- We are on Fosstodon
- We built a second version of the case
- We have assembled a batch of devices (50 pcs)
- New video of how it works! https://youtu.be/M7Vq4bjurBg
- We are adding new code to the project
- We sent the devices to users for testing (USA, Germany, Armenia)
- In contact with @meshtastic, sent them devices to start joint integration
- We welcome comments and suggestions 😊
Our priority is to make the user experience as simple as possible. It only has an on/off button, a widespread QWERTY-keyboard and a cute e-ink display. That’s it. However, in spite of simplicity the Loratype can be used as a tiny PC with possibility for programming and adding new functions thanks to embedded Wі-Fі, Bluetooth and esp32. Welcome on board and feel like home, dear like-minded fellows!
There are some extra features: the LoRa protocol is noise-resistant, and the communication range is about 1 km in a city and up to 7 km in line-of-sight coverage. And of course it is totally free of charge, Loratype has been created not by a Corporation for population, but by people for people. Thus, in any emergency condition, we will honorably stay together!
- Turn on the device
- Wait a moment (search for interlocutors in the mesh network)
- Chat, stay in touch without paying for traffic!
- Free of charge (Lora user doesn't need to pay for the service)
- Autonomous device (LoraType to be completely autonomous)
- Independed of internet, 5G, GSM etc. (Stay connected without Internet!)
- During disasters like earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and fires among others
- Hiking or camping far away from cities, receptions etc
- In a war zone or mass protests (when government could shut down the internet)
- When you need free messaging (your plan is expired or you do not have a mobile data on your phone)
LoRa contains all the basic building blocks needed and used by any modern wireless technology, and it does so using the AES-128 standard. (Lora Security)
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Display | Durable low power screen that can store information for up to 6 months without consuming power (1.54 inch e-paper display module partial refresh E-ink screen, GDEH0154D67) |
| Main controller | The ESP32 module gives the device great advantages in development and functionality. You only need to replace the firmware over the air |
| Lora Module | The E22 series is the first wireless module in China to adopt Semtech's SX1262, SX1268 RF chip. This chip provides a variety of modulation methods, such as LoRaTM and traditional GFSK. Its special LoRaTM modulation method increases the communication distance. |
| Keyboard | TCA8418RTWR Great built-in simultaneous click capabilities. Keyboard with built-in protection against electrostatic discharge |
| Charger | TP4056 Proven by time and many users. Has battery protection. Battery will last longer |
| LDO regulator | AP2112 is CMOS low dropout linear regulator 600мА |
| ARGB Led | WS2912b-2020 is an intelligent control LED light source |
For device owners, the ability to add DIY add-ons is available.
- Fast flash firmware (UART)
- Adding your own sensors to the device (via I2C bus)
- JTAG debugging
- Replaceable battery (Li-po)
- Using integrated antenna
- Connection of external power generators (Energy harvesters)
Main controller features:
- Support Wi-Fi + Bluetooth® + Bluetooth LE
- WiFi Standards: FCC/CE/IC/TELEC/KCC/SRRC/NCC
- Protocols: 802.11 b/g/n/d/e/i/k/r (802.11n up to 150Mbps)
- Support Wi-Fi Modes: Client, Access Point, Sniffer, Wi-Fi Direct
- Integrated SPI flash: 4 MB
- Security: WPA/WPA2/WPA2-Enterprise/WPS
- Encryption: AES/RSA/ECC/SHA
- Network protocols: IPv4, IPv6, SSL, TCP/UDP/HTTP/FTP/MQTT
- Software update over the air
Built-in radio module (SX1262) allows additional various radio communication methods (RadioLibrary): AFSK, APRS, AX25, FSK4, Hellschreiber, Morse, RTTY, SSTV
| # | LoraType | RippleQWERTY | ArmaChat | LoRa Msg | ESPboy LORA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open Source | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Transceiver | SX1262 | SX1276 | RFM95W | RFM95W | SX1278 |
| Transmit Power | 22 dbm | 19.5 dBm | 20 dbm | 20 dbm | 30dBm |
| Display | E-Ink | OLED | TFT | TFT | TFT |
| Battery | Li-po 1100mA | It is not specified exactly | 18650 | 1500mA | It is not specified exactly |
| Num. of buttons | 36 | 35 | 30 | 35 | 6 |
| Wi-Fi | yes | yes | no | no | yes |
| Bluetooth | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Case | yes (choice is available+stl) | yes (+stl) | pcb case | yes (+stl) | yes (+stl) |
| Dimensions | 110mm*60mm | not specify | 76mm x 71mm | 70mm*105mm | 90mm*50mm |
This project is open source. We opened all circuits and software
- Getting Started DIY here ✅
- STL models for cases
- Components Documentation 🔥
- Software Example
- On-line Support
- Instagram | Fosstodon