firmware/docs/software/rak-wizblock.md

3.3 KiB

RAK Wireless RisBlock / RAK 4631 / RAK 4630

This is early documentation on how to install/run Meshtastic on the (very slick!) RAK 4631/4630 boards.

How to install our binary releases

Installing over USB

You can install our release binaries by "drag-and-drop" onto a special simulated "USB disk" that appears on your computer while the device is in the bootloader. To install:

  1. Enter the bootloader by removing all power (including the battery), then connect the device to USB. For the first 30ish seconds after connection the device will wait in the bootloader (before starting any application that might be loaded)
  2. From our relase zip file, drag and drop "firmware-rak4631-xxx.uf2" onto the bootloader "USB drive". The drive will be named "FTH...BOOT"
  3. That's it. The device should reboot and start running meshtastic.

You'll know meshtastic is running because the GREEN LED will flash briefly twice a second. You can now connect to meshtastic via the USB port from the python app or bluetooth to any of the other applications.

Installing over Bluetooth

It is also possible to install/upgrade these boards using bluetooth (using either Android/iOS or Linux). A future version of this document will describe how to do that.

TODO

Some work items still remain...

  • Turn off external 3V3 supply when not using GPS to save power!

3V3_S is another 3.3 V power supply, it can be controlled by the MCU in order to disconnect the power sensors during idle periods to save power. 3V3_S is controlled by IO2 pin on the WisBlock Core board. Set IO2=1, 3V3_S is on. Set IO2=0, 3V3_S is off.

  • Fix android bug with detecting nrf52 BLE devices
  • Make this doc into a nice HOWTO: what to order, how to connect (which device in which slots), how to install software
  • Setup battery voltage sensing, Vbatt seems direct connected to AIN0 on RAK4631 carrier which is apparently P0.5/AIN3 on the RAK4630 module, per this schematic. https://docs.rakwireless.com/Product-Categories/WisBlock/RAK4631/Datasheet/#description But no voltage divider to be found, so ask them.
  • Set bluetooth PIN support
  • Confirm low power draw
  • Confirm that OLED works
  • add purchash links
  • send in PR to https://github.com/geeksville/WisBlock for boards define

Docs

Quickstart https://docs.rakwireless.com/Product-Categories/WisBlock/Quickstart/#wisblock-base-2

FIXME - list required, recommended and optional components

GPS module: Must be installed in "Slot A" https://docs.rakwireless.com/Product-Categories/WisBlock/RAK1910/Overview/#product-description

ST LPS22HB baro & temp sensor, i2c address 0x5c https://docs.rakwireless.com/Product-Categories/WisBlock/RAK1902/Overview/#product-description https://www.st.com/en/mems-and-sensors/lps22hb.html https://www.st.com/resource/en/datasheet/lps22hb.pdf

OLED https://docs.rakwireless.com/Product-Categories/WisBlock/RAK1921/Overview/#product-features Must be installed on the front for the I2C wires to lineup

Solar enclosure https://docs.rakwireless.com/Product-Categories/Accessories/RAKBox-B2/Overview/#product-description

Base datasheet (for GPIO mapping) https://docs.rakwireless.com/Product-Categories/WisBlock/RAK5005-O/Datasheet/#specifications

CPU module carrier (rak4631) https://docs.rakwireless.com/Product-Categories/WisBlock/RAK4631/Datasheet/#specifications