RAK19013 WisBlock LiPo Solar Power Slot Module Quick Start Guide
Prerequisite
Before going through each step of using the RAK19013 WisBlock LiPo Solar Power Slot module, make sure you have prepared the necessary items listed below:
- 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
Hardware Configuration
Installation Guide
The RAK19013 WisBlock LiPo Solar Power Slot Module is a power board comprising a battery connector, a solar panel connector, a reset push button, and a power connector that connects to the WisBlock Base board.
For more information about RAK19013, refer to the Datasheet.
Attach a WisConnector
The RAK19013 module can be mounted on the I/O 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 6, 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.
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.
- 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 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.
- Only 5 V solar panels are supported. Do not use 12 V solar panels; this will destroy the charging unit and eventually other electronic parts.
- The GND pin of the solar panel connector is located on the edge of the board. Ensure the solar panel wires match the polarity on the RAK19013 board.
Product Configuration
Software Setup
Since there is no USB port on the RAK19013, the only way to upload code is by using a RAK5804.
Based on your choice of WisBlock Core, select a development environment:
Arduino IDE BSP Installation
Programming via Arduino IDE- RAKwireless BSP support for Arduino
In the Arduino IDE, once you install the BSP, examples for the WisBlock Core will be automatically included in the list of examples.
PlatformIO BSP Installation
Programming via PlatformIO IDE:Examples
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.
