Skip to content

Balkan Edition

Jump to bottom
Linar Yusupov edited this page Apr 19, 2024 · 16 revisions


Balkan Edition is a variant of SoftRF DIY GA proximity awareness device been made from parts provided by manufacturer located in EU.

It is supposed to require minimal skills from a builder to begin with and gives an opportunity to evaluate if the SoftRF technology is appropriate for your needs.

The Balkan is based upon third-party's hardware - Olimex LoRa-STM32WL-DevKit board, which is available for direct purchase from manufacturer at more or less reasonable price.

The LoRa-STM32WL-DevKit is an example of cutting edge technology. It contains:

  • STMicroelectronics STM32WLE5CC Low Power System-on-Chip ;
    • 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 core @ 48 MHz
    • 256KB Flash with ECC
    • 64KB RAM
    • Semtech SX1262 sub-1 GHz Long Range Low Power RF Transceiver
  • Bosch BME280 I2C Humidity and Pressure Sensor 1 ;
  • micro-USB data port ;
  • on-board debug probe which implements the CMSIS-DAP interface ;
  • AA 3V Lithium battery connector ;
  • IIS2MDCTR 3-axis magnetometer ;
  • UEXT connector for external sensors

1 - 2024 UPDATE Bosch BME280 sensor is no longer available in the recent revision of LoRa-STM32WL-DevKit.


The Olimex UEXT GPS module (based on U-blox 7 chipset) is sold separately:

Compatibility 2

Type Protocol FLARM OGN tracker PilotAware Skytraxx SoftRF
Radio FLARM AIR V6

 

OGNTP

 

P3I

 

FANET+

Data FLARM NMEA

  Garmin GDL90

 

Dump1090  

2 - it is necessary for a reader to distinguish the difference between statement "compatible" and statement "fully compatible".
     SoftRF implements only a reasonable minimum of the protocols specs. No "bells and whistles" so far.

Certificates

The Olimex LoRa-STM32WL-DevKit has the following certificates :

These approvals are typically applicable for:

  • land use and
  • with genuine factory firmware.

For more information, please, contact to Olimex sales or customer service.

Disclaimer

SoftRF firmware for Balkan Edition is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

Author of SoftRF firmware:

  • will reject any hardware related claims associated with Olimex LoRa-STM32WL development kit. Ask for support from seller or manufacturer ;
  • reserves the right to suspend or terminate support of Olimex LoRa-STM32WL-DevKit in the firmware at any time.

For the time being ( September '22 ) there were no critical hardware issues reported for current version of the LoRa-STM32WL kit. However things my change over the time...
If you have issues with bringing up your new Olimex LoRa-STM32WL-DevKit or just not happy with the board - be prepared to execute your Purchase Protection plan.

Bill of materials

Required

Number Part Qty Picture Source
1 LoRa-STM32WL-DevKit 3 1 Olimex
Mouser
2 GPS MODULE
based on U-BLOX 7		 1 Olimex

3 - 868 MHz variant is applicable for these world regions: EU, RU, NZ, SA, IN ;
     915 MHz - US, CA, AU, KR, IL .

Recommended

Number Part Qty Picture Source
1 UEXT PORT SPLITTER 1 Olimex
2 UEXT 10-PIN CABLE 1 Olimex
3 SMA female to uFL adapter 1 AliExpress
4 Antenna
868 MHz 4 		1 EBay
AliExpress 1 2

4 - 868 MHz variant is applicable for these world regions: EU, RU, NZ, SA, IN ;
     915 MHz - US, CA, AU, IL, KR .

Optional

Number Part Qty Picture Source
1 868 MHz SMA dipole antenna 5 1 AliExpress
2 OLED Display
module for UEXT		 1 Olimex
3 LilyGO® T-Dongle 1 AliExpress

5 - 868 MHz variant is applicable for these world regions: EU, RU, NZ, SA, IN ;
     915 MHz - US, CA, AU, IL, KR .


Quick start

Use these instructions to start operating with your delivered Balkan board.

Settings

Procedure of settings change is very similar to that the Dongle Edition has.
Settings description is located there.


OLED display

This option is useful to monitor the device status.


One may use this button to flip display screens.

Optional equipment

SoftRF WebTop USB (USB to Wi-Fi adapter)



Additional information

  1. Olimex LoRa-STM32WL DevKIT on GitHub

Hardware

SoftRF

SkyView

Flight Recorder

Adapters

Software

Firmware

Tools

Protocols

Clone this wiki locally