Hello everyone! Today I want to introduce a very practical Python library for IoT development – LoraGateway. It is an open-source library specifically designed for handling LoRa communication, helping us easily achieve long-distance wireless communication between devices. I wonder if anyone has experience with IoT development? Let’s explore this powerful tool together!
1. Preparing Python Environment and Hardware Connections
1. Preparing Python Environment
Use the command pip install pyLoRa to install the relevant library and prepare for communication between Python and LoraGateway. Ensure that you have a single-board computer like Raspberry Pi, as these devices provide the necessary computing environment for the LoRa module to operate.
2. Hardware Connections
The LoRa module typically connects to a single-board computer via the SPI interface, such as Raspberry Pi. The connection pins have specific correspondence to ensure accurate data transmission between the two. Specifically, the connections between the LoRa module pins and Raspberry Pi pins are as follows:
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LoRa module pin MOSI connects to Raspberry Pi’s GPIO 10.
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LoRa module pin MISO connects to Raspberry Pi’s GPIO 9.
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LoRa module pin SCK connects to Raspberry Pi’s GPIO 11.
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LoRa module pin NSS connects to Raspberry Pi’s GPIO 8.
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LoRa module pin DIO0 connects to Raspberry Pi’s GPIO 24.
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The LoRa module’s VCC connects to Raspberry Pi’s 3.3V, and GND connects to Raspberry Pi’s GND.
Through such hardware connections, communication between the LoRa module and the single-board computer can be achieved, providing a foundation for various IoT applications. For example, a LoRa gateway can be built using Raspberry Pi, connecting the SX130x 868M LoRaWAN gateway module via hardware attached on top (HAT) to Raspberry Pi 4, allowing Raspberry Pi to communicate with LoRaWAN-enabled devices.
The specific steps are as follows:
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Collect hardware: Prepare Raspberry Pi 4, SX130x 868M LoRaWAN gateway module, LoRa antenna, and a MicroSD card with Raspbian OS.
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Assemble hardware: Insert the MicroSD card into Raspberry Pi, then connect the SX130x LoRaWAN gateway module to Raspberry Pi’s GPIO pins, ensuring the pins are correctly aligned and the module is securely connected.
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Install the operating system for Raspberry Pi: Use Raspberry Pi imaging software to download and install the 32-bit Lite version of the operating system, set up WiFi and SSH, and enable SPI, serial, and I2C.
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Connect to Raspberry Pi using SSH: Determine Raspberry Pi’s IP address using Angry IP Scanner software or find it in the DHCP section of the router configuration page, then use Bitvise SSH software to log in to the IP address.
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Configure Raspberry Pi: Use the raspi-config command to enable SPI, serial, and I2C. After ensuring the hardware connections are correct, install the SX1302 gateway binary, start the LoRa concentrator shield and provide configuration files to receive data.
Additionally, point-to-point communication with LoRa can be achieved between Arduino boards and Raspberry Pi by communicating between an SX1278 LoRa module and another SX1278 connected to an Arduino microcontroller, enabling remote data transmission and cloud platform uploads. Raspberry Pi can also control the LoRa module by relying on some Python libraries, such as pyserial, to communicate with the serial port, set up the LoRa module on Raspberry Pi, and control the module and transmit data by sending configuration commands.
2. Basic Code Example
1. Sending Data
Import the module using from lora import LoRa and first create a LoRa object:
from lora import LoRa
lora = LoRa()
Set the mode and frequency, here assuming to set to the common LoRa mode and frequency:
lora.set_mode_lora()
lora.set_frequency(915E6)
Send the message and print the sent content:
message = "Hello, LoRa!"
lora.send(message)
print(f"Sent: {message}")
2. Receiving Data
Similarly, import the module using from lora import LoRa and create a LoRa object:
from lora import LoRa
lora = LoRa()
Set the mode and frequency to be consistent with sending data:
lora.set_mode_lora()
lora.set_frequency(915E6)
Continuously check whether a data packet is received in a loop. When received, read and print the data:
while True:
if lora.received_packet():
data = lora.read_packet()
print(f"Received: {data.decode()}")
3. Class Diagram and Sequence Diagram Display
1. Class Diagram Showing Main Methods of LoRa Class
The following is an example of the class diagram for the LoRa class, showcasing its main methods:
classDiagram
class LoRa {
+set_mode_lora()
+set_frequency(freq)
+send(message)
+received_packet()
+read_packet()
}
In this class diagram, the LoRa class includes main methods such as set_mode_lora, set_frequency, send, received_packet, and read_packet, providing key functionalities for operating the LoRa module.
2. Sequence Diagram Showing the Order of Sending and Receiving Data
The order of sending and receiving data can be illustrated through a sequence diagram, involving interactions between three participants: Sender, LoRaModule, and Receiver:
sequenceDiagram
participant Sender
participant LoRaModule
participant Receiver
Sender-->>LoRaModule: set_mode_lora()
Sender-->>LoRaModule: send(message)
LoRaModule-->>Sender: Message Sent
Receiver-->>LoRaModule: received_packet()
LoRaModule-->>Receiver: read_packet()
Receiver-->>Receiver: Print data
In this sequence diagram, the Sender first calls the set_mode_lora method of the LoRaModule to set the mode of the LoRa module, then calls the send method to send the message. The Receiver calls the received_packet method of the LoRaModule to check if there is a data packet received. If so, it calls the read_packet method to read the data packet and print the data.
In summary, the application scenarios of LoraGateway in Python are extensive, and the future outlook is very optimistic. With continuous technological advancement and the ongoing expansion of applications, LoraGateway will play an increasingly important role in the field of IoT.