How to Use Linux Serial Tools to Set Up RAK Tracker Nodes

For things to start connecting in the Internet of Things (IoT), operating systems (OS) are needed. These systems enable data transfer over the internet in IoT. And among the top systems that developers trust is Linux. Linux was created in 1991 by Linus Torvalds and since then has been the OS used for today’s greatest technological innovations such as developing smartphones. Currently, this open-source OS widely distributed by Ubuntu has been regarded for its excellent driver support and scalability. The availability of common network topologies and protocols that allows users to configure devices without worrying about the processor architecture has continued to entice engineers. With Linux, developers can also synthesize all development and troubleshooting on a single server or desktop system.

Most LPWAN nodes like that of the leading IoT solutions provider, RAKwireless, are allowed to be configured using a serial tool that runs in the Linux OS. Therefore, knowledge in integrating Linux OS to your IoT devices is important. To assist you, listed below are the steps that you need to take in using Linux to set up your LPWAN nodes. In this guide, the following will be used:

1. RAK5205/7205 LPWAN tracker node

2. PC running at least the Ubuntu 18.04 LTS

3. Cutecom program (http://cutecom.sourceforge.net/)

Installing and running Cutecom

In Ubuntu, open a terminal window from the launcher bar or with the key combination “Ctrl+Alt+T.”

Enter the following command in the window: sudo apt install cutecom (see Figure 2). After that, press Y when asked to install Cutecom.

Once the installation is complete, start the Cutecom run in the window: sudo cutecom. You will then see the main window of Cutecom (see Figure 3).

Connecting Cutecom to RAK5205/7205

Set up your LPWAN node (RAK5205/RAK7205) to your PC via a micro USB cable, and choose the appropriate COM port in the Cutecom window. For this example, use “/dev/ttyUSB0.” Select the end character to be “CR/LF” and pick “Script.” You will see the same results as in Figure 5.

Figure 5 |Cutecom Configuration

Click “Open” in the Cutecom window (see Figure 6).

Figure 6 |Cutecom Opening the selected port

If everything worked out without issues, you should now be able to configure your device by entering AT commands in the “Input” field as shown in Figure 7.

Figure 7 |Cutecom AT command input – firmware version

Check the firmware version of your LPWAN node by typing, “at+version” in the “Input” field. You can confirm the output of the command in Figure 7, where the version number is displayed. You can also use this command, at+join, to connect your node to the nearest gateway (provided there is one in range and the correct keys have been imported in the node). The results are seen in Figure 8.

Figure 8 | Cutecom AT command input – joining a network

For the other commands that you can use, you may refer to this document available online. Information on the RAK5205/7205 that can help you follow this guide is also accessible here. You can now configure RAKwireless LPWAN nodes with the Linux OS!

Operating systems have a crucial role in the communication of things in IoT. These systems enable data transfer to happen, allowing our smart future of automation to take place now. It is important then to have an understanding of how these systems like Linux integrate with our IoT hardware. Knowing the specific software to use and how it is connected to your nodes can help you make the most out of Linux. If Linux has since then paved the way for some of today’s technological breakthroughs, then it is not impossible for you to also innovate with Linux.