loradar_tool/Version 1 (mTAC-LoRa)

LoRadar (Version 1)

Hardware used

This version setup uses the following hardware:

• Single board computer: Raspberry Pi 3
• LoRa module: mTAC-LORA-915 (not mTAC-LORA-915-H), a gateway accessory card from MultiTech suitable for both 915 MHz and 923 MHz ISM frequency bands was used to capture LoRa packets
• Antenna: A fibreglass 1/2 wave 860-960 MHz antenna with 6 dBi gain attached to the LoRa module via N-type (male) to RP-SMA (male) cable (https://www.data-alliance.net/n-male-to-rp-sma-male-cable-3ft-5ft-6ft-lmr-100-lmr200-double-shielded/)
• Connection bridge: Mini PCI-e to USB adaptor to connect between the Raspberry Pi and mTAC-LORA-915A (https://techship.com/products/mpcie-to-usb-adapter-card/)
• Storage: 32 GB microSD card inserted to the Raspberry Pi for data storage

Software used

• libloragw library: (https://github.com/Lora-net/lora_gateway/tree/master/libloragw) was used for the Raspberry Pi to access the LoRa card and configure radio frequencies
• Packet logger: (https://github.com/Lora-net/lora_gateway/tree/master/util_pkt_logger) This software records all LoRa packets received by the LoRa card and outputs in csv format every hour.

The Raspberry Pi has been configured to initiate the 'Packet logger software' upon powering on and obtaining the correct time via the Internet (A delay of 5 minutes has been placed).

Instructions