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A Lesson in LoRa Module P2P Standards (or the Lack Thereof)

I got a handful of LoRa modules from Reyax a while back, the RYLR896 model based on Semtech SX1276 chips. Instead of using an SPI interface they operate over UART using a small set of AT commands. This made them easier to work with since I didn't have to dig too deeply into a bunch of SPI registers and Semtech specs and they communicate between one another really well. My Espruino JS module for them is available here , which I've used in a few of my YouTube videos. And more recently I've written a MicroPython module for them here .   (A pair of Reyax RYLR896  modules) But, always being on the lookout for different boards and platforms I eventually ended up with a few Maduino LoRa boards. These are cool because they have an Arduino-compatible ATmega328 and the same Semtech LoRa chip (via an RFM95) both integrated on one board. They weren't compatible with Espruino or MicroPython though, and they used the SPI interface instead of AT commands so I knew I would need to lo
Recent posts

DIY Solar Powered LoRa Repeater (with Arduino)

In today's video I be built a solar powered LoRa signal repeater to extend the range of my LoRa network. This can easily be used as the basis for a LoRa mesh network with a bit of extra code and additional repeaters. Even if you're not into LoRa networks all of the solar power hardware in this video can be used for any off-the-grid electronics projects or IoT nodes!  

CircuitPython Game Development (PewPew M4)

Check out this open source CircuitPython game development platform based on the ARM M4 microcontroller. If you're looking to do some homebrew game development on a handheld platform, this is a great option. In this video I give an overview of the hardware itself and show how the CircuitPython programming environment works on it along with some basic programming examples. For more information check out the Hackaday page and the Makerfabs product info page.

Raspberry Pi 4 Complete Guide

I've been a fan of Raspberry Pi since the original Pi 1 so it's always exciting for me to see how these boards evolve with each new model. The newest Raspberry Pi 4 is no exception and it certainly raises the bar for Single Board Computers. While the older models were mostly only useful as educational boards or for DIY/maker projects, the Pi 4 finally packs a real punch in terms of performance. With a 64-bit quad core ARM processor and up to 4GB of ram, I expect these boards to end up in all kinds of applications, ranging from home media centers to actual home desktop use. Whether you're just getting into Pi's or you're looking to upgrade from one of the older models, this guide is for you.   Part 1: Hardware This video goes over the hardware of the Raspberry Pi itself as well as all of the additional peripheral hardware that you'll need to get started. Most of the parts (including the 4GB Pi 4) came from this CanaKit .     Part 2: Operat

ESP32-Cam Quickstart with Arduino Code

Learn how to add a camera to your Arduino projects the easy way using one of these cheap ESP32-Cam modules. Great for pet cams, home surveillance, time lapses, and computer vision applications.  

Intro to Arduino with LoRa

If you've ever wanted to get started using LoRa wireless communication in your Arduino projects this video is for you. It covers some popular LoRa module options, a brief introduction to the Arduino code needed to control them, and an explanation of the different ways to configure your LoRa modem to maximize range or data transfer rate along with visualizations of the LoRa packet transmissions. It's time to get wireless...

Interactive (Touch) Musical Christmas Tree

In this video I should how to build a capacitive touch Christmas tree that allows you to play music just by touching the ornaments. All it takes is a little bit of Python code, a Raspberry Pi, and a Bare Conductive Pi Cap. Get ready to rock around the Christmas tree!