Adafruit RFM95W LoRa Radio Transceiver Breakout - 868 or 915 MHz (RadioFruit)

The RFM95W LoRa 900MHz Radio Module enables long-range wireless communication with LoRa modulation, offering up to +20dBm output, SPI interfacing, and kilometre-scale data transmission for microcontroller projects.

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"You see, wire telegraph is a kind of a very, very long cat.  You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles.  Do you understand this? And radio operates exactly the same way: you send signals here, they receive them there.  The only difference is that there is no cat."

Sending data over long distances is like magic, and now you can be a magician with this range of powerful and easy-to-use radio modules. Sure, sometimes you want to talk to a computer (a good time to use WiFi) or perhaps communicate with a Phone (choose Bluetooth® Low Energy!) but what if you want to send data very far? Most WiFi, Bluetooth®, Zigbee and other wireless chipsets use 2.4GHz, which is great for high speed transfers. If you aren't so concerned about streaming a video, you can use a lower license-free frequency such as 433 or 900 MHz. You can't send data as fast but you can send data a lot farther.'

Also, these Adafruit packet radios are simpler than WiFi or BLE, you don't have to associate, pair, scan, or worry about connections. All you do is send data whenever you like, and any other modules tuned to that same frequency (and, with the same encryption key) will receive. The receiver can then send a reply back. The modules do packetization, error correction and can also auto-retransmit so its not like you have worry about everything but less power is wasted on maintaining a link or pairing.

These modules are great for use with Arduinos or other microcontrollers, say if you want a sensor node network or transmit data over a campus or town. The trade off is you need two or more radios, with matching frequencies. WiFi and BT, on the other hand, are commonly included in computers and phones.

These radio modules come in four variants (two modulation types and two frequencies) The RFM69's are easiest to work with, and are well known and understood. The LoRa radios are exciting and more powerful but also more expensive.

This is the 900 MHz radio version, which can be used for either 868MHz or 915MHz transmission/reception - the exact radio frequency is determined when you load the software since it can be tuned around dynamically. We also carry a 433 MHz version here. These are +20dBm LoRa packet radios that have a special radio modulation that is not compatible with the RFM69s but can go much much farther. They can easily go 2 Km line of sight using simple wire antennas, or up to 20Km with directional antennas and settings tweaking's

• Packet radio with ready-to-go Arduino libraries
• Uses the license-free ISM band: "European ISM" @ 868MHz or "American ISM" @ 915MHz
• Use a simple wire antenna or spot for uFL or SMA radio connector
• SX1276 LoRa® based module with SPI interface
  +5 to +20 dBm up to 100 mW Power Output Capability (power output selectable in software)
• ~100mA peak during +20dBm transmit, ~30mA during active radio listening.
• Range of approx. 2Km, depending on obstructions, frequency, antenna and power output

All radios are sold individually and can only talk to radios of the same part number. E.g. RFM69 900 MHz can only talk to RFM69 900 MHz, LoRa 433 MHz can only talk to LoRa 433, etc.

Each radio comes with some header, a 3.3V voltage regulator and level shifter that can handle 3-5V DC power and logic so you can use it with 3V or 5V devices. Some soldering is required to attach the header. You will need to cut and solder on a small piece of wire (any solid or stranded core is fine) in order to create your antenna. Optionally you can pick up a uFL or SMA edge-mount connector and attach an external duck.

This is the 900 MHz radio version, which can be used for either 868MHz or 915MHz transmission/reception.

Please note: The exact radio frequency is determined when you load the software since it can be tuned around dynamically.

Antenna's not included.

Features

• LoRa packet radio with SX1276 module and SPI interface
• 900 MHz frequency (868MHz or 915MHz selectable via software)
• +5 to +20 dBm power output (selectable in software), up to 100 mW
• Approximately 2 km range with simple wire antenna; up to 20 km with directional antennas
• License-free ISM band operation
• ~100mA peak current during +20dBm transmit; ~30mA during active listening
• Includes 3.3V voltage regulator and level shifter for 3-5V logic compatibility
• Ready-to-use Arduino libraries available
• Supports uFL or SMA connectors for external antennas
• No pairing or association required; send data to any radio on same frequency with matching encryption key
• Built-in packetization, error correction, and auto-retransmit capability
• Header and basic components included; soldering required
• Only compatible with other LoRa 900 MHz modules

Specifications

• Product Dimensions: 29mm x 25mm x 4mm
• Weight: 3.1g

Revision History

• As of November 22, 2022 – we've updated this PCB with Adafruit Pinguin to make a lovely and legible silkscreen - you may get the new PCB or the older version with vector fonts - both are identical other than the fancy silkscreen.
  
• As of June 24, 2022 - This board may come with a different regulator than AP2112K due to parts shortages. The regulator can provide at least 500mA.

Resources

• Datasheets
• Tutorial

Package Contents

• 1x Adafruit RFM95W LoRa Radio Transceiver Breakout - 868 or 915 MHz (RadioFruit)
• 1x Header Strip

Antenna's not included.