LoRa SX1278 410–525 MHz Transceiver Module

The LoRa-Ra02 wireless transceiver module with the SX1278 chip, operating at 433 MHz and featuring an SPI interface, is a long-range, low-power wireless communication module based on LoRa™ spread spectrum technology. It is well suited for telecommunications, Internet of Things (IoT) applications, wireless sensors, and remote monitoring systems.

This 433 MHz wireless module operates in the 410–525 MHz frequency band (commonly 433 MHz) and, with an ultra-high receiver sensitivity of up to –148 dBm, enables stable communication over very long distances of up to approximately 15 km (under ideal conditions). The RF output power is adjustable up to +18 dBm (about 100 mW) and offers high stability against voltage fluctuations.

The RA-02 module with adapter board supports multiple modulation methods such as LoRa, FSK, GFSK, MSK, GMSK, and OOK, with a programmable data rate of up to 300 kbps. Its built-in packet engine with CRC support up to 256 bytes, automatic signal detection (CAD), fast AFC, and RSSI dynamic range of up to 127 dB make this module suitable for reliable and professional wireless communications.

Communication with microcontrollers is performed via a half-duplex SPI interface, and this LoRa SX1278 wireless module can be easily used with platforms such as Arduino, STM32, ESP32, and Raspberry Pi. Its very compact SMD-16 package (17 × 16 × 3.2 mm), combined with a metal shielding cover, reduces noise and improves operational stability in industrial environments.

The LoRa-Ra02 wireless transceiver is supplied with an adapter board and an IPEX connector for an external antenna (RA-02 version) and operates reliably over a temperature range of –30 °C to +85 °C. Its low current consumption in receive and standby modes makes it highly suitable for battery-powered systems.

Differences between NRF24, RA-02 wireless Module, and ESP-NOW protocols:

When choosing a wireless communication protocol, understanding the technical differences between NRF24, LoRa RA-02, and ESP-NOW plays an important role in proper system design. NRF24 is designed for short-range communications and operates in the 2.4 GHz band. It supports high data rates of up to 2 Mbps and is commonly used in projects where short distance and controlled power consumption are required.

In contrast, LoRa RA-02 is developed for long-distance coverage and operates at lower frequencies such as 433, 868, or 915 MHz. This frequency difference increases range while reducing data rate, making it suitable for transmitting small amounts of data over multi-kilometer distances. ESP-NOW is a lightweight communication protocol based on ESP chips, designed for local communications without the need for network infrastructure. It operates in the same 2.4 GHz band but consumes less power than Wi-Fi and is mainly used for point-to-point or point-to-multipoint communication.

In terms of network topology, NRF24 and ESP-NOW are typically used in simpler network structures, while LoRa enables broader and more scalable communication networks. Therefore, choosing each protocol should be based on factors such as required range, data rate, power consumption, and network architecture.

 RA-02 wireless Module Application:

1. Internet of Things (IoT)
2. Smart agriculture and automatic irrigation
3. Industrial monitoring and telemetry
4. Industrial data telemetry
5. Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN)
6. Asset and equipment tracking & positioning
7. Smart city and smart metering
8. Alarm and security system
9. Remote security monitoring
10. Temperature humidity gas monitoring
11. Research and academic projects
12. Long-range DIY and robotics projects

 LoRa SX1278 Module Specification:

• Chipset: Semtech SX1278

• Technology: LoRa Spread Spectrum

• Operating Frequency: 410–525 MHz (typical: 433 MHz)

• Output Power: ±1 dB, up to 18 dBm

• Receiver Sensitivity: up to −148 dBm

• Data Rate: up to 300 kbps

• Interface: SPI

• Maximum Range: up to ~15 km (under ideal conditions)

• Supply Voltage: 2.5–3.7 V (typical 3.3 V)

• Current Consumption:

  • TX: ~93–97 mA

  • RX: ~12.15 mA

• Standby Current: ~1.5–1.6 mA

• Operating Temperature: −30°C to +85°C

• Dimensions: 17 × 16 × 3.2 mm

Documents:

RA-02 wireless Module Datasheet

LoRa Transceiver-02 SX1278 Datasheet