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Semtech's Wireless, Sensing and Timing product group

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NAMote 72 wiki

Overview

This Wiki page describes how to setup a NAMote72 platform and implementing the available test code. The NAMote72 Platform module is intended to enable a quick and easy range test of the Semtech SX1272 LoRa device as well as test bench performance and communication tests.

The front panel and pinout diagrams below shows the commonly used interfaces and their locations.

USB1 Charge Port - The USB1 Charger port connects to an external USB wall charger or host computer USB port. Under low battery conditions, the charger can supply up to 700mA to recharge the battery while also powering the module. This charge status indicator LED will illuminate red when the battery is charging and green when fully charged.

User Configurable LEDs - There are four LEDs provided which, under user control, can be used to provide module status. LED1 is red, LED2 is green, LED 3 is yellow and LED USR is red.

Power Switch - This switches on the battery to power the module. When this switch is in the OFF position, and a charger is connected to USB1, all charge current is directed to the battery. When a charger is connected and the switch is on, a portion of the charge current charges the battery and a portion helps power the module.

USB2 Program/COM port - This port serves two functions. When connected to the Host PC through the USB cable, a mbed mass storage device will appear on the Host PC, permitting the user to program the module. In addition, a virtual com port will also appear, enabling serial communication with user firmware. The ST-Link status indicators show programming status. Green indicates successful download.

/media/uploads/lorgei/front_panel_2.jpg

/media/uploads/lorgei/namotepic2a.jpg


Connecting the Platform

1. Connect the micro USB connector to the NAMote72 USB2 Input (Images above) and the other end to a PC

Note: The NAMote72 will start to run the application that is curently programmed

2. Ensure Connecton to PC and NAMote72 Virtual Drive Listing

/media/uploads/lorgei/virtual_drive.jpg

3. Open NAMote72 virtual drive and select MBED.HTM to go to NAMote72 mbed platform page.


Programming the Platfrom

1. Import the appropriate Application Example (Test Code) into the mbed Compiler

Import programscpi_sx127x

SCPI interface to SX1272 and SX1276

2. Select NAMote72 as the Platform and Compile Application

/media/uploads/lorgei/select_platform.jpg

3. Select where to store the .bin programming file (in My Downloads by Default)

4. Programming the Platform

Save the program binary file (.bin) to your mbed Virtual Disk Labeled NAMote72, just like you would with a normal USB disk. The Status LED will flash as the PC writes the file to the Microcontroller disk. The .bin file is now programmed into the platform.

5. The microcontroller will reset after programming and the last programmed application will begin to run.


Working with Test Code Applications

1. Setup Serial Terminal Monitor (HyperTerm, Putty, TeraTerm, etc.)

2. Determing the Virtual COM port that the NAMote72 platform is using

Verify with Device Manager and Ports available. Note the Port number.

3. Working with Test Code Applications

The first program below implements a SCPI command parser. When connected via the debug virtual comm port, commands can be sent to the radio and peripherals to perform specific tasks or to set specific parameters. The serial port defaults to 9600bps N-8-1.

Import programscpi_sx127x

SCPI interface to SX1272 and SX1276

Import programlmic_NAmote_GPS

LMIC transmit example for NAmote-72 with GPS


Where to Next

Follow the guide to creating your own programs using the online compiler


Schematics

Images to be entered

Documents

Data Sheets and other relevant NAMote 72 Technical Information

SX1276 Datasheet
LoRa Modem Designer's Guide
LoRa Low Energy Design Guide
LoRa Calculator: fast evaluation of link budget, time on air and energy consumption



Interface Firmware

Firmware update procedure. Run the batch (.bat) file contained withing the .zip file

/media/uploads/lorgei/st-link_namote72.zip


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