Sentrius RM1xx LoRa + BLE Module

Laird RM1xx modules are supplied with smartBASIC and have an integrated LoRaWAN stack.Programming the nRF51 directly would mean the loss of the Laird smartBasic engine, the integrated stack and the RM1xx LoRaWAN certification. Please contact support to discuss this further.

No, the RM1xx can be purchased with either BLE Central role or Peripheral role support but not both. The RM1xx is loaded with either the Nordic S110 peripheral only BLE soft device or the Nordic S120 central only BLE soft device. To support both peripheral and central on the same module we would need to use Nordic's S130 stack, which is not possible when using smart BASIC. Please contact support for more information. 

The RM1xx module is currently only sold with Central role BLE firmware, as it was intended to allow the device to scan for peripheral BLE devices, such as BLE sensors, to enable it to collect the data from those devices and pass it via LoRa to the gateway. However, Peripheral firmware is available to be flashed to the module if this is what the application requires. Peripheral BLE cannot scan for devices, it can only send out advertisements, which can request to connect to central role BLE devices. To clarify, the differences between Central and Peripheral are related to establishing a link between the devices.

As we stated previously peripheral can advertise to let central role devices know they are there, only Central can scan or send a connection request to establish the connection. Some refer to the Central as the Master and the Peripheral as the Slave. With BLE a separate unrelated role to Central and Peripheral is that of the GATT Server and GATT Client. The GATT server is the device that contains the data which can be accessed and read by the GATT Client. Please note, there is no connection between the central/peripheral roles and the GATT Server/GATT client roles. While it is common for a Peripheral to be a  GATT Server and a Central to be a GATT Client , it is perfectly possible to have a Peripheral that is only a GATT Client, or a Central that is both a GATT Server and a  GATT Client. The RM1xx configured as a Central, can be both a GATT Client and a GATT Server., and it would have the ability to scan for IOT peripheral devices in the area advertising that they are there. The BLE role has no bearing on the LoRa connection. Either of roles, Central/Peripheral will be able to connect to a LoRaWAN Gateway.

With the above information in mind, if you still feel that the Peripheral firmware will best meet your application needs, than in order to upgrade the firmware on the DVK-RM1xx-SM-02 it would be necessary to purchase a device for flashing the firmware. We would recommend using our QPK-nRF5x programmer , which includes the J-Link ribbon cable , as it should offer the least expensive and easiest way to upgrade between the Central and Peripheral firmware in following the  Upgrading Firmware via JTAG and QPK-nRF5x (Required for Central to Peripheral) - RM1xx Series  Application Note. If however, you would prefer to use a Segger J-Link Probe or Flasher for flashing the Peripheral firmware feel free to contact support for a list of Segger devices which should work with the RM1xx. However, we do not provide additional support for upgrading with these devices outside of the documentation available on our website (Upgrading Firmware via JTAG (REQUIRED for Central to Peripheral) - RM1xx Series). Additional support for these probes/flashers would need to come directly from Segger.

In order to enable the built-in VSP functionality on the DVK-RM1xx, SIO_28 must be tied to VCC. There is a jumper, J6, on the DVK-RM1xx board that brings out SIO_28 but it ties it to GND instead of VCC so some alterations must be made.  Using a red jumper cable, connect J6 pin 1 (SIO_28) to J11 pin 3, VCC_LORA, this enables VSP.  Now, select the nAutorun jumper, J12, depending on which VSP mode is needed: nAutorun (SIO_25) == GND (J12 pins 1-2) puts the module into VSP OTA mode which can be used to download smartBASIC scripts OTA to the module.  nAutorun (SIO_25) == VCC (J12 pins 2-3) puts the module into VSP Bridge mode which can be used as a serial cable replacement to transfer UART data.  Now, reset the DVK-RM1xx or power cycle it and it should begin advertising for a VSP connection. If you do not see the advertisements then remove jumpers J10 (DTR) and J5 (RTS) and reset or power cycle the DVK-RM1xx again.  If you are still having issues getting the board to advertise for a VSP connection, please contact support.

What kind of antenna options are available for the RM1xx module and how much do they cost? Will a PCB traced Antenna work? Please reference the certified antenna list in the Datasheet (HIG) for the LoRa/BLE modules.

To get the most range out of the LoRa module it is recommended that an external dipole antenna is used rather than a PCB trace antenna. However, if range is not going to be an issue and none of the approved antennas will work for you application we do offer EMC testing/certification services and could certify any PCB trace antenna you would like through our in-house certifications lab for an additional service fee. As to the cost of the antenna options and/or EMC services, we ask that you contact support or your Regional Sales Representative for that information.