SX1278 LoRa Module Ra- 02 433MHZ Wireless Spread Spectrum Transmission

The long-range wireless transmission LoRa module Ra-02 is based on the SEMTECH SX1278 wireless transceiver. This LoRa module uses advanced LoRa spread spectrum technology to provide a communication range of up to 10,000 meters. It has excellent anti-jamming skills and an air wake-up consumption feature.

The SX1278 LoRa RF module is designed mainly for long-range spread spectrum communication and has low current consumption. It has a high sensitivity of -148 dBm and a power output of +20 dBm.

Compared to traditional modulation technology, LoRa communication modulation technology provides significant advantages in terms of anti-blocking and selection, interference, and power consumption.

Features

• LoRa ™ Spread Spectrum modulation technology
• Constant RF power output at + 20dBm-100mW voltage change
• Half-duplex SPI communication
• Supports FSK, GFSK, MSK, GMSK, LoRa ™ and OOK modulation modes
• Automatic RF signal detection, CAD mode and very high speed AFC
• Packet engine with CRC up to 256 bytes
• Small footprint dual-row stamp-hole patch package
• Shielded housing
• Spring Antenna

Applications:

• Long-range wireless communication module based on LoRa platform
• Uses SPI communication protocol and requires an antenna for proper RF communication
• Operates on 3.3V and has 16 pins (8 on each side)
• Can be interfaced with microcontrollers like Arduino Uno and Nano
• Widely used in Arduino & IoT projects, smart agriculture, smart cities, and industrial automation due to its long-range communication and low power consumption

SX1278 LoRa Module (RA-02 433MHz) – Arduino Connection & Wiring Guide

1. Important Notes Before Wiring

• The SX1278 module operates at 3.3V logic and supply; it is not 5V tolerant. Supplying 5V may damage the module.
• Connect a suitable antenna to the module’s RF output to prevent damage and ensure proper communication.
• Ensure a common ground between Arduino and LoRa module to avoid unreliable communication.

2. Wiring Table (Arduino UNO Example)

3. Connection Tips

• Use short wires to reduce noise on SPI lines.
• Keep the LoRa module away from large metal objects or other RF modules to reduce interference.
• If using a 5V Arduino, consider a logic-level shifter on SPI lines to protect the module.
• Ensure VCC is supplied by a 3.3V source capable of sufficient current.

4. Arduino IDE Setup & Example Code

• Install the LoRa library by Sandeep Mistry via Arduino Library Manager.
• Use the following basic transmitter code:

#include <SPI.h>
#include <LoRa.h>

int counter = 0;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  while (!Serial);

  Serial.println("LoRa Sender");
  if (!LoRa.begin(433E6)) {
    Serial.println("Starting LoRa failed!");
    while (1);
  }
  LoRa.setTxPower(20);
}

void loop() {
  Serial.print("Sending packet: ");
  Serial.println(counter);

  LoRa.beginPacket();
  LoRa.print("hello ");
  LoRa.print(counter);
  LoRa.endPacket();

  counter++;
  delay(5000);
}

• For the receiver, use LoRa.begin(433E6) and read incoming packets.

5. Final Checklist

• Antenna connected
• Module VCC = 3.3V and GND connected
• SPI wiring correct (NSS, SCK, MISO, MOSI)
• DIO0 and RST connected
• Logic levels safe or level shifted
• Library installed and example configured for 433MHz

LoRa Module Comparison: SX1278 vs SX1262 vs RFM95