RAK 4631 - User Manual

Documentation Center
RAK4631 Quick Start Guide
This guide introduces the RAK4631 WisBlock Core LPWAN Module and how to use it. RAK4631 consists of an
nRF52840 MCU and an SX1262 LoRa® chip making it ideal for various IoT projects.
Prerequisite
What Do You Need?
Before going through each and every step on using RAK4631 WisBlock Core, make sure to prepare the necessary
items listed below:
Hardware
RAK4631 WisBlock Core LPWAN Module
Your choice of WisBlock Base
Your choice of WisBlock Modules
USB Cable
Li-Ion/LiPo battery (optional)
Solar charger (optional)
RAK4631 is also included in various WisBlock kits in the RAKwireless store:
WisBlock Starter Kit - This includes a RAK4631 with RAK5005-O WisBlock Base board. This kit is ideal to get
started immediately with WisBlock.
WisBlock Kit - This is like the Starter Kit but with various WisBlock modules already included on the kit like
sensors, IO, and other interfaces.
WisBlock Connected Box - This is like the WisBlock Kit but cheaper because some modules and peripherals
are not included. Excluded parts are RAKBox-B5, RAK1921, RAKDAP1, electric screwdriver (manual is
included), and battery holder.
Helium Developer Kit - This is the WisBlock Kit for the Helium brand.
Software
You can choose Arduino IDE or Platform IO in coding the RAK4631 WisBlock Core.
Programming RAK4631 via Arduino IDE:
Download and install the Arduino IDE .
⚠ WARNING
If you are using Windows 10.
Do NOT install the Arduino IDE from the Microsoft App Store. Instead, install the original Arduino IDE from
the Arduino official website. The Arduino app from the Microsoft App Store has problems using third-party
Board Support Packages.
To add the WisBlock Core boards on your Arduino board, you need to install the RAKwireless Arduino BSP. You
can follow this complete guide on adding the BSP in Arduino IDE . You can also have a look at the
RAKwireless Arduino BSP GitHub repository .

Summary

RAK4631 Quick Start Guide

Prerequisites

Lists essential hardware and software for RAK4631 setup.

Hardware Components

Lists required hardware for RAK4631 setup.

Software Options

Outlines development environments for RAK4631.

Product Configuration

Hardware Setup & Base Connection

Details physical connection of RAK4631 to WisBlock Base.

RAK4631 to WisBlock Base Board

Explains the WisBlock Base's role and interface with RAK4631.

Interfacing with WisBlock Modules

Connecting RAK4631 to Modules

Describes interfacing RAK4631 with other WisBlock Modules.

Assembling and Disassembling Modules

Module Assembling Procedure

Step-by-step guide for mounting RAK4631 onto a WisBlock Base.

Module Disassembling Procedure

Procedure for detaching WisBlock modules from the base.

Antenna Connection and Importance

LoRa and BLE Antenna Setup

Details antenna connection and its importance for signal integrity.

Powering the RAK4631

Battery and Solar Power Connection

Explains powering the RAK4631 via battery or solar panel.

Software Development Setup

RAK4631 Example Code Repository

Introduces example codes for RAK4631 development.

Arduino IDE Configuration for RAK4631

Details using RAK4631 examples within Arduino IDE.

Alternative Development Environment

Platform IO Configuration for RAK4631

Covers using RAK4631 examples with Platform IO.

LoRaWAN Configuration Guide

LoRaWAN Example Code Settings

Guide to configuring LoRaWAN settings for the RAK4631.

LoRaWAN Data Handling

Decoding LoRaWAN Payload

Explains how to interpret data received from the RAK4631.

Key LoRaWAN Functions

Highlights key functions for LoRaWAN periodic transmission.

Meshtastic Integration

RAK4631 LoRa Mesh via Meshtastic

Guide to integrating RAK4631 with the Meshtastic network.

Bootloader Management

Checking RAK4631 Bootloader Version

Method to verify the RAK4631 bootloader version.

Updating the RAK4631 Bootloader

Steps to update the RAK4631 bootloader firmware.

Bootloader Update via USB

USB Bootloader Update Procedure

Instructions for updating the bootloader using a USB connection.

Alternative Bootloader Updates

Bootloader Update via Bluetooth

Guide for updating the bootloader wirelessly via Bluetooth.

Bootloader Update via Jlink

Instructions for updating the bootloader using a JLink debugger.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

The RAK4631 is a WisBlock Core LPWAN Module designed for various IoT projects, integrating an nRF52840 MCU and an SX1262 LoRa® chip. It functions as the central processing unit for WisBlock solutions, enabling LoRaWAN connectivity and interfacing with a wide range of WisBlock Modules like sensors, displays, and other interfaces.

Function Description

The RAK4631 serves as the core of an IoT device, providing processing power and LoRaWAN communication capabilities. It requires a WisBlock Base board to function, which supplies USB connectivity for programming, power, and various module slots for expansion. The module supports both Arduino IDE and Platform IO for programming, allowing developers to upload custom source code to create specific IoT applications.

Key functionalities include:

• LPWAN Communication: Utilizes the SX1262 LoRa® chip for long-range, low-power LoRaWAN connectivity, making it suitable for remote sensing and data transmission.
• Microcontroller: The nRF52840 MCU provides the computational power to run application firmware, process sensor data, and manage communication protocols.
• Expandability: Designed to interface seamlessly with other WisBlock Modules (sensors, I/O, displays) through compatible slots on a WisBlock Base board, allowing for highly customizable IoT solutions.
• Programming Flexibility: Supports popular development environments like Arduino IDE and Platform IO, offering a familiar and accessible platform for developers.
• Bootloader: Features a USB bootloader for easy firmware uploads without external programming tools. This bootloader can also be updated via USB, Bluetooth, or Jlink to incorporate new features or bug fixes.
• Meshtastic Compatibility: Can be configured to operate as a Meshtastic node by uploading specific firmware, enabling long-range mesh communication using LoRa technology.

Important Technical Specifications

• Core Components: nRF52840 MCU and SX1262 LoRa® chip.
• Power Supply: Can be powered via USB cable or a Li-Ion/LiPo battery (3.7-4.2 V rechargeable). Supports 5 V solar panels for recharging.
• GPIO Pins (RAK5005-0 WisBlock Base with RAK4631 WisBlock Core):
  • WB_IO1: For IO1 pin.
  • WB_IO2: For IO2 pin (also controls 3.3 V supply for low-power IoT devices).
  • WB_A0: For AIN.
• LEDs (on WisBlock Base board, controlled by RAK4631):
  • LED_GREEN
  • LED_BLUE
• Serial Interfaces:
  • Native USB peripheral (Serial) for programming and debugging.
  • Two hardware UARTs: UART1 (Serial 1) and UART2 (Serial 2).
    • UART1 is accessible to WisBlock Slot A, WisBlock IO slot, and exposed header pins.
    • UART2 is accessible only on the WisBlock IO slot.
  • I2C interfaces: I2C_1 header pins shared with WisBlock Base Slots A to D. I2C_2 available only on WisBlock IO slot.
• Battery Connector: JST PHR-2 2 mm pitch female.
• Solar Panel Connector: JST ZHR-2 1.5 mm pitch female.
• Antennas: Requires external LoRa and BLE antennas connected to IPEX connectors. Powering without an antenna can damage the RF section.
• Firmware Update: Bootloader can be updated via USB, Bluetooth, or Jlink.

Usage Features

• Modular Design (WisBlock Ecosystem): The RAK4631 is part of the WisBlock ecosystem, allowing users to easily combine it with various WisBlock Base boards and WisBlock Modules (sensors, I/O, displays) to create custom IoT devices. This modularity simplifies prototyping and development.
• Easy Assembly/Disassembly: Modules are mounted on the WisBlock Base board using M1.2 x 3 mm screws. Specific silkscreen markings on the module indicate where to apply force for safe disassembly.
• Comprehensive Documentation and Examples: RAKwireless provides extensive documentation, quick start guides for individual modules, and example codes (available in the WisBlock Example code repository and within the Arduino IDE BSP) to help users get started quickly.
• LoRaWAN Configuration: The example LoRaWAN code allows for easy configuration of region (e.g., EU868, US915, AU915), activation method (OTAA or ABP), message type (confirmed or unconfirmed), device class (Class A, B, or C), and LoRaWAN keys (Device EUI, Application EUI, Application Key, Network Session Key, Application Session Key).
• Payload Customization: Users can easily modify the LoRaWAN payload structure within the provided example code to send specific data from their sensors or applications.
• Bootloader Functionality: The built-in USB bootloader simplifies firmware uploads. Double-clicking the reset button on the WisBlock Base board makes the RAK4631 appear as a drive on the computer, allowing users to drag and drop firmware files (e.g., Meshtastic .uf2 files) for easy updates.
• Meshtastic Integration: Supports Meshtastic firmware, transforming the RAK4631 into a long-range mesh communicator, ideal for off-grid communication.

Maintenance Features

• Bootloader Updates: The RAK4631's bootloader can be updated via USB, Bluetooth, or Jlink. This ensures that the device can benefit from new features, improvements, and bug fixes in the bootloader firmware. Instructions are provided for Windows, Linux, and macOS.
• Firmware Re-upload: In case of errors during firmware upload, users can double-click the reset button on the WisBlock Base board and re-upload the firmware.
• Antenna Connection: It is crucial to ensure that the LoRa and BLE antennas are properly connected to their respective IPEX connectors. Operating the module without an antenna can cause damage to the RF section of the chip.
• Battery Handling: Strict warnings are provided regarding battery usage:
  • Only 3.7-4.2 V rechargeable LiPo batteries are supported.
  • Non-rechargeable batteries must be unplugged before connecting the USB cable to prevent damage or fire.
  • Correct battery wire polarity must be observed, as not all batteries have the same wiring.
• Solar Panel Compatibility: Only 5 V solar panels are supported. Using 12 V solar panels will destroy the charging unit and other electronic parts.
• Software Updates: Regular updates to the Arduino BSP and SX126x library are recommended to ensure compatibility and access to the latest features and bug fixes. The documentation guides users on checking for and installing these updates.
• Meshtastic Firmware Management: When using Meshtastic, it's advisable to check the Meshtastic device repository for the latest firmware. The bootloader is not overwritten by Meshtastic firmware, allowing users to switch back to Arduino or Platform IO code by simply uploading new firmware.

RAK 4631 Specifications

General

Brand	RAK
Model	4631
Category	GPS
Language	English