Introduction
The plug-and-play LoRaWAN test kit provides a quick and easy operation of Micropelt's MLR003 radiator valve actuator together with a temperature sensor. The Kit includes:
- 1x MLR003 868MHz SF7BW125 M30x1,5
- 1x MLR003-KEY (magnetic pen to operate MLR003)
- 1x Temperature Sensor ERSLite 868MHz SF7BW125
- 1x IP Gateway (configured as DHCP client)
- 1x Mycorrhiza Tool
Both end-nodes are using LoRa 868MHz, SF7BW250. The MLR003 comes with a magnetic key required to activate/deactivate. The TCP/IP gateway's internal LoRa network server is pre-configured with end-node device credentials. Its internal Mqtt broker is configured to seamlessly connect with the Micropelt Mycorrhiza tool. This tool is used as an uplink sniffer to provide full data analysis for the selected end-nodes. It can also publish downlinks with user-defined settings.
System Overview Diagram
The system architecture diagram illustrates the components and their connections. On the left are the end-nodes: the MLR003 valve actuator and the Temperature Sensor, both communicating via LoRa. In the center is the LoRaWAN IP Gateway, which acts as a bridge, pre-configured with devices and an Mqtt broker, and operates as a DHCP client. On the right is the Windows Mycorrhiza Tool, used for device uplinks and MLR003 control/downlinks. Arrows indicate the flow of data from the end-nodes to the gateway via LoRa, and from the gateway to the Mycorrhiza tool via TCP/IP.
Setting up Mycorrhiza
- Connect the Gateway to your local LAN network and connect the power supply.
- Wait for a few minutes for the gateway to boot.
- Start the Mycorrhiza executable tool on a Windows PC.
- Enter the subnet (e.g., 192.168.xxx.xxx) and scan for an MQTT host, or enter the full IP address if known.
- Enter the username and password, then press connect to open the Mycorrhiza screen.
Setting up MLR003 and Sensor
- Mount the MLR003 on an M30x1,5 valve body.
- Activate the MLR003 by briefly touching the magnetic pen (MLR003-KEY) to the Micropelt logo on the MLR003 back cover.
- A first single beep (and 1x LED indicator) will confirm successful device activation.
- A double beep (and 2x LED indicators) confirms a successful join to the gateway.
- A triple beep (and 3x LED indicators) confirms a successful reference run execution and activation.
- Long beeps signal failed operations.
- The temperature sensor does not need activation; its battery is already plugged in, and the device will appear on the Mycorrhiza tool with its respective DEVEUI.
MLR003 Activation Visual: An image shows a close-up of the MLR003 radiator valve actuator. A hand-held magnetic pen (MLR003-KEY) is depicted touching the Micropelt logo on the back cover of the actuator, indicating the activation point.
Mycorrhiza Tool Operation
Mycorrhiza is an executable program for Windows PCs. Upon starting, it prompts you to connect with the gateway's internal MQTT broker. Ensure the DHCP client can obtain an IP address from the local network DHCP server (typically in the 192.168.xxx.xxx range). Device credentials (DEVEUI, JOINEUI, and APPKEY) for the MLR003 and the sensor are pre-registered in the LoRa network server (LNS). Be aware that any downlink published will be queued in the Gateway MQTT broker and processed subsequently.
Mycorrhiza Interface: The Mycorrhiza software interface displays real-time data and control options. Key sections include a "Sniffer window" for monitoring device uplinks and a "Downlink section" for sending commands. Annotations guide the user on selecting devices, viewing data details, and enabling specific views.
Data Logging and Configuration
The sniffer window logs data from devices, showing information such as Time, Device EUI, LSNR, RSSI, Valve Temperature (VTMP), Ambient Temperature (ATMP), and other operational parameters. Users can configure settings like Operating Mode (e.g., "Flow Temperature", "Safety Mode"), Valve Position, and Radio Communication Interval. Options for sensor offset compensation and reference runs are also available.
Sample Data Table
Below is a sample of the data logged in the Mycorrhiza tool:
| Time | Device EUI | Port | LSNR | RSSI | CVP | VSRV | VTMP | ASRV | ATMP | ES | HA | ASF | VSF | RCE | RSS | ME | STV | ACC | ACG | OFF | SFC | REFC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19:44.38 | 30-31-36-33-65-39-70-19 | 1 | 10.0 | -59 | 100 | 0.0 | 3.0 | 0.00 | 27.5 | 30.5 | 27.75 | 24.75 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.60 | 2550 | 000 |
| 19:45.05 | 30-31-36-33-65-39-70-19 | 1 | 8.2 | -60 | 100 | 0.0 | 3.0 | 0.00 | 27.5 | 30.5 | 28.00 | 25.00 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.60 | 2550 | 000 |
| 19:47.41 | 30-31-36-33-65-39-70-19 | 1 | 9.8 | -56 | 100 | 0.0 | 3.0 | 0.00 | 27.5 | 30.5 | 28.00 | 25.00 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.60 | 2550 | 000 |
| 19:48.19 | 30-31-36-33-65-39-70-19 | 1 | 10.0 | -57 | 100 | 0.0 | 3.0 | 0.00 | 27.5 | 30.5 | 28.00 | 25.00 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.60 | 2550 | 000 |
| 19:50.05 | 30-31-36-33-65-39-70-19 | 1 | 10.0 | -61 | 50 | 27.0 | 30.0 | 28.00 | 25.00 | 0 | 0 | 2.60 | 2550 | 000 | ||||||||
| 19:51.15 | 30-31-36-33-65-39-70-19 | 1 | 10,262 | 50 | 27.0 | 30.0 | 28.00 | 25.00 | 0 | 0 | 2.60 | 2550 | 00 | |||||||||
| 19:51.35 | 30-31-36-33-65-39-70-19 | 1 | 18.2 | -59 | 50 | 27.0 | 30.0 | 28.00 | 25.00 | 0 | 0 | 2.60 | 2550 | 0 |
Additional configuration parameters include: "ValveTMP = 30C" (current valve temperature), "Setpoint Flow TMP = 29C" (target flow temperature), "Radio Communication Interval" (e.g., 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 60 minutes, 120 minutes, 480 minutes), and "ValvePos change = steps of 15%". Users can also set sensor offset compensations and reference runs.
The tool also facilitates creating batch script files for subsequent downlink processing.