Story
A LoRa transceiver dongle is a compact USB device equipped with a LoRa (Long Range) radio communication module.
It allows a computer or embedded system (such as a Raspberry Pi) to communicate wirelessly over long distances using the LoRaWAN protocol or custom point-to-point LoRa networks.
This dongle contains a USB interface, ATSAMD21 microcontroller with Cortex-M0 core, LoRa transceiver chip (RFM95W), and a SMA connector for an external antenna.
It acts as a bridge between software applications and LoRa-based devices, enabling data transmission and reception with very low power consumption.
Key Features
- Long-range communication (up to several kilometers)
- Low power consumption
- Compact and portable design
- Plug-and-play USB interface
- Supports LoRaWAN or custom LoRa protocols
Common Use Cases
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IoT Gateways
The dongle can be used as a LoRaWAN gateway for small-scale Internet of Things (IoT) deployments. It collects data from LoRa sensors (e.g. temperature, humidity, motion) and forwards it to a server or the cloud.
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Remote Monitoring
Ideal for agriculture, environmental monitoring, and smart city applications, the dongle enables communication with remote devices in areas where Wi-Fi or cellular coverage is unavailable or unreliable.
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Development and Prototyping
Engineers and hobbyists can use the dongle for testing and developing LoRa-based solutions without needing a full gateway or base station.
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Industrial Automation
In factories or warehouses, it helps enable wireless control and monitoring of machines, sensors, or safety systems.
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Mesh Networking or Point-to-Point Communication
In custom setups, the dongle can participate in direct device-to-device communication, allowing data to hop across nodes or connect end devices without centralized infrastructure.
A LoRa transceiver dongle is an essential tool for developers, engineers, and enthusiasts working with wireless sensor networks and long-range communication technologies.
Main components
- ATSAMD21E18A-A
- RFM95W-868S2
- AP2112K-3.3
