LILYGO T-LoRa Pager ESP32-S3 Handheld IoT Device Instruction Manual

1. Product Overview

The LILYGO® T-LoRa Pager is a handheld ESP32-S3-based programmable IoT development device designed for compact, stylish, and powerful wireless applications. It features a foldable antenna design for excellent RF performance and portability.

This versatile device integrates a 2.33-inch 222×480 display, full QWERTY keyboard, AI-enabled IMU (BHI260AP), U-blox GPS (MIA-M10Q), and NFC/RFID with RTC. For audio, it includes the ES8311 chip supporting microphone, speaker, and headset. Developers can expand further with the 2×8 GPIO header, encoder with push button, and NRF24L01 module compatibility. Power management is handled by TI monitoring chips for stability and efficiency.

Out of the box, the T-LoRa Pager comes with a LILYGO-designed UI demo, enabling smooth interaction through the encoder and offering a foundation for custom development. With various mounting options and an included branded lanyard, it is ideal for wearable devices, GPS trackers, smart terminals, and portable IoT prototypes.

Figure 1: LILYGO T-LoRa Pager front and back view.

2. Device Layout and Pinout

Familiarize yourself with the physical components and pin assignments of your T-LoRa Pager.

T-LoRa Pager Top, Bottom, and Back Views with Port Labels — Figure 2: Top, Bottom, and Back views of the T-LoRa Pager, highlighting the TF Card slot, Type-C port, Power/Boot/Reset buttons, 2.54mm 2*8 Expansion port, 1/4 inch screw mount, and M2*2.5 x 4 mounting points.

LILYGO T-LoRa Pager Pinmap Diagram — Figure 3: Detailed pinmap for the LILYGO T-LoRa Pager, showing GPIO assignments for MCU, GNSS, LoRa, Display, Rotary Encoder, NFC, Audio Codec, Keyboard, and other integrated components.

2.1 Key Components

Display: 2.33-inch 222x480 IPS LCD.
Keyboard: Full QWERTY keyboard for input.
Rotary Encoder: For navigation and selection, includes a push button.
Antennas: Foldable LoRa and 2.4GHz antennas (2.4GHz only on LR1121 version).
USB-C Port: For power and data communication.
TF Card Slot: For expandable storage.
Buttons: Power, Boot, and Reset buttons.
Expansion Port: 2.54mm 2*8 header, compatible with NRF24L01.
Mounting Points: 1/4 inch screw interface and four M2*2.5 standoff mounts.

3. Setup Instructions

3.1 Initial Power-On

Charge the Device: Connect the T-LoRa Pager to a 5V, 500mA USB power source using the USB-C cable. The device will begin charging.
Power On: Press and hold the Power button until the display illuminates.
Antenna Deployment: Gently unfold the LoRa antennas to their upright position for optimal signal reception.

3.2 Software Development Environment

The T-LoRa Pager supports various development environments:

Arduino-IDE
VS Code
ESP-IDF

For sample code, libraries, and detailed development guides, please visit the official LILYGO GitHub repository: https://github.com/Xinyuan-LilyGO/LilyGoLib

3.3 TF Card Installation

Insert a TF (microSD) card into the designated slot on the side of the device for additional storage, if required by your application.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 Basic Interaction

QWERTY Keyboard: Use the physical keyboard for text input, such as sending messages in LoRa Chat applications.
Rotary Encoder: Rotate the encoder to navigate through menus and options on the display. Press the encoder button to select an item.
Display: The 2.33-inch IPS LCD provides visual feedback and displays application interfaces.

4.2 LoRa Communication

The T-LoRa Pager is equipped with an SX1262 LoRa module (or LR1121/CC1101 depending on version) for long-range, low-power wireless communication. The pre-loaded UI demo often includes a 'LoRa Chat' application for basic messaging.

4.3 GPS, NFC/RFID, and AI Sensor

Depending on the firmware loaded, you can utilize the integrated GPS for location tracking, NFC/RFID for short-range identification, and the AI-enabled IMU (BHI260AP) for motion sensing and AIoT applications.

4.4 Audio Functionality

The ES8311 audio codec supports microphone input, speaker output, and headset connectivity, enabling voice communication or audio alerts in your projects.

5. Maintenance

5.1 Charging

Recharge the device using a standard 5V, 500mA USB-C power adapter. Avoid using chargers with higher voltage or current ratings unless specified, as this may damage the device.

5.2 Software Updates

Regularly check the LILYGO GitHub repository for firmware updates and new features. Follow the provided instructions on GitHub for flashing new firmware to your device.

5.3 Physical Care

Keep the device dry and away from extreme temperatures.
Avoid dropping or subjecting the device to strong impacts.
Clean the screen and keyboard with a soft, dry cloth.
Ensure antennas are folded when not in use or during transport to prevent damage.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your T-LoRa Pager, consider the following:

Device Not Powering On: Ensure the device is fully charged. Connect it to a power source and try again.
Connectivity Issues (LoRa/GPS): Check that antennas are properly deployed. Verify your firmware configuration for correct frequency bands and settings.
Software/Firmware Problems: If the device behaves unexpectedly, try reflashing the firmware from the official GitHub repository. Ensure you are using the correct version for your specific T-LoRa Pager model (e.g., SX1262 vs. LR1121).
General Malfunctions: A soft reset (using the Reset button) can often resolve minor software glitches.

For more in-depth technical support and community discussions, please visit the LILYGO GitHub community: https://github.com/Xinyuan-LilyGO

7. Specifications

T-LoRa Pager Specifications Summary — Figure 4: Summary of T-LoRa Pager technical specifications.

Table 1: LILYGO T-LoRa Pager Technical Specifications
Feature	Detail
MCU	ESP32-S3
Flash	16MB
PSRAM	8MB
Development Environments	Arduino-IDE, VS Code, ESP-IDF
Board Functions	RTC, Battery Charger, Battery Gauge, GPIO Expand, Audio Power Amplifier, TF Card, Keyboard
LoRa Chip	SX1262 (Bands: 433, 868, 915, 920MHz) or LR1121 (830-945 2.4G)
Display	2.3 inch IPS LCD, Drive Chip: ST7796, Resolution: 480 x 222
NFC Module	ST25R3916
GNSS	U-blox MIA-M10Q, 4 concurrent GNSS
AI Smart Sensor	BHI260AP (Self-learning AI with IMU)
Audio Codec	ES8311 (24-bit, 8 kHz to 96 kHz)
Dimensions	106 x 89 x 23mm
USB Charging	5V, 500mA
Compatible Audio & Video Equipment Style	Professional Audio Equipment, Display Equipment
Origin	Mainland China

8. User Tips

Meshtastic Compatibility: While not pre-loaded, the ESP32-S3 platform and LoRa capabilities make the T-LoRa Pager suitable for Meshtastic firmware. Users interested in this functionality should refer to the Meshtastic project documentation for flashing instructions.
LoRa Frequency Selection: When configuring your device, ensure you select the appropriate LoRa frequency band for your region (e.g., 915MHz for Australia, 868MHz for Europe, 433MHz for various regions). Consult local regulations for permissible frequencies.
Ease of Use for Communication: For basic remote communication, once configured with suitable firmware, the device is designed to be user-friendly. It can be powered on and used for messaging without complex setup for everyday use.

9. Warranty and Support

LILYGO is committed to providing quality products and support. For any technical inquiries, software issues, or development assistance, please utilize the following resources:

Technical Support: Visit the LILYGO GitHub community at https://github.com/Xinyuan-LilyGO. Post a description of your problem, and LILYGO engineers will provide direct assistance.
Customer Service: For questions regarding your product, or if you need to customize a product or buy in bulk, please feel free to contact LILYGO customer service.
Damaged Goods: If your package is damaged due to external force or transportation, please provide clear pictures of the logistics label, carton/bag, and the damaged product. LILYGO will coordinate with the Logistics Service Provider to offer a solution.