Testing LoRa Communication Using My TTGO LoRa ESP32 Microcontrollers, Smartphones, And The Meshtastic App
TAGS: electronics; nature projects; TTGO Esp32 LoRa; Meshtastic app; smartphone; Bluetooth;
Why I Did This
Wanted to experience the impressive long-range (LoRa) abilities of the TTGO esp32 LoRa
technology.
I figured a perfect use for pair of these is a messaging network that doesn’t use cellular
nor WAN-wifi service
(like if I’m hiking in deep woods); I would program the LoRa esps to each pair with separate
smartphones
(via wifi access points or Bluetooth), then use the LoRas to communicate with each other
over long distance;
The smartphones could then send messages to each other through their LoRa counterparts.
But… it turns out someone already made that!
The Meshtastic project is an open-source project design to build mesh communication networks
using low powered devices.
A single user setup (of LoRa controller, smartphone, and battery pack for the LoRa)
which we shall designate as "Me1" or "1".
This user communicates with another
user called "Me2" or "2" on the
same channel feed.
Design Walkthrough
Parts: 2x TTGO esp32 LoRa; 2x smartphone (with Meshtastic app and Bluetooth); 2x batteries
Following the directions of the Meshtastic webpage: I installed the USB to esp32 drivers (for allowing the computer to talk to the devices), then installed the Meshtastic firmware to the microcontrollers, via computer. I then installed the android version of the Meshtastic app to both of my smartphones (via Android Play Store). Then I paired a smartphone to an esp32 device (via the app’s Bluetooth connection software) and repeated for the other esp and smartphone. After changing the settings to be on the US band (which is 915MHz; my model), and changing device recognition names, I was able to get both pairs of systems to talk to each other. Success!
This second user "Me2" or "2" has a similar separate LoRa setup, and is replying to the first user.
Lessons Learned and Future Changes
How well does it perform? It works but I have yet to test the distance it can work from. I will need to update this article when I go climbs some mountains.Nice compartment needed. I used an old 3d printed casing for each device, but they aren’t good enough; I need one ready for nature’s elements.
Good app, but it could be more. LoRa is known for its long-distance information transfer, but I believe it lacks in bandwidth (can only do small data packets); nevertheless, if it was programmed, I believe it could send small data voice messages instead of being limited to just text messages. Could be a good potential update for the app (or building my own version of the app).
References
Meshtastic project: https://meshtastic.org/docs/introduction
TTGO LoRa esp32 devices:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32996759721.html