LoRa Based Smart Home Control System (5KM Range)
Project Overview
This project demonstrates a long-range smart home control system built using RYLR998 LoRa modules, NodeMCU ESP8266, and Arduino Uno.
Unlike traditional WiFi-based home automation systems, this project uses LoRa (Long Range communication) technology to enable wireless communication up to 5KM range under line-of-sight conditions.
The system supports both:
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Online control via the Blynk IoT mobile application
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Offline control using a capacitive touch sensor
This ensures reliable operation even in environments where internet connectivity is unstable or unavailable.
Working Principle
The system is divided into two main sections:
1️⃣ Transmitter Section (NodeMCU Side)
The NodeMCU acts as the control and communication unit.
It performs the following functions:
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Connects to WiFi
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Communicates with the Blynk IoT platform
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Reads input from the touch sensor
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Sends commands via LoRa module
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Displays system status on OLED screen
When a user presses the relay button in the Blynk app or touches the sensor, the NodeMCU sends a command through the LoRa module to the Arduino unit.
2️⃣ Receiver Section (Arduino Side)
The Arduino Uno acts as the execution unit.
It performs the following functions:
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Receives LoRa command
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Controls the relay module (Active-Low logic)
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Sends acknowledgment (ACK) back to NodeMCU
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Displays system status on 16x2 LCD
When a command is received, the relay is switched ON or OFF accordingly. The Arduino then sends an acknowledgment message back to the NodeMCU to ensure proper synchronization.
Communication Protocol
The RYLR998 LoRa modules communicate using UART AT commands.
Configuration parameters:
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Frequency Band: 868 MHz
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Network ID: 5
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Address (NodeMCU): 1
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Address (Arduino): 2
Example Command Format:
Example Acknowledgment:
This bidirectional communication ensures reliable long-range control.
Key Features
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868 MHz LoRa Communication
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Up to 5KM Range (Line-of-Sight)
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Blynk IoT Integration
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Offline Touch Control
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Real-Time Acknowledgment System
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OLED Status Display
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LCD Relay Status Display
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Active-Low Relay Logic
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Online + Offline Operation
Hardware Components
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NodeMCU ESP8266
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Arduino Uno
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2 × RYLR998 LoRa Modules
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OLED Display (SSD1306)
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16x2 LCD (I2C)
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Relay Module
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Touch Sensor
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Voltage Divider (for LoRa RX protection)
Applications
This system can be used in:
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Smart agriculture irrigation systems
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Remote lighting control
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Industrial long-range monitoring
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Rural area automation
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Warehouse control systems
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Security and surveillance applications
Advantages of Using LoRa
Compared to WiFi:
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Much longer communication range
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Lower power consumption
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Better penetration through obstacles
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Suitable for IoT and remote applications
LoRa is ideal for scenarios where traditional WiFi coverage is limited.
Conclusion
This project successfully demonstrates a long-range smart home automation system using LoRa technology. By combining IoT control with long-range wireless communication, the system provides a reliable, scalable, and efficient solution for remote device control.
The integration of Blynk IoT, UART configuration, acknowledgment system, and dual-mode operation (online + offline) makes this project suitable for real-world IoT deployments.
