LoRaWAN and NAM

Requests about this have been around for a long time - finally we have new version of NAM which can work without WiFi access.

So, we present NAM 0.4 LoRaWAN beta. It is not final construction, but fully functional. We have decided to keep as much as possible common elements with NAM 0.3.

What stayed the same?

The same case as in NAM 0.3, so mounting options (mounting kit) are the same. Still uses SDS011 as basic PM sensor, so HECA for air conditioning is still being used. Also BME280 as support sensor stays the same. Code base for both versions is still the same, so all features should be available in both 0.4 and 0.3 sensors.

Whats new?

PCB is nice purple color. We have changed it from previous green not to show it is new line. NAM 0.4 uses step-down module, so You can power NAM 0.4 with anything from 6.7V to 20V. For those having many sensors different color of PCB should help not to make mistake when powering boards.

To get LoRaWAN capabilities we have decided to use Heltec Wireless Stick Lite, so, ESP32 is on board. As written before we have still common code base for both ESP32 and ESP8266 and will keep this as long as possible.

NAM 0.4 incorporates also logic level converter on I2C bus. 3.3V and 5V are now separated and 5V modules with pull-up won’t mess with more fragile 3.3V sensor on I2C.

Building instructions

Soldering instructions for HECA and BME are exactly the same as for 0.3 For those not having experience with soldering 0.3 version lutowania płyty głównej 0.3. Soldering instructions for NAM 0.4 you can find on blog Starter Kit.

Set includes:

• NAM 0.4 PCB
• All THT elements for soldering NAM 0.4
• Module Heltec Wireless Stick Lite with 868 MHz antenna
• Module HECA with heating chamber
• Module BME280 with case
• Module step-down
• Logic level convert module
• NAM case with sticker on cover
• 12V power supply