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LoRaWAN |
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LoRaWAN systems are being rolled out to provide low power, wireless Internet connectivity for smart sensors and other devices. Whilst cellular telemetry offers longer distances (30 plus km instead of 5 to 10) the 1 and 2W power of the modems means high power consumption , which must be supported by large power supplies. LoRaWAN transmitters are typically 100 mW so draw a fraction of the power of cellular systems, allowing for the development of compact battery and solar powered sensors. The primary competitors to LoRaWAN in this “narrow band” segment are SigFox, LTE-M (machine to machine) and mesh networking products. |
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The WAN part of the technology comes from the term Wide Area Network, the term given to computer networks that are accessible to the public. LoRaWAN provides “IP” based connections - the same type used across the rest of the Internet. So a device with a LoRaWAN transceiver, can send data to a server anywhere on the Internet. In cellular systems, you subscribe to a network provider who issues you with a SIM card which is inserted into the device. As long as your device is within range of one or more towers operated by that carrier the device will be able to send data. By comparison LoRaWAN devices are registered with a LoRaWAN server and will push data through any LoRaWAN Gateway which receives their signal. If two Gateways are in range, an arbitration process e decides which one will transfer the information to the LoRaWAN server - which may be installed anywhere in the world. |
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As the vast majority of the sensors in use in the environmental monitoring market utilise the SDI-12 protocol, it seems sensible to make a LoRaWAN device to suit. Hence the Tekbox TBS12 and TBS-L1 SDI-12 to LoRaWAN Bridge. |
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One of the secrets to LoRa WAN’s market success is that the system is open and very flexible. The system is designed so that any node from any supplier will talk with a Gateway and back end from any other supplier - although some vendors detract from this approach in order to build closed end-to-end systems, where you must buy the Nodes and Gateways from them and push your data through their server platform.. |
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The Gateway is the heart of a LoRaWAN system, collecting readings from Nodes and passing them on to the back end servers. A Gateway is simply a small computer fitted with a multi-channel radio system which can receive and transmit on the designated LoRa WAN frequencies. See our Gateway page for details on our Gateway range. |
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TBS12S |
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Solar Powered LoRa WAN to SDI-12 Bridge |
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The TBS12S is mounted in a polycarbonate enclosure which has an integrated 2W solar cell. The solar cell charges a Lithium Ion battery fitted to a holder on the unit’s PCB. The TBS12S, like other variants of the TBS12, is an SDI-12 only device. It has been priced to make it attractive to basic monitoring applications, such as soil moisture, level and flow monitoring. The SDI-12 sensors connect via a 7 pin waterproof connector the underside of the unit. A breather vent on top of the case prevents build up of moisture. |
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TBS12B |
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Battery Powered LoraWAN to SDI-12 Bridge |
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In recognition of the need for a low cost telemetry option for sites with a low sensor count or simple monitoring requirement, tekbox have taken the TBS12 and modified it to fit into a waterproof enclosure. Inside you will find a holder for 3 off C cell batteries - no need for expensive lithium cells with this unit. The case is fitted with an external antenna, a breather vent (to prevent moisture build-up) and a socket ( for sensor connection). |
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LoRaWAN Data Logger or LoraWAN to SDI-12 Bridge |
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Whilst the TBS12 is designed for simple monitoring applications, the TBSL1-LO is a general purpose SDI-12 to LoRaWAN Bridge. It allows any compatible SDI-12 sensor to feed data in to a LoRaWAN Network. One way to view the TBSL1 is as a data logger with LoRaWAN communications. As testament to the unit’s flexibility, the LoRaWAN communications board can be removed and replaced with one for other communications platforms such as 4G cellular. See the TBSL1 page for more details. |
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Dual Input LoRa WAN Pulse Counter or Switch Module |
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The TBS12PC-FS is a dual input, battery powered LoRa WAN module for use in rain and flow monitoring or to generate alarms when inputs change state. |
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Chirpstack LoRa WAN Server |
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LoRa WAN Nodes and Gateways can’t function on their own, they work in conjunction with a LoRa Server. The LoRa Server controls which nodes can send data and stores the encryption keys used to provide security. Users create an “Application” on the server and then attach Nodes or Devices to the application. Gateways are configured so that they send data to the LORa Server of your choosing. If multiple Gateways receive the same message, the LoRa Server removes the duplicates and ensures the best signal is passed to the Application. The LoRa Server also sends acknowledgments back to the nodes: these may be in response to Acknowledged packets or to Link Check message. |
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LoRaWAN MiddleWare |
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Whilst most suppliers want to lock you in to a single end to end solution (from node to display) we believe in the importance of choice: leaving you to select the SDI-12 sensor of choice, to feed it to the LoRaWAN Network of your choice and to display it in the presentation software of your choice. |
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To support this, TekBox have developed a MiddleWare server application, or Broker, which takes the characters produced by the Lora WAN Server and adds all of the Meta-Data needed to turn it in to useful data: information such as the tag’s Measurement Units, validation limits, display limits ; device level information such as the site’s GPS coordinates and time zone. The Broker then provides flexible tools with which you can access both the raw and meta data: MQTT, CSV, text, XML and JSON formats, FTP export etc. |
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