RFM95W LoRa Radio Transceiver

RFM95W LoRa Radio Transceiver Breakout @ 868MHz (European)

These simple yet impressive radio modules will open up a new and exciting world of possibilities. First of all, you will be able to experience the highly rewarding adventure of successfully transmitting any data you want over truly remarkable distances.

While most wireless chipsets such as Bluetooth, Zigbee, WiFi, and others use 2.4GHz frequencies, which are perfect for high-speed transmissions, you may prefer to use lower license-free frequencies such as 900MHz. The speed will be lower, but the transmission range will be significantly greater.

Additionally, since the structure of this compact radio is less complicated than WiFi or BLE, there is no need to pair, scan, match, or worry about connections. Simply send the data whenever you want, and it will be received by any other module sharing the same frequency and the same key (that is, the encryption system). The receiving radio can even send a reply. This module also handles packetization and error correction, and it is capable of automatic retransmission. Thanks to these features, you will have fewer things to worry about and will use less power for pairing or maintaining a link.

This Adafruit RFM95W LoRa Radio Transceiver breakout works very well with Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and other microcontrollers if you want to create a sensor node network or transmit data over long distances, such as across a city. Keep in mind, however, that you will need two or more radios with matching frequencies. Fortunately, WiFi and Bluetooth are usually already built into computers and smartphones.

There are different variants of radio modules: LoRa radios are intriguing and significantly more powerful, but also more expensive.

The RFM9x LoRa Module consists of a compact +20dBm LoRa radio and features a unique radio modulation that, although not compatible with the RFM69, can transmit much farther. Using simple wire antennas, they can easily reach 2 km line of sight (LOS), or, with directional antennas and some tweaking, they can reach up to 20 km.

• Compact radio with Arduino-ready libraries
• Uses the license-free ISM band: “European ISM” @ 868MHz or “American ISM” @ 915MHz for the 8680 or 915MHz model
• Use a simple wire antenna for uFL or SMA radio connector
• SX1276 LoRa® based module with SPI interface
• +5 to +20 dBm up to 100mW Power Output Capability (power output selectable via software)
• ~100mA peak during +20dBm transmission, ~30mA during active radio listening
• Approximate range of 2Km, depending on obstructions, antenna, frequency, and power output

This radio is sold individually and can communicate only with radios sharing the same number: RFM95W 915 MHz can communicate only with RFM95W 915 MHz

Each radio comes with a header, a 3.3V voltage regulator, and a level shifter that can handle both 3-5V DC power and logic. This means you can use it with both 3V and 5V devices. Some soldering is required to attach the header, and you will also need to solder some wire to create your antenna. Alternatively, you can get a uFL connector or an SMA edge-mount connector and connect an external duck antenna.

You can check the Adafruit tutorial for the RFM95W 915, where you will find wiring diagrams, sample code, and much more.

Technical details:

• Product dimensions: 29 x 25 x 4 mm / 1.14″ x 1.0″ x 0.2″
• Product weight: 3.1g

Adafruit name: RFM95W LoRa Radio Transceiver Breakout – 868 or 915 MHz – RadioFruit [ADA3072]