Generally it is sensible to go together with plain previous batteries and off-the-shelf PVC pipe. That’s the pondering behind [Bertrand Selva]’s intelligent LoRaTube challenge.
LoRa is a unbelievable answer for long-range and low-power wi-fi communication (and common, judging by the variety of initiatives constructed round it) and LoRaTube offers an autonomous repeater, contained fully in a size of PVC pipe. Out the highest comes the antenna and inside is all the required {hardware}, together with a stack of fine previous D-sized alkaline cells feeding a supercap-buffered energy provide of his personal design. It’s weatherproof, cheap, self-contained, and due to extraordinarily low standby present ought to final a great 5 years by [Bertrand]’s reckoning.
One could make a fast LoRa repeater in about an hour however whereas the core {hardware} may be cheap, supporting electronics and parts (to not point out enclosure) for off-grid deployment can rapidly add vital price. Photo voltaic panels, cost controllers, and a chargeable energy provide additionally add potential factors of failure. Generally it makes extra sense to go low cost, easy, and rugged. Eighteen D-sized alkaline cells stacked in a PVC tube is as rugged as it’s reasonably priced, particularly if one will get a number of years’ value of operation out of it.
You possibly can watch [Bertrand] increase a LoRaTube repeater and do a spread check within the video (French), embedded beneath. Supply code and CAD recordsdata are on the challenge web page. Black outside helper cat not included.
