RAK4631 WisBlock LoRaWAN Module Amazon Sidewalk Starter Kit
The Sidewalk Starter Kit simplifies the setup and testing of a RAKwireless device with Amazon Sidewalk. It comes with all of the necessary hardware, including a temperature and humidity sensor. There are also tools for flashing the Amazon Sidewalk firmware onto the device.
Amazon Sidewalk is a free-to-connect community network that provides secure and reliable connectivity for billions of devices. The Sidewalk Starter Kit is based on the WisBlock Core RAK4631, which incorporates the WisDuo RAK4630 Stamp Module. Furthermore, Amazon has certified the RAK4630 as a Sidewalk-compatible device, implying that it can be used to easily build Sidewalk devices.
The WisBlock modules in the kit eliminate the need for a prototype board. Just plug the modules together and power them via a USB port or another power source.
Amazon Sidewalk is only available in selected areas in the USA, including the testing or use of a Sidewalk device. Check out the coverage map at Amazon Sidewalk Coverage.
For development, any Sidewalk gateway functionality might be used outside of the US, but it should be used ONLY for Amazon Sidewalk endpoint development purposes. Developers are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with local regulations. Please consult with your local regulatory bodies and check if the gateway is allowed to operate its radio in your locale, as US license-free band devices, only for development. Developers will also need to use a VPN router that supports OpenVPN Client functionality in conjunction with a cloud VPN service provider, to enable operation outside of the US for your development.
To connect the device to the Sidewalk network, an Amazon Sidewalk compatible device is required. Check the Amazon Sidewalk Documentation for more information.
This guide will help you test a RAK4630-based device with Amazon Sidewalk, including sensor data visualization in AWS. It offers fast access to connect the RAK4630 to Amazon Sidewalk. Also, it comes with pre-compiled firmware that you can flash on our WisBlock Core module.
The application used in this guide is based on the Nordics Sidewalk Sensor Monitoring example code. Then, the code was modified to work with the WisBlock Core module (nRF52840 + SX1262 LoRa transceiver) and the RAK1901 temperature and humidity sensor.
For details about the Sidewalk application for RAK4630, refer to RAK4630-Amazon-Sidewalk-Example repo.
Prerequisite
What Do You Need?
Before going through each and every step of using the RAK4631 Amazon Sidewalk Starter Kit, make sure to prepare the necessary items listed below:
Hardware
- Sidewalk Starter Kit
- RAK4631 WisBlock Core module
- RAK19007 WisBlock Base Board
- RAK1901 Temperature and Humidity sensor
- USB cable
- BLE and LoRa antennas
- RAKDAP1 DAPlink adapter to flash the demo firmware to the RAK4631
Other Requirements
To test the Sidewalk Starter Kit, the following environment is required:
- AWS Account
- The location is in the coverage area of Amazon Sidewalk in the US. Check the coverage map in the Amazon Sidewalk Coverage.
- An Amazon Sidewalk-compatible device is required. You can find a list of compatible devices in the Amazon Sidewalk Documentation.
- The Amazon Sidewalk-compatible device connected to the internet and within the coverage of Sidewalk.
- Mobile phone with the Alexa app, to set up the Echo.
- Should be a US Amazon account with a US internet connection.
Product Configuration
AWS Setup
Before anything else, set up AWS to receive the sensor data and display them.
Sign Up for an AWS Account
Here are the steps to follow to create your AWS account:
- Go to the AWS Amazon website.
- Sign up and fill in your account information.
- Click on Verify email address to receive a verification code in your email address.
- Check your email and enter the verification code, then click Verify.
- Create a strong password for your root user, then click Continue.
- Choose either Business or Personal account. Both account types have the same features and functions.
- Read and accept the AWS Customer Agreement. It's important to read and understand the terms of the agreement before accepting it.
- Click Continue. You'll receive an email message to confirm that your AWS account is ready to use.
You can sign in to your new account by using the email address and password you provided during sign up. However, you can't use any AWS services until you finish activating your account.
- Enter your payment method and click Verify and Continue. If you wish to use a different billing address, select Use a new address. You can't proceed with the sign-up process until you add a valid payment method.
- Choose your country or region code from the list and enter your phone number. Make sure that it stays reachable in the next few minutes.
- Enter the code displayed in the CAPTCHA and submit it.
- Once the automated system contacts you, enter the PIN you receive and submit it.
- Choose one of the available AWS Support plans. For a detailed description of the plans and their benefits, refer to Compare AWS Support plans.
- Click on Complete sign up. A confirmation page will appear, indicating that your account is being activated.
- Check your email and spam folder for a confirmation message that your account has been activated. The activation process usually takes a few minutes, but it can sometimes take up to 24 hours.
Create an Administrative User
- Create an administrative user so that you don't use the root user for everyday tasks.
- Sign in to the AWS Management Console as the account owner by choosing Root user.
- Go to Identity and Access Management (IAM).
Figure 1: AWS Admin User Creation- Click Users then Create user
Figure 1: AWS Admin User Creation- Enter your user name, then Next.
- Under Set permissions, navigate to the following fields, then click Next:
- Permissions options: Select Attach policies directly.
- Permission policies: Choose AdministratorAccess
Figure 1: AWS Admin User Creation- Once done setting up the user details and permission, you will be redirected to Review and create page. Check the details, and then click Create user.
Figure 1: AWS Admin User Creation- Select the user you just created and click the Security credentials tab.
Figure 1: AWS Admin User Creation- Under the Access keys section, click Create access key.
Figure 1: AWS Admin User Creation- In the Use case page, select Command Line Interface (CLI), then click Next.
Figure 1: AWS Admin User Creation- Add a description in the Description tag.
- Click Create access key.
- Download the generated .csv file with the access key. This key will be needed later.
Figure 1: AWS Admin User Creation