Yesterday, SB Components Ltd launched an Automation Kit platform based on the Raspberry Pi Pico with Long Range support. This LoRa based platform can be used in embedded applications that require long-range connectivity and low power such as smart agricultural apps, smart homes, etc.

The Automation Kit Platform consists of four products, an 4-channel relay board based on Lora and RP2040 MCU, an 8-channel relay board based on LoRa and RP2040 MCU, an USB Dongle based on LoRa and RP2040 MCU and a Raspberry Pi HAT based on LoRa. 

4-Channel Relay Board
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4-Channel Relay Board based on LoRa & RP2040 MCU: This product is suggested to be used in industrial or residential settings. The device includes a remote power switch which allows it to regulate power external devices/appliances remotely (i.e. lights, pumps, security systems, etc.). This product comes with an integrated USB TO UART converter, Voltage Level Translator, SMA Antenna connector (433/868/915 MHz frequency band), an IPEX antenna connector and LoRa Spread Spectrum Modulation technology with auto multi-level repeating. 

Specifications:

• Connectivity:
  • USB LoRa & USB RP2040
• Frequency:
  • 433, 868, 915 MHz
• Power:
  • 22dBm
• Distance:
  • 5KM
• Interface:
  • UART
• Relays:
  • 4-channel opto-isolated relays
  • AC-10A/250V & DC 10A

8-Channel Relay Board and LoRa network example
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8-Channel Relay Board based on LoRa & RP2040 MCU: This product is very similar to the previous one, except “it uses a MicroUSB port to upload code, connect to the LoRa network, plug the Remote Power Switch into a power outlet, and plug appliances into the remote power switch.” 

Specifications:

• Connectivity:
  • USB LoRa & USB RP2040
• Frequency:
  • 433, 868, 915 MHz
• Power:
  • 22dBm
• Distance:
  • 5KM
• Interface:
  • UART
• Relays:
  • 8-channel opto-isolated relays
  • AC-10A/250V & DC 10A

 
USB Dongle demo and device (right)USB Dongle based on LoRa
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USB Dongle based on LoRa & RP2040 MCU: This open-source USB dongle which can be connected to the LoRa network from any computer or smart device. The product is Linux compatible and it can be interfaced with other embedded devices (i.e. BeagleBone, Raspberry Pi, etc.).

The company also mentioned “You don’t have to utilize your Raspberry Pi’s GPIO pins as it connects via USB. IoT integrators may use the device to test and set up networks without having to carry around a development board, cable, adapters, and other components.”

Specifications:

• Connectivity:
  • USB LoRa & USB RP2040
• Display:
  • 1.14” LCD
• Frequency:
  • 433, 868, 915 MHz
• Power:
  • 22dBm
• Distance:
  • 5KM
• Interface:
  • UART
• Power Level Translator:
  • 74HC125V

 
RPi LoRa HAT demo (left) RPi LoRa HAT board (right) and Automation Kit Platform (bottom)
(click images to enlarge)