atak-forwarder: Forwards packets to/from ATAK over an off-grid communication layer](https://github.com/paulmandal/atak-forwarder) ---
**Author:** ![admin](https://discuss.88.io/user_avatar/discuss.88.io/admin/32/38_2.png) [@admin](https://discuss.88.io/u/admin)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2022, 9:06pm UTC](https://discuss.88.io/t/lora/858/3 "2022-12-10T21:06:13Z")
# Meshtastic Hardware Meshtastic supports a number of hardware devices: - [Devices | Supported Hardware Overview | Meshtastic](https://meshtastic.org/docs/hardware/devices/) ### LoRa Chipset A number of LoRa chipsets are used in meshtastic hardware, two of the most popular are SX1262 and SX1276, of the two SX1262 is preferred over SX1276 - [https://www.nicerf.com/articles/detail/the-difference-between-the-sx1262-wireless-module-and-the-sx1276-wireless-module.html](https://www.nicerf.com/articles/detail/the-difference-between-the-sx1262-wireless-module-and-the-sx1276-wireless-module.html) - [https://www.ebyte.com/en/new-view-info.aspx?id=303](https://www.ebyte.com/en/new-view-info.aspx?id=303) - [https://blog.classycode.com/lora-sync-word-compatibility-between-sx127x-and-sx126x-460324d1787a](https://blog.classycode.com/lora-sync-word-compatibility-between-sx127x-and-sx126x-460324d1787a) SX1262 range can be increased by running `meshtastic --set lora.sx126x_rx_boosted_gain true` to increase gain with a small increase in power consumption. ### External Antennas For mobile applications the bundled antennas can be used, but for fixed location deployments it is best to use [external antennas](https://discuss.88.io/t/lora/858/5) instead. ## 1. Heltec LoRa 32 v3 A low-cost LoRa device WITH display is the Heltec LoRa 32 v3. ![Screenshot 2025-09-26 at 2.59.58 pm](https://discuss.88.io/uploads/default/original/2X/8/8da260cc91deff9326f3623c7e1bd22ed6208488.png) - [WiFi LoRa 32(V3), ESP32S3 + SX1262 LoRa Node, Meshtastic and LoRaWAN Compatible – Heltec Automation](https://heltec.org/project/wifi-lora-32-v3/) - [HELTEC® LoRa 32 | Meshtastic](https://meshtastic.org/docs/hardware/devices/heltec-automation/lora32/?heltec=v3) ![v3](https://discuss.88.io/uploads/default/original/2X/0/0bc78ce0f0f2d81a84d63417f801d88d903a9119.jpeg) ### v3 Bundled Antennas Hletec v3 can come with 3 types of antennas: ![antennas](https://discuss.88.io/uploads/default/original/2X/a/a5d4c154206e2c41ddf269401cc2622549625c19.png) 1. is supposed to be of poor quality 2. is supposed to be better but will not fit into the cheap green case 3. is supposed to have good quality and fits into cheap green case ### v3 Hacks - newer v3 antenna is better [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znQAsYs12y8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znQAsYs12y8) - use v3 as spectrum analyzer [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oI0ekb\_Ud60](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oI0ekb_Ud60) ## 2. Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32S3 A low-cost LoRa device WITHOUT display is the LoRa daughter board (WIO SX1262) plugged into a WiFi motherboard (XIAO ESP32S3). ![lora2](https://discuss.88.io/uploads/default/original/2X/a/a1a4093c3e71825ecf9c4da5757d04b6660b9a58.png) - [Getting Started with Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32S3 Series | Seeed Studio Wiki](https://wiki.seeedstudio.com/xiao_esp32s3_getting_started/) - [Seeed Wio-SX1262 Series | Meshtastic](https://meshtastic.org/docs/hardware/devices/seeed-studio/wio-series/wio-sx1262s/) Note the Meshtastic link above use the WIO SX1262 (which is correct) but it talks about using it with the XIAO nRF52840 (which does NOT have WiFi), we need a motherboard that supports WiFi e.g. XIAO ESP32S3. ---
**Author:** ![admin](https://discuss.88.io/user_avatar/discuss.88.io/admin/32/38_2.png) [@admin](https://discuss.88.io/u/admin)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2022, 9:47pm UTC](https://discuss.88.io/t/lora/858/4 "2022-12-23T21:47:01Z")
# Meshtastic Software Meshtastic has a wide range of software: - [Software | Meshtastic](https://meshtastic.org/docs/software/) ## Web Client - [GitHub - meshtastic/web: Meshtastic Web Client/JS Monorepo](https://github.com/meshtastic/web) Using HTTP to connect is preferred: - [Web Client Overview | Meshtastic](https://meshtastic.org/docs/software/web-client/) ## Web Flasher - [GitHub - meshtastic/web-flasher: Official online flasher for Meshtastic device firmware](https://github.com/meshtastic/web-flasher) - [https://flasher.meshtastic.org/](https://flasher.meshtastic.org/) ---
**Author:** ![admin](https://discuss.88.io/user_avatar/discuss.88.io/admin/32/38_2.png) [@admin](https://discuss.88.io/u/admin)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2022, 3:41am UTC](https://discuss.88.io/t/lora/858/5 "2022-12-29T03:41:55Z")
# External Antenna Many low-cost yet high-performance external antennas are available at LoRa frequencies. For 915MHz the following is recommended for beginners: - TX915-JKC-20 has 5 antennas [TX915-JKD-20\_915Mhz\_Antenna\_Accessories\_](https://www.cdebyte.com/products/TX915-JKD-20/1) ![antenna](https://discuss.88.io/uploads/default/original/2X/f/feac143d89b33358d70001936a38f40a7c77c88f.png) Note - these are dipoles, so performance tend to be better than monopoles. ## 1. IPX to SMA cable Connectors - SMA can be MALE or FEMALE - IPX has many other names IPEX-1 or U.FL There are normally 3 cable sizes: - 0.81mm - 1.13mm - 1.78mm (also called RG178 ) Please get thicker cable e.g. RG178 if possible. ![Screenshot 2025-09-26 at 3.50.28 pm](https://discuss.88.io/uploads/default/original/2X/b/b9d055acffc604811ce210236b6d2c5dc7685c30.png) [C934-001\_datasheet.pdf](https://discuss.88.io/uploads/short-url/faL8AoJxqgt5oxH5izWbpkDhDPi.pdf) (2.2 MB) Make sure to get the correct MALE or FEMALE version of the SMA connector for your external antenna. ## 2. Tigertail If you have a monopole antenna, sometimes you can increase its range with a "tigertail" hack to make it into a dipole. - [https://paratusradio.com/2020/08/building-the-tiger-tail/](https://paratusradio.com/2020/08/building-the-tiger-tail/) ---
**Author:** ![admin](https://discuss.88.io/user_avatar/discuss.88.io/admin/32/38_2.png) [@admin](https://discuss.88.io/u/admin)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2022, 4:37am UTC](https://discuss.88.io/t/lora/858/6 "2022-12-29T04:37:32Z")
# LoRaWAN Due to its centralised design, LoRaWAN is NOT our preferred LoRa network protocol, it still has some installed based worldwide, so we do supported it in special cases. In all other cases, Meshtastic should be used instead. ## 1. LoRaWAN Australia Australian government has allocated 915 MHz to 928 MHz for use as an ISM band. When buying LoRa equipment for use with [LoRaWAN](https://lora-alliance.org/) in Australia, please get the 915 MHz version. Note 923 MHz is also legal to use in Australia and LoRaWAN has been deployed using 923 MHz in Australia but we would like to keep everyone on 915 Mhz for now. **AU915-928** - 64 channels total - 30 dBM EIRP - Each of the 64 channels is 0.2 MHz wide (1st channel centred on 915.2MHz and 64th channel centred on 927.8 MHz) **AS920-923 / AS923-925** - 16 channels total - 16 dBM EIRP ## 2. LoRaWAN Server The following LoRaWAN servers have been tested to work with Team Compute: 1. [ChirpStack](https://www.chirpstack.io/) 2. [Lora-Feed](https://github.com/xueliu/lora-feed) ## 3. LoRaWAN Security Despite LoRaWAN's [best intentions](https://lora-alliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/lorawan_security_whitepaper.pdf), defining end-to-end security centrally that covers device, network and application layers can be problematic - any weakness affects every device and application on the network. Use Meshtastic instead of LoRaWAN if you do not need backward compatibility. #### Trend Mirco - [Low Powered and High Risk: Possible Attacks on LoRaWAN Devices | Trend Micro (UK)](https://www.trendmicro.com/en_au/research/21/a/Low-Powered-but-High-Risk-Evaluating-Possible-Attacks-on-LoRaWAN-Devices.html) #### IOActive Official PDF no longer available: - [https://act-on.ioactive.com/acton/attachment/34793/f-87b45f5f-f181-44fc-82a8-8e53c501dc4e/1/-/-/-/-/LoRaWAN%20Networks%20Susceptible%20to%20Hacking.pdf](https://act-on.ioactive.com/acton/attachment/34793/f-87b45f5f-f181-44fc-82a8-8e53c501dc4e/1/-/-/-/-/LoRaWAN%20Networks%20Susceptible%20to%20Hacking.pdf) However, reports on it still online: - [The Protocol That's Putting Enterprise IoT At Extreme Risk](https://businessinsights.bitdefender.com/the-protocol-thats-putting-enterprise-iot-at-extreme-risk) - [https://www.zdnet.com/article/lorawan-networks-are-spreading-but-security-researchers-say-beware/](https://www.zdnet.com/article/lorawan-networks-are-spreading-but-security-researchers-say-beware/) #### Decoding LoRaWAN 1.0 LoRaWAN 1.1 is [more secure](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1389128618306145) but LoRaWAN 1.0 is still widely deployed and easily hacked: - [https://runkit.com/avbentem/deciphering-a-lorawan-otaa-join-accept](https://runkit.com/avbentem/deciphering-a-lorawan-otaa-join-accept) - [GitHub - saberzahed/LoRaWAN.Packet.Decoder: LoRaWAN 1.0.x packet decoder](https://github.com/saberzahed/LoRaWAN.Packet.Decoder) #### Energy Attack Increase energy consumption (e.g. depletion of battery) without needing to know any secret keys: - [https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3339252.3340525](https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3339252.3340525) ---
**Author:** ![admin](https://discuss.88.io/user_avatar/discuss.88.io/admin/32/38_2.png) [@admin](https://discuss.88.io/u/admin)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2023, 4:52am UTC](https://discuss.88.io/t/lora/858/7 "2023-01-10T04:52:16Z")
# Satellite-Based Augmentation Some newer positioning devices start to have Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) support e.g. - [SouthPAN](https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigation-systems/satellite-based-augmentation-system-sbas)