Need Appliance Repairs Fast? Look for an Appliance Repair Company With Certain Characteristics

The SparkFun IoT Node for LoRaWAN® development board brings an entirely new level of usability to the often convoluted and configuration-intensive effort to set up a LoRaWAN®-based IoT Device. Combining the ease of LoRaWAN® setup and configuration delivered by the Digi X-ON™ system with the rapid prototyping provided by the SparkFun Qwiic ecosystem, the SparkFun IoT Node for LoRaWAN® development board accelerates IoT end-node creation and deployment.

Please keep in mind that this board features a special introductory price of $49.95 while our initial stock is still available! After our initial amount of boards have sold out, the price will increase to its normal price of $99.95.

With the integration of Digi X-ON technology, the SparkFun IoT Node for LoRaWAN® board allows the creation and deployment of a LoRaWAN® IoT sensor in minutes.

Set up the Digi HX15 Gateway for LoRaWAN® and corresponding Digi account.
Register the IoT Node – LoRaWAN® board quickly using the digital data block on the module.
Add the antenna and a supported Qwiic sensor to the Node board
Power the board

The SparkFun IoT Node for LoRaWAN® board is shipped with firmware installed that automatically connects to Digi X-ON, detects an attached sensor, and posts data to the X-ON cloud. Configured via a serial console connection, this application allows rapid evaluation and creation of a LoRaWAN® IoT device.

In addition to the pre-installed firmware, full software customization and development are supported with the IoT Node for LoRaWAN® board.

Sparkfun Digi X-ON Kit for LoRaWAN® (North America)

KIT-27213

$395.00

Sparkfun Digi X-ON Kit for LoRaWAN® (Europe)

KIT-27214

$395.00

Curious how to start? Check out the SparkFun IoT Node for LoRaWAN® Hookup Guide

The Sparkfun Digi X-ON Kits for LoRaWAN® (North America) and (Europe) contains everything you need to get an IoT system up and running within minutes. Containing an HX15 Gateway from Digi, the innovative SparkFun IoT Node for LoRaWAN® board, and SparkFun's dual-action ENS160/BME280 (Qwiic) Environmental Combo Board, this kit takes the often convoluted and configuration-intensive effort to set up a LoRaWAN®-based IoT Device. Each of these kits make it a breeze to get set up and connected.

The kits also include a free 30-day subscription to Digi X-ON™ device management platform and free cellular connectivity!

That's it for today. As always, we can't wait to see what you make! Shoot us a tweet @sparkfun, or let us know on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. Please be safe out there, be kind to one another! We'll be back with more new products later in the week so make sure to check back then. Happy hacking!

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Thursday, 2 January 2025

2024 in Retrosparktive

As another year comes to a close, we at SparkFun can't help but look back at all we've accomplished in 2024. From groundbreaking new products that pushed the boundaries of what's possible, to insightful tutorials and engaging videos that empowered makers of all levels, 2024 has been a year of growth, learning, and shared passion for electronics.

In this week's "Look Back at 2024" post, we're taking a moment to celebrate the highlights. Join us as we revisit our most popular product releases, delve into the blog posts and tutorials that sparked the most interest, and relive the captivating moments captured in our videos. Whether you're a seasoned engineer, a curious beginner, or simply someone who appreciates the magic of electronics, we invite you to reminisce with us and discover something new along the way.

2024's Top Products

SparkFun RTK mosaic-X5

GPS-23748

$1,199.95

Favorited Favorite 33

SparkFun Optical Tracking Odometry Sensor - PAA5160E1 (Qwiic)

SEN-24904

$79.95

Favorited Favorite 56

SparkFun RTK Torch

GPS-25662

$1,499.95

Favorited Favorite 54

Experiential Robotics Platform (XRP) - DIY Kit

KIT-24045

$94.95

Favorited Favorite 12

SparkFun GNSS L1/L5 Breakout - NEO-F10N, SMA

GPS-24114

$39.95

SparkFun Pulsed Coherent Radar Sensor - Acconeer XM125 (Qwiic)

SEN-24540

$49.95

Favorited Favorite 15

PINECIL Soldering Iron Kit

KIT-24063

$69.95

Favorited Favorite 11

SparkFun Digi XBee® Cellular Kit

KIT-24441

$129.95

This year saw the release of some truly exceptional tools for makers, engineers, and robotics enthusiasts. Leading the pack was the SparkFun RTK Torch and the SparkFun RTK mosaic-X5, a dynamic duo that brought high-precision GPS within reach of everyday projects. The RTK Torch, with its easy-to-use interface and centimeter-level accuracy, proved invaluable for navigation, surveying, and even autonomous vehicle development. Meanwhile, the RTK mosaic-X5 offered a powerful, compact solution for integrating RTK capabilities for base station designs. These products redefined what's possible with affordable, accessible GPS/GNSS technology.

But we didn't stop there! The SparkFun Optical Tracking Odometry Sensor - PAA5160E1 (Qwiic) opened up a world of possibilities for robotics and motion tracking with its ability to accurately measure displacement and speed. This tiny sensor, easily integrated with its Qwiic compatibility, allowed for precise navigation in robots and detailed motion detection in interactive projects. For those interested in exploring the world of robotics education and research, the Experiential Robotics Platform (XRP) - DIY Kit proved to be a strong option for XRP users, providing a hands-on learning experience for building and programming robots. Cellular connectivity became more accessible than ever with the SparkFun Digi XBee® Cellular Kit, simplifying the process of adding cellular communication to projects for remote monitoring, data logging, and IoT applications. And let's not forget the SparkFun GNSS L1/L5 Breakout - NEO-F10N, SMA, which offered a versatile and high-performance solution for integrating GNSS capabilities into various projects. For those seeking advanced sensing capabilities, the SparkFun Pulsed Coherent Radar Sensor - Acconeer XM125 (Qwiic) provided a powerful tool for detecting objects, measuring distances, and even monitoring human vital signs. Last but certainly not least, the PINECIL Soldering Iron Kit equipped makers with a reliable and affordable soldering solution for bringing their electronic creations to life.

2024's Top Blogs

Carbon Dioxide Sensing: PAS vs NDIR vs TVOC

January 31, 2024

Raising your Buzzer Projects to the Next Level

February 22, 2024

ENGINEERS HATE HIM: LOCAL MAN DISCOVERS 5 TECH SECRETS THEY DON’T WANT YOU TO KNOW

April 1, 2024

SparkFun DataLogger: The Easiest Way to Log and Push Data to Your Favorite IoT Platform

April 19, 2024

This year, our blog was full of insightful articles, helpful tutorials, and thought-provoking explorations of technology. From practical guides to in-depth analyses, we covered a wide range of topics that we hoped would resonate with you.

One of the highlights was a series of articles focused on enhancing everyday projects. "Raising your Buzzer Projects to the Next Level" provided makers with creative techniques and coding tips to transform simple buzzers into sophisticated sound generators. We also delved into the world of sensor technology with articles like "LiDAR, Radar, and PCR: What's The Difference?", which demystified these powerful sensing modalities and explored their unique applications. We went a little tongue and cheek with "ENGINEERS HATE HIM: LOCAL MAN DISCOVERS 5 TECH SECRETS THEY DON’T WANT YOU TO KNOW", which offered a lighthearted look at some common engineering misconceptions. Our blog also served as a platform for sharing valuable insights from industry events, as seen in the "Rocky Mountain RepRap Recap", which provided a glimpse into the exciting world of 3D printing and open-source hardware local to SparkFun HQ. We even explored the potential of artificial intelligence with "Can ChatGPT Successfully Develop a SparkFun Product?", a thought-provoking experiment that examined the role of AI in the creative process. Beyond the technical realm, we celebrated the return of in-person interactions with "Local Pickup At SparkFun HQ Is Back!", a heartwarming announcement that reconnected us with our local community. And for those eager to explore the world of data logging and IoT, "SparkFun DataLogger: The Easiest Way to Log and Push Data to Your Favorite IoT Platform" offered a comprehensive guide to our user-friendly data logging solutions. Finally, "Carbon Dioxide Sensing: PAS vs NDIR vs TVOC" blog provided a deep dive into the various technologies used for measuring CO2 levels.

2024's Top Tutorials

Display Distance Measurements On an OLED

This tutorial will take your SparkFun Qwiic Ultrasonic Distance Sensor to the next level by adding a cool little OLED display.

Favorited Favorite 4

GeoFence Treasure Hunt With Artemis Global Tracker

Follow along with an engineering student as he creates a distance-based game using the Artemis Global Tracker!

Favorited Favorite 7

How To Take Multiple RFID Readings Simultaneously

Let's take an in-depth look at how to take multiple RFID readings at once with a SparkFun Simultaneous RFID Reader.

Detecting Colors with the SparkFun Tristimulus Color Sensor

Detect and classify colors based on their CIE XYZ color space values.

Favorited Favorite 6

How to Play Mulitple Buzzers at Once

This tutorial demonstrates the SparkFun Qwiic Buzzer's ability to control multiple buzzers simultaneously by playing a 3-part arrangement of a segment of the Super Mario Bros Theme!

IMU Data to Motion: Tutorial for Translating Sensor Data into Real-World Movement

Sometimes we want to do more with our data than just watch the values roll by on a screen. In this tutorial, we'll take a look at one way we can translate that data to movement.

Moving Beyond the Ordinary With the Qwiic Alphanumeric Display

More than just numbers, more than just letters, with a little creative coding you can do teach your alphanumeric display lots of new tricks.

New!

Calibrating Your Odometry Sensor

In this tutorial, we will cover how to calibrate your Qwiic Optical Tracking Odometry Sensor (or "OTOS") with Arduino and Python Examples.

Our tutorial section this year was a treasure trove of knowledge, guiding makers through exciting projects and equipping them with valuable skills. From harnessing the power of Odometry sensors for precise motion tracking in "Calibrating Your Odometry Sensor" to unlocking the creative potential of alphanumeric displays in "Moving Beyond the Ordinary With the Qwiic Alphanumeric Display", we helped to empower you to push the boundaries of your projects. We delved into the intricacies of sensor fusion with "IMU Data to Motion: Tutorial for Translating Sensor Data into Real-World Movement", helping makers bridge the gap between raw sensor data and meaningful motion control. For those seeking to add a touch of auditory flair to their creations, "How to Play Multiple Buzzers at Once" provided the tools and techniques to orchestrate a symphony of sounds. We took a look at the vibrant world of color sensing with "Detecting Colors with the SparkFun Tristimulus Color Sensor", enabling makers to build projects that respond to the nuances of light and color. "How To Take Multiple RFID Readings Simultaneously" unlocked the potential of RFID technology for advanced tracking and identification applications. For those with a thirst for adventure, "GeoFence Treasure Hunt With Artemis Global Tracker" combined the thrill of a treasure hunt with the precision of GPS technology. And finally, "Display Distance Measurements On an OLED" provided a practical guide to visualizing sensor data on sleek and compact OLED displays.

2024's Top Videos

Our videos this year were also packed with exciting product showcases! Don't miss our deep dives into the Optical Tracking and Odometry Sensor, the Pro Micro 2350, the RTK EVK, the RTK Torch, and the RTK mosaic-X5. We even assembled a playlist for you to check them all out!

That's it for this week and 2024. As always, we can't wait to see what you make! Shoot us a tweet @sparkfun, or let us know on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. Please be safe out there, be kind to one another! Happy New Year from all of us here at SparkFun Electronics!

Never miss a new product!

Tuesday, 31 December 2024

What is Quadband?

We’ve got a lot of products that talk about bands - we just released two products featuring Quectel's LG290P, the RTK Postcard and the Quadband Breakout Board. We also have products that boast triband reception, like the RTK Torch and the mosaic-X5. We talked about L-band a few months ago, the frequency at which GNSS communications are sent from satellites. But now that we know what bands are, why do we want more of them? Well, I’m glad you asked.

What are GNSS Bands?

GNSS signals are broadcast over multiple frequency ranges within the L-band, these ranges are referred to as “bands.” L1, L2, and L5 are common GPS bands that all transmit different types of data. As we talked about in our blog about l-band, we use this frequency band because these frequencies are low enough to penetrate atmospheric layers effectively, but high enough to provide reliable data transmission, even in challenging environments like forests or urban areas. The term “band” refers to a specific range of frequencies within the radio spectrum. This terminology originates from radio engineering, where the entire electromagnetic (EM) spectrum is divided into frequency “bands” (e.g., VHF, UHF, L-band) based on characteristics, regulatory allocations, and common uses..

Today, other GNSS constellations—such as Galileo (Europe), GLONASS (Russia), and BeiDou (China)—have their own allocated frequency bands within the L-band and other ranges, often close to the GPS frequencies. To prevent interference, international agreements and regulatory bodies , like the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), coordinate these frequency allocations. Through a system of shared standards and monitoring, GNSS constellations operate side-by-side with minimal interference, and “multi-constellation” GNSS receivers can pick up signals across multiple constellations to provide highly reliable, accurate positioning.

That’s a lot of bands! So if each one has a specific purpose and user group, why do we make products that tout multiband reception? The short answer is it gives you better accuracy. The long answer? Let’s get into it.

What’s so great about multiband?

The radio spectrum is broad, ranging from 3 Hz to 3000 GHz. This means radio waves can have a wavelength as small as 1mm all the way up to 100km. The frequencies used for satellite communications were chosen due to their ability to penetrate through objects and interference, but even within that small range, different frequencies have different characteristics that make them useful for different applications.

Lower frequencies penetrate through more material, but at the cost of having lower bandwidth (less data per second). Higher frequency signals with higher energy are absorbed/reflected more easily, but they can carry more data more quickly. Radio is perfect for satellite communications because of atmospheric windows.

Lower frequency radio waves penetrate the Earth's atmosphere more easily because of their longer wavelengths, which means they interact less with the molecules in the air, allowing them to pass through with minimal disruption, unlike higher frequency waves which are more readily absorbed or scattered by the atmosphere's components.

When a receiver can take in data from all these different bands, it raises the likelihood of that receiver getting a signal, which means a faster fix and a more accurate fix. More information paints a clearer picture of precision.

Dilution of Precision

Dilution of Precision is a dimensionless number that specifies the error in a GNSS positional fix. This number depends on a receiver's relative geometry to the satellites it's receiving signals from. The higher this number, the weaker the geometry and the lower the accuracy of the signals.

Complex geometry is used to calculate this number, but we've illustrated it for you in the figure set above. If you're relying on multiple satellites, their distribution in the sky is important - if they're too close to each other, your signal becomes less reliable because of the overlap between signals.

The more satellites and signals you get, the better your signal will be. This is why having access to multiple bands and multiple constellations is beneficial to your accuracy.

What kind of hardware is capable of multiband reception?

All receivers receive a base GNSS signal from at least one constellation; L1 (GPS), E1 (Galileo), B1 (Beidou), etc. Many receivers can acquire base signals from all constellations.

More advanced receivers can receive multiple bands from all constellations.

SparkFun GPS-RTK-SMA Breakout - ZED-F9P (Qwiic)

GPS-16481

$249.95

Favorited Favorite 117

SparkFun RTK Facet

GPS-19984

$699.95

Favorited Favorite 69

SparkFun RTK Facet L-Band

GPS-20000

$1,599.95

Favorited Favorite 83

The most advanced receivers can receive across many bands (L1/L2/L5) and constellations.

SparkFun RTK mosaic-X5

GPS-23748

$1,199.95

Favorited Favorite 33

SparkFun RTK Torch

GPS-25662

$1,499.95

Favorited Favorite 54

SparkFun RTK Postcard

GPS-26916

$174.95

Quectel LG290P GPS GNSS Module Quadband (Cut Tape)

GPS-27316

$119.99

The next time you're looking for hardware for your GNSS projects, think about what kind of accuracy you're looking for, as well as reliability in different environments. Multiband might be in your future!

Friday, 20 December 2024

Last Product Post of 2024!

Hello everyone and welcome back to our final new Product Post of 2024! We have quite a few new products to go over today including a new version of the NVIDIA Jetson Orin, the LG290P GNSS module, two new flex/force sensors, and more! So, without taking up any more time, let's jump in and take a closer look at all of this week's new products.

NVIDIA Jetson Orin™ Nano Super Developer Kit

DEV-22098

$249.00

Favorited Favorite 15

The NVIDIA Jetson Orin™ Nano Super Developer Kit is a compact, yet powerful computer that redefines generative AI for small edge devices. It delivers up to 67 TOPS of AI performance—a 1.7X improvement over its predecessor—to seamlessly run all kinds of generative AI models, like vision transformers, large language models, vision-language models, and more. At just $249, it provides developers, students, and makers with the most affordable and accessible platform with the support of the NVIDIA AI software and a broad AI software ecosystem to democratize generative AI at the edge. Existing Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit users can experience this performance boost with just a software upgrade, so everyone can now unlock new possibilities with generative AI.

Quectel LG290P GPS GNSS Module Quadband (Cut Tape)

GPS-27316

$119.99

The Quectel LG290P is a quad-band, multi-constellation high-precision GNSS module, which supports simultaneous reception of GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BDS, QZSS and NavIC constellations, as well as SBAS augmentation systems (WASS, EGNOS, BDSBAS, MSAS, GAGAN and SDCM). The module supports Quad-band RTK with fast convergence time and reliable performance.

SpectraFlex™ Flex Sensor - 95mm (Male Pins)

SEN-27314

$19.95

SpectraFlex™ Flex Sensor - 55mm (Male Pins)

SEN-27315

$9.95

Enjoy unmatched accuracy with minimal drift, making it a reliable choice for research, industrial operations, or personal projects with the new SpectraFlex™ Flex Sensors in 95mm and 55mm lengths. These are the lightest sensors to date, a perfect balance of convenience and top-notch performance due to their reduced weight and thickness, which allows maximum adaptability across many applications. Not only are they feather-light, but they're also incredibly durable, demonstrating a lifespan of over 2 million bend cycles at 180 degrees over an 8mm radius, effectively outlasting and outperforming its predecessors by more than double.

Potentiometer Wiper/Plunger - 14mm

PRT-27313

$9.95

Spectra Symbol's recommended wiper for use with linear & rotary SoftPots, ThinPots, and especially HotPots. This stock 1-3 Newton wiper is an excellent product for most applications.

TFT LCD Display Module Screen - 2.0in., 240x320 (SPI Interface)

LCD-27501

$14.95

A small 2.00 Inch 240x320 IPS TFT display driven by the ST7789 display driver. It features a 4 wire SPI interface and 65K color. An 8 pin through hole via interface makes it easy to work with your connector of choice with this display.

That's it for this week. As always, we can't wait to see what you make! Shoot us a tweet @sparkfun, or let us know on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. Please be safe out there, be kind to one another! Happy holidays from all of us here at SparkFun Electronics!

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