Semtech SX1308 digital baseband Chip for indoor LoRaWAN pico gateways was announced a few years ago, but it took a while before multi-channel gateways integrated the new low cost chip, and 2019 appears to be the year where pico LoRa gateway will be launched.
We covered the $69 The Things Indoor Gateway a few weeks ago, but there will be soon another option, although geared towards developers, with Pycom Pygate low-cost 8-channel gateway board that connects to LoRa or the company’s Pymesh network.
Pycom Pygate gateway board preliminary features and specifications:
- Dual SX1257 transceivers for a total of 8 channels support
- Frequencies – 863-870 MHz and 902-928 MHz
- Baseband processor: Semtech SX1308
- Ultra-low power standby mode
- Ethernet with PoE via the optional daughter board
- Powered via USB, LiPo Battery and Ethernet via the optional daughter board
- LiPo battery charging via the USB port
- USB to serial connection for the Pycom module with auto-programming features
- Same form factor as the Expansion Board v3
You’ll need to insert a compatible Pycom board, namely ESP32 based WiPy 3.0 WiFi + Bluetooth board, GPy WiFi, BLE and cellular LTE CAT M1/NB1 board, or LoPy4 WiFi + LoRa board. Programming is done with MicroPython.
While SX1308 is designed for indoor application, Pygate is said to fit inside Pycom’s universal IP67 case so the board can be brought outdoor as well.
Pygate is scheduled to start selling in July 2019 for 49.99 Euros, while the PoE add-on board will go for 14.95 Euros. Pygate (beta) samples will however become available before, and pre-orders will open later this month. You can read a little more about the new board in the announcement post. The choice of name is a little unfortunate however, since several software projects based on Python already use Pygate.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
Support CNX Software! Donate via cryptocurrencies, become a Patron on Patreon, or purchase goods on Amazon or Aliexpress
LORA is interesting but these single silicon vendor systems have a long history of ultimately burning their customers. It is also unlikely for LORA to achieve wide spread acceptance without multiple chip vendors making parts and providing a little competition.
You would have thought they would have at least fixed all the silkscreen references over pads before exporting that render. :/