RAK19012 WisBlock USB LiPo Solar Power Slot Module Quick Start Guide
Prerequisites
Before going through each step of using the RAK19012 WisBlock USB LiPo Solar Power Slot Module, make sure you have prepared the necessary items listed below:
- RAK19012 WisBlock USB LiPo Solar Power Slot Module
- Your choice of WisBlock Base board with Power Slot
- Your choice of WisBlock Core
- Li-Ion/LiPo battery (optional)
- Solar charger (optional)
Hardware Configuration
Installation Guide
The RAK19012 should be attached to the power slot connector of a WisBlock Base board with a power slot. It is a power board providing the same features and interfaces as standard WisBlock Base boards: a USB-C connector, battery and solar panel connectors, LED indicators, and a reset button.
RAK19012 only supports WisBlock Base boards with Power Slot. It is not compatible with all WisBlock Base boards.
For more information about RAK19012, refer to the Datasheet.
Attach a WisConnector
The RAK19012 module can be mounted on the power slot of the WisBlock Base board, as shown in Figure 1. Also, always secure the connection of the WisBlock module by using compatible screws.
Detach a WisConnector
The procedure for disassembling any type of WisBlock module is the same.
- First, remove the screws.
- Once the screws are removed, check the module's silkscreen to find the correct location for applying force.
- Apply force to the module at the connector's position, as shown in Figure 5, to detach it from the baseboard.
If you will connect other modules to the remaining WisBlock Base slots, check on the WisBlock Pin Mapper tool for possible conflicts.
Battery Selector
Rechargeable Battery
The voltage of the battery must not exceed 4.3 V.
RAK19012 can be powered by a rechargeable Li-ion/LiPo battery via the dedicated connectors, as shown in Figure 6. The matching connector for the rechargeable battery wires is a JST PHR-2 2 mm pitch female. A cable assembly for the rechargeable battery connector is also available for purchase in RAK store.
- Batteries can cause harm if not handled properly.
- Only 3.7 V-4.2 V rechargeable LiPo batteries are supported. It is highly recommended not to use other types of batteries with the system unless you are familiar with the risks.
- Ensure the battery wires, both rechargeable and non-rechargeable, match the polarity on the RAK19012 board. Not all batteries have the same wiring.
Solar Panel Connection
The battery can be recharged, as well, via a small Solar Panel, as shown in Figure 6. The matching connector for the solar panel wires is an JST ZHR-2 1.5 mm pitch female. A cable assembly for the solar panel connector is also available for purchase in RAK store.
- Only 5 V solar panels are supported. Do not use 12 V solar panels. It will destroy the charging unit and eventually other electronic parts.
- The GND pin of the solar panel connector is located on edge of the board. Ensure the solar panel wires match the polarity on the RAK19012 board.
Product Configuration
Software Setup
No software is required to use the RAK19012. However, to control the two user LEDs and monitor the battery voltage, it must be attached to a WisBlock Base and WisBlock Core.
Examples
To quickly build your IoT device with less hassle, example codes for WisBlock Core are provided. You can access the codes in the WisBlock example code repository. The example codes in the common folder are compatible with RAK4631, RAK11200, and RAK11310 WisBlock Cores.
The two user LEDs of the RAK19012 can be accessed using macrodefinitions LED_GREEN/PIN_LED1 for the green LED and LED_BLUE/PIN_LED2 for the blue LED. For battery voltage reading, WB_A0 is used.
