Devices with M.2 Next-Generation Form Factor (NGFF) slots, typically used for storage devices, can now become LoRaWAN clients thanks to an open-source add-on board from China’s Dragino: The LoRaST.
Designed to fit into the M.2 NGFF slots on modern desktop, laptop, and embedded systems, the Dragino LoRaST is based on the STMicroelectronics STM32L0xx low-power microcontroller with Arm Cortex-M0+ 32-bit processing core. While previous PCI Express-based M.2 LoRa boards, primarily aimed at the creation of gateway nodes, have been released, the Dragino is focused on creating client devices using either an internal and bundled wire antenna or an external antenna.
A write-up on the board by CNX Software, which brought the design to our attention, confirms that the device is available for $19 plus shipping from Tindie and other outlets.
The board design and firmware themselves, though, are stated as being open source, with full details available on the Dragino wiki and GitHub repository. However, no licence has been specified.
Gareth Halfacree is a technology journalist and technical author best known for his work on the Raspberry Pi User Guide and an upcoming book covering the BBC’s micro:bit project. A keen open source advocate and RISC-V fan, Gareth is responsible for curating our fortnightly community round-up posts.