Pycom Pygate setup
Overview
The aim of this lesson is to learn is to learn how to setup a Pycom Pygate LoRa WAN Gateway. This gateway is useful for testing LoRa sensors to ensure that they are working correctly and sending data to The Things Network. Even though LoRa WAN Gateways are installed in several local government areas (and also be hobbyists) it is more reliable to have a LoRa WAN Gateway within close range and/or a gateway where the traffic can be monitored using a computer.
In this application, we are using the Pycom Pygate expansion board and a Pycom WiPy microcontroller. The LoRa antenna is connected to the Pygate expansion board. The WiPy 3.0 connects to a home or school WiFi router so that LoRa data can be sent to The Things Network.
In addition to the instructions in this lesson you can visit the following URL https://docs.pycom.io/tutorials/expansionboards/pygate/
Learning Objectives
- Learn how to update the firmware on the Pycom Pygate and WiPy units.
- Learn how to register a LoRa Gateway on The Things Network.
- Learn how to configure and upload micropython software for the Pygate gateway.
Pycom Pygate Setup
Update the firmware on the Pycome Pygate and WiPy combination
- It is very important to always keep the firmware on a microcontroller updated to the most current stable version. * Firmware is software that is installed on hardware that is similar to a small operating system.
- It should be updated monthly to help ensure that latest updates and security patches are installed.
- Ensure that the Pycom WiPy microcontroller is plugged into the Pycom Pygate board.
- You will need a USB type-C plug for the Pygate expansion board and a USB 2.0 type-A plug for your computer.
- Connect the Pygate assembly to your computer.
- Download and install the Pycom Firmware Updater tool and start the software.
- The Welcome page should appear. Click Continue.