LoStik by Ronoth is an affordable, easy to use, LoRaWAN™ compatible device. It lets IoT (Internet of Things) integrators, network testers, and hobbyists get connected to LoRa® networks faster, diagnose network issues more easily, and build new and exciting connected devices.
As Featured In
"Designed for use with any computer or microcontroller capable of acting as a USB Host and featuring an ASCII interface, the LoRa Stick can be used in both packet and LoRaWAN modes – making it compatible with The Things Network"
CNXSoft - Embedded Systems News
"It’s easier to carry compared to a prototype with jumper wires, can be programmed via a simple ASCII interface, supports packet mode LoRa or LoRaWAN, and works with the Things Networks."
"Designed to provide an easy way to connect and take advantage of the growing Internet of Things network"
"Having used LoStik in the field for many months, Third Venture decided to open source the design and share it with other developers."
"The LoStik Lets You Access the LoRa Network Anywhere, Anytime"
Key Features
- Works with any PC, Raspberry Pi, or BeagleBone
- Simple ASCII interface
- Backpack friendly (compare to a dev boards and jumper wires)
- Supports Packet mode LoRa® (packet mode) or LoRaWAN™
- Compatible with The Things Network
- Based on the RN2903/R2483 by Microchip
- Two user-programmable LEDs
- Open source
Specifications
- Connectivity: USB 2.0
- Power Consumption: 140 ma typical TX, 20 ma idle (with power LED)
- Dimensions: 80 mm x 25 mm x 12 mm (without antenna)
- Receiver Sensitivity: down to -146 dBm
- TX Power: adjustable up to +18.5 dBm
- Range: up to 15 km coverage in suburban and up to 5 km coverage in urban are
Radio & MCU
Ronoth USB Dongle for LoRa® wireless networks 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.
LoStik 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 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.