RAK7431 Quick Start Guide
Prerequisite
Before going through each and every step in the installation guide of the RAK7431 WisNode Bridge Serial, make sure to prepare the necessary items listed below:
Hardware Tools
- RAK7431 WisNode Bridge Serial
- Micro USB Cable
- Gateway in Range, for Testing
- A Windows/Mac OS/Linux Computer
Software Tools
Product Configuration
Typical Network Application
RAK7431 converts data from the RS485 protocol into LPWAN wireless messages and delivers it to a cloud server through an LPWAN gateway. Cloud servers can also proactively send data to RAK7431 for two-way data transmission. Using the RAK7431, you can convert data from a conventional RS485 wired network to a wireless network.
Figure 1: Example communication with RS485 enabled devicesConnect the RAK7431 to the Sensor
Power Interface Configuration
The RAK7431 device can be powered either by:
- DC (VIN/GND) terminals
- Micro USB
The DC screw terminals are supporting 8 to 48 VDC. The Micro USB port can be used to power the RAK7431, up to 5 V / 500 mA DC. At the same time, the USB port is used as the configuration port for the device. Using the USB cable to connect the RAK7431 to a computer’s USB port, you can import your configuration settings.
The Micro USB port can be used only for powering the device. It cannot provide power to VOUT and power other devices in the RS485 network.
Figure 1: RAK7431 bridge with connected sensor and power supplyData Interface Configuration
The RAK7431 - RS485 serial interface can support up to 16 RS485 devices. VOUT on the data interface can supply external power to the RS485 connected devices (only when the device is powered from the DC input). The VOUT output voltage is the same as the DC input voltage VIN.
Figure 1: RAK7431 Interface pin definitionGateway Connection Settings
In this section, the RAK7431 WisNode Bridge Serial will be connected into the RAKwireless Gateway. For this guide, the RAK7289 WisGate Edge Pro V2 shall be used. Listed below are the requisites for this section:
- RAK Serial Port Tool - used to configure the RAK7431 WisNode Bridge Serial
- WisGateOS 2 User Manual- guide on how to configure the RAK7289 WisGate Edge Pro V2
Gateway Configuration
Built-In Network Server Setup
- Start by accessing the gateway. You can see how to do it on the WisGateOS V2 user manual.
Figure 1: WisGateOS V2 login page- Once logged in, head to the LoRa menu.
Figure 1: LoRa page- By default, the gateway works as a Built-In Network Server. If that is not the case, check the Built-in Network Server Mode Settings on the WisGateOS V2 User manual to switch the mode.
Adding Application
- Once the gateway is in Built-in network server mode, head to the Applications tab.
Figure 1: Create Application in the Built-In Network Server- Click the Add application button or add one now link to add a new application. On the new page, fill in the following information:
- Application name - type a name for the application.
- Application description - optionally you can write a description of the application.
- Application Type - from the drop-down menu select the type of application.
- Unified Application key - all devices will use the same application key. Selecting this option pops up an Application Key field. You can type your application key there or use the Autogenerate button to generate one.
Figure 1: Unified application keyThe Auto Add Device switch activates the Application EUI field. The device will be automatically added to the application after the application EUI and key verification.
Figure 1: Auto add device- Separate Application keys – each device will have its own application key. The key is added when registering the device.
- Payload type - from the drop-down, select CayenneLPP payload type and turn on the Only forward data object feature.
Figure 1: Adding application- Once set, click Save application to add the application.
- After the application is added, head to the End devices tab. The devices should automatically register upon join request if you are using the Auto Add Device feature.
Figure 1: Successfully added end deviceIf that’s not the case, click the Add end device button. On the End device information page fill in the following information:
- Activation Mode - choose the activation mode of your device:
- OTAA
- ABP - This mode pops up two additional fields:
- Application Session Key
- Network Session Key
Figure 1: Adding ABP device- End device (group) name – the name of the device.
- End device description (optional) – optionally, you can add a description for the device.
- Class – the class of the device.
- Frame Counter width – the width of the frame counter. Leave it as default.
- LoRaWAN MAC Version – the LoRaWAN MAC version. V1.0.2 pops up a LoRaWAN Regional Parameters reversion field where you need to select the reversion of the device.
Figure 1: Successfully created application