What is it?

HamShield: LoRa Edition features a Semtech SX1276 radio transceiver IC, known mostly for its LoRa chirp spread spectrum capability. LoRa stands for LOng RAnge, and in our testing, has rightfully earned its name. It works below the noise floor in very difficult RF conditions. The SX1276 is also paired with a 1 watt amplifier (+30dBm), placed under a shield. An RF filter circuit eliminates harmonics, making it compliant with regulatory agencies regarding amateur radio use. An SMA connector is provided.

HamShield: LoRa Edition is compatible with Arduino as well as Raspberry Pi, all in one board. It also features level shifting to make it compatible with both 3.3V and 5V logic systems.

Why did you make it?

There is a complete lack of low cost, high power digital radio transceivers for the amateur radio band. We also designed an RF filter to make the HamShield: LoRa Edition compliant with FCC and CE regulations for amateur radio use.

What makes it special?

We have achieved many miles of reliable data transmission, non line of sight, with modest antennas and height. Our best use case was 6 miles through forest between a Yagi at human height and a simple magmount vehicle antenna.

We feel that digital technologies like these are future of packet radio.

How do I get it to work?

HamShield: LoRa Edition is compatible with most off the shelf LoRa libraries, including the very popular RadioHead library. Like many other LoRa arduino boards, make sure you perform the reset function on D3 before initializing the library. Some example code for Arduino:

pinMode(3,OUTPUT); digitalWrite(3, LOW); delay(10); digitalWrite(3, HIGH); delay(10);