What did you build today (Pictures) ?

[NeverDie]

Made a simple LoRa node using my CNC:

[NeverDie]

Upgraded it to include two AA batteries and a DS18B20 temp sensor. Future versions will tap the I2C pins on the pro mini, so those will have better TH sensors.

Range is noticeably better than when I was running the LoRa from just a breadboard. :)

I'm tempted to use a double sided PCB and give the LoRa a more proper and really big ground plane to see if that boosts range even more (at the same power level).

[zboblamont]

@neverdie You can also consider replicating the 1/4 wave against ground in the opposite direction perhaps? ;)

[NeverDie]

@zboblamont said in What did you build today (Pictures) ?:

@neverdie You can also consider replicating the 1/4 wave against ground in the opposite direction perhaps? ;)

I don't understand what you mean. Can you explain a bit more what that would be?

[zboblamont]

@neverdie Sure.
A quarter wave on an ideal Ground Plane mimics a half wave, the GP is sort of like a mirror in radio terms for the 1/4 above it....
Ergo two identical 1/4 waves, one attached to RF feed the other attached to ground, does the same thing, although in fact slightly better...

[NeverDie]

@zboblamont So, what you are advocating is a dipole antenna? i.e. something notionally similar to this:
https://www.openhardware.io/view/277/ESP8266-RFM69HW-gateway-with-dipole-antenna
At least, that is what it sounds like to me.

[zboblamont]

@neverdie Not advocating a dipole as such, only pointing to an alternative to your suggested ground plane at 90 degrees to the base of the antenna. Electrically, the second half of the dipole IS the ground plane, and vice versa.
With such physically small boards, it is virtually impossible to achieve the ideal ground plane unless the wavelength is very small, I suggested a duplicate helical tied to GND in the opposite direction to your antenna essentially accomplishes the same thing.

[NeverDie]

Interestingly, I just now checked, and it appears my LoRa leak detectors have even better range still. Maybe it's because GND completely encircles the PCB along all four edges. This may cause me to rethink the design of the gateway node, which up to now has been much smaller than the leak detectors....

[sundberg84]

Today some maintenance on my GW.

Added a ground wire for debug and also corrected a buildmisstske and grounded the case.

And relocated (let's hope for the best) it to my new HA DIY board...

[sundberg84]

And there was the first failing sensor.... But was it because I changed the location on the gw? Nope... I had a temp/hum right beside the gw which I pushed so it fell on the floor...

Radio cap de-attashed and sensor died.

Easy fix and now back in operation.

[NeverDie]

@sundberg84 Sorry for the stupid question, but what holds your WEB/MAIL black box in place?

[gohan]

@sundberg84 said in What did you build today (Pictures) ?:

And there was the first failing sensor.... But was it because I changed the location on the gw? Nope... I had a temp/hum right beside the gw which I pushed so it fell on the floor...

You meant "the first FALLING sensor" :sweat_smile:

[sundberg84]

@neverdie said in What did you build today (Pictures) ?:

@sundberg84 Sorry for the stupid question, but what holds your WEB/MAIL black box in place?

Screws.

[Yveaux]

@sundberg84 +1 for the mySensors sticker!

[petewill]

My son and I finally finished his first MySensors project- a remote control for his room. He wasn't too interested but you have to start somewhere right...? :)
Question for you all... what are you doing (if anything) to vent the fumes from soldering? I haven't really been worried about it in the past but it makes me nervous with my son doing it with me.
Anyway, here are the pictures.

[NeverDie]

@petewill What up with the red, yellow, and blue wires on the pro mini?

Also, did you print the case with a volcano?

[dbemowsk]

@petewill That's awesome. Did you work with him too on the design of the box? Great job.

[mfalkvidd]

@petewill I put a regular 120mm pc fan to blow the fumes sideways. Not perfect, but I think it is good enough for the short time I spend soldering.

[gohan]

@petewill is it battery powered? Can you share the code?

[sundberg84]

@petewill , @gohan I use the same as @mfalkvidd and its pretty much a PC fan with the wires to a 9v battery.... been thinking for a long time to make a more permanent sollution with a tubes from outside....