WisBlock RP2040 Starter Kit for Meshtastic Quick Start Guide

WisBlock RP2040 Starter Kit for Meshtastic is a versatile DIY Kit, ideal for DIY enthusiasts. Ideal for users looking for a hassle-free Meshtastic node.

This guide covers the basics for the RAKwireless Meshtastic devices that are not covered by the Meshtastic documentation.

For detailed instructions how to configure the devices for the Meshtastic network, follow the Meshtastic Getting Started guide.

You can also check the Meshtastic Basic Device Setup Guide:.

Meshtastic Basic Device Setup

NOTE

To ensure you are running the latest version of the Meshtastic firmware, it is advised to download the latest Meshtastic firmware and upload it to your RAKwireless device to make it compatible with the Meshtastic network.

For Firmware 1.3 and 2.0 (from November 1, 2022), the WisBlock Base board is autodetected. This device works with the stock firmware.

All the base boards with RAK11310: firmware-rak11310-w.x.yy.zzzzzzz.uf2

Prerequisite

Before going through each and every step on using WisBlock RP2040 Starter Kit for Meshtastic, make sure to prepare the necessary items listed below:

Hardware

WisBlock RP2040 Starter Kit for Meshtastic
USB Cable
Li-ion/LiPo battery (optional)
Solar charger (optional)

Software

The WisBlock Core module of the WisBlock RP2040 Starter Kit for Meshtastic comes pre-flashed with the Meshtastic firmware.

However, to connect the device to the Meshtastic network, you will have to configure it. There are several applications for the configuration:

NOTE

Make sure that you have installed one of these applications, as they are required for the configuration of the Meshtastic network.

Product Configuration

Hardware Setup

RAK11310 to WisBlock Base

The WisBlock RP2040 Starter Kit for Meshtastic comes with the RAK11310 module pre-assembled on the WisBlock Base Board. The WisBlock Base provides a USB connection for programming the RAK11310. Additionally, it provides a power source and various interfaces to RAK11310, allowing it to connect to other WisBlock modules via different module slots.

In case you need to change the RAK11310 or install additional modules, this guide illustrates how the RAK11310 can be connected to RAK19007 WisBlock Base, as shown in Figure 1.

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Figure 1: RAK11310 Connection to WisBlock Base RAK19007

NOTE

Assembly of the RAK11310 on other Base Boards is performed in the same way.
Assembly guides for other modules can be found in their Quick Start Guides.

Assembling and Disassembling of WisBlock Modules

Assembling

Figure 2 shows how to mount the RAK11310 module on top of a WisBlock Base board (RAK19007). Follow carefully the procedure defined in WisBlock module assembly/disassembly instructions to secure the connection safely. Once attached, carefully fix the module with one or more pieces of M1.2 x 3 mm screws depending on the module.

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Figure 1: RAK11310 Mounting Sketch

Disassembling

The procedure in disassembling any type of WisBlock modules is the same.

Start by removing the screws.

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Figure 1: Removing screws from the WisBlock module

Once the screws are removed, check the silkscreen of the module to find the correct location where force can be applied.

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Figure 1: Detaching silkscreen on the WisBlock module

Apply force to the module at the position of the connector, as shown in Figure 3, to detach the module from the baseboard.

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Figure 1: Applying even forces on the proper location of a WisBlock module

LoRa and BLE Antenna

Another important part component of WisBlock RP2040 Starter Kit for Meshtastic are the antennas.

For LoRa, two antennas are included.

2 dBi rubber antenna: Comes with a RP-SMA connector and an IPEX-to-RP-SMA pigtail cable.

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Figure 1: LoRa Antenna

LoRa PCB antenna: Can be connected directly to the RAK11310

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Figure 1: LoRa PCB Antenna

NOTE

Make sure that the antenna is properly connected to have a good LoRa signal. Do not power the module without an antenna connected to the IPEX connector to avoid damage to the RF section of the chip.
Detailed information about the RAK11310 LoRa antenna can be found on the antenna datasheet.

warning

When using the LoRa transceivers, make sure that an antenna is always connected. Using these transceivers without an antenna can damage the system. Make sure to fix the module with the screws to ensure a proper function.

Software Setup

For Firmware 1.3 and 2.0 (from November 1, 2022), the WisBlock Base board is autodetected. This device works with the stock firmware.

All the base boards with RAK11310: firmware-rak11310-w.x.yy.zzzzzzz.uf2

Flashing the Meshtastic Starter Kit Firmware:

The Meshtastic Starter Kit comes pre-flashed with the Meshtastic firmware. If problems occur, update the Meshtastic firmware to the latest version.

Guide to flash RP2040 devices.

To set up the WisBlock RP2040 Starter Kit for Meshtastic for the Meshtastic network, follow the configuration guide in the Meshtastic documentation.

RAK11310 and WisBlock Base Boards

Detailed information and datasheets for the different modules can be found in the following documentations: