meshtastic/docs/hardware/supported/rak4631.md
2022-03-30 12:53:14 -07:00

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wisBlock RAK WisBlock 4631 RAK WisBlock

The RAK WisBlock is a low power modular hardware system that can be used to build Meshtastic devices. Soldering is only required for the optional OLED screen.

As of February 6, 2022, there is a Meshtastic Getting Started kit that has the minimum you need to get started.

You will need a base board, a core 4631 LPWAN module, and optionally a GPS Sensor to build a Meshtastic device.

Both available base boards (5005 & 19003) have a reset button, support an OLED screen, and have built in connectors for a 3.7V LIPO battery (max 4.3V) and 5V Solar panel (max 5.5V)

A user button is not possible with the 19003 base board. It may be possible to add a user button to the 5005 base board using the 13002 IO module.

To add a GPS to the 5005 base board, you need the 1910 GPS sensor. It is supported on slot A of the 5005 board via UART.

To add a GPS to the 19003 base board, you need the 12500 GPS sensor. It is supported via I2C on slot B for firmware versions 1.49 and above.

Flashing the firmware is a simple process. Connect your device via USB, click the reset button twice, and a drive will appear. On Windows, Linux, or Mac, drag the appropriate .uf2 firmware file onto the root of the drive and the firmware will be updated. Or, you can use Meshtastic-flasher

There is currently no pin required to pair RAK devices via BLE.

  • nRF52840 - Bluetooth BLE 5.0 and very low power consumption

  • SX1262 - LoRa transceiver

  • Frequency options:

    • 433 MHz
    • 470 MHz
    • 799 MHz
    • 865 MHz
    • 868 MHz
    • 915 MHz
    • 920 MHz
    • 923 MHz
  • Optional GPS

  • U.FL antenna connector

  • Optional switches

  • Optional screen

  • Firmware for 5005 base board: firmware-rak4631_5005-1.x.x.uf2 <img alt="RAK4631 5005" src="/img/hardware/rak4631_5005.png" style={{zoom:'50%'}} />

  • Firmware for 19003 base board: firmware-rak4631_19003-1.x.x.uf2 <img alt="RAK4631 19003" src="/img/hardware/rak4631_19003.png" style={{zoom:'50%'}} />

  • Firmware for 5005 with RAK14000 epaper: firmware-rak4631_19003-epaper-1.3.x.uf2 <img alt="RAK4631 5005 14000" src="/img/hardware/rak4631_5005_epaper.jpg" style={{zoom:'50%'}} />

  • Firmware for 5005 with 11200: firmware-11200-1.3.x.bin <img alt="RAK4631 5005 11200" src="/img/hardware/rak11200.jpg" style={{zoom:'50%'}} />

  • Installation instructions

  • Don't forget to update the bootloader first! This can be done easily with Meshtastic-flasher

  • RAK's GitHub Page for the WisBlock

<img alt="RAK4631 Core Module" src="/img/hardware/rak4631.png" style={{zoom:'50%'}} />

There is development activity to get sensors added in Meshtastic core. For example, the Environment Sensor.