LoPy Projects¶

Pycom LoPy is a development board with built-in LoRa radio, perfect for IoT projects that transmit small amounts of data over long distances (up to 10+ km in open field) with very low power consumption.

It runs MicroPython, has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in addition to LoRa, and is programmed identically to ESP32.

Available projects¶

LoRaWAN Node¶

Configure a Pycom LoPy4 for the LoRaWAN EU868 network using ABP (Activation By Personalization) and transmit periodic payloads.

• Components: Pycom LoPy4, LoRa antenna, connection to a LoRaWAN gateway
• Concepts: LoRaWAN, ABP vs OTAA, Cayenne LPP format, radio sockets
• Difficulty: intermediate-advanced

What's LoRa and LoRaWAN?¶

• LoRa = radio technology for long-range, low-power communication. Modulates at low rates (250 bps – 50 kbps) to maximize range.
• LoRaWAN = network protocol on top of LoRa with authentication, encryption, and roaming across gateways. The Things Network (TTN) is the largest public LoRaWAN network.

Resources¶

• Pycom documentation — official guides and API reference
• The Things Network — free public LoRaWAN network
• TTN Mapper — check LoRaWAN coverage in your area
• LoRa Calculator — compute transmission airtime

Where to start¶

1. Check TTN coverage in your area with TTN Mapper
2. If a gateway is nearby: register on TTN and create an application
3. Connect LoPy to your PC, install Pymakr (VS Code extension) or Pycom Firmware Updater
4. Follow the LoRaWAN Node lesson with your credentials