RAK19013 WisBlock LiPo Solar Power Slot Module Quick Start Guide

Prerequisite

What Do You Need?

Before going through each and every step on using the RAK19013 WisBlock LiPo Solar Power Slot module, make sure to prepare the necessary items listed below:

Hardware

RAK19013 WisBlock LiPo Solar Power Slot Module
Your choice of WisBlock Base
Your choice of WisBlock Core
Li-Ion/LiPo battery (optional)
Solar charger (optional)
RAK5804 WisBlock Interface Module(Reprogramming of the WisBlock Core via USB)

Software

Arduino

Download and install the Arduino IDE.
To add the RAKwireless Core boards to your Arduino Boards Manager, install the RAKwireless Arduino BSP.

Product Configuration

Hardware Setup

The RAK19013 WisBlock LiPo Solar Power Slot Module is a power board that comprises a battery connector, a solar panel connector, a reset push button, and a power connector that can connect with the WisBlock Base board.

For more information about RAK19013, refer to the Datasheet.

RAK19013 Connection to WisBlock Base

Figure 1: RAK19013 pinout and connector assignments

NOTE

The voltage of the battery must not exceed 4.3 V.

RAK19013 Supplemented by RAK5804 to Support WisBlock Core Reprogramming

Since there is no USB on RAK19013, the only way to upload the code is by using RAK5804.

Figure 1: RAK19013 and RAK5804 Connector assignments

Assembling and Disassembling of WisBlock Modules

Assembling Procedure

The RAK19013 module can be mounted on the IO slot of the WisBlock Base board, as shown in Figure 3. Also, always secure the connection of the WisBlock module by using compatible screws.

Figure 1: RAK19013 mounting connection to WisBlock Base module

Disassembling Procedure

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

First, remove the screws.

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.

Figure 1: Detaching silkscreen on the WisBlock module

Apply force to the module at the position of the connector, as shown in Figure 6, to detach the module from the baseboard.

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

NOTE

If you will connect other modules to the remaining WisBlock Base slots, check on the WisBlock Pin Mapper tool for possible conflicts.

Battery Connector

Rechargeable Battery

RAK19013 can be powered by a rechargeable Li-Ion/LiPo battery via the dedicated connectors, as shown in Figure 7. 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.

Figure 1: Rechargeable battery connector pin

warning

Battery can cause harm if not handled properly.
Only 3.7-4.2 V Rechargeable LiPo batteries are supported. It is highly recommended not to use other types of batteries with the system unless you know what you are doing.
Make sure the battery wires, both rechargeable and non-rechargeable, match the polarity on the RAK19013 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 8. 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.

Figure 1: Solar panel connector VIN and GND

warning

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. Make sure the solar panel wires match the polarity on the RAK19013 board.

Software Setup

The WisBlock Core is designed to be interfaced with other WisBlock Modules like sensors, displays, and other interfaces. To make useful devices, you need to upload a source code to the WisBlock Core. Before you continue, you should have already set up either an Arduino BSP or PlatformIO.

WisBlock Examples Repository

To quickly build your IoT device with less hassle, example codes for WisBlock Core are provided. You can access the codes on the WisBlock Example code repository. The example codes on folder common are compatible with RAK4631, RAK11200, and RAK11310 WisBlock Cores. The two user LEDs of RAK19013 can be accessed using macrodefinitions LED_GREEN / PIN_LED1 for the green LED and LED_BLUE / PIN_LED2 for the blue LED. For the battery voltage reading, WB_A0 is used.