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Alien in the Wiren Board module: implanting the Lavritech controller with LoRaWAN
We develop modular Lavritech controllers and believe that if you combine two good devices, you can get an even more versatile and interesting solution.
About our controllers
We develop modular Lavritech L1 and L1 Lite controllers based on ESP32. The controller supports Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and the LoRaWAN chip, but all other functions need to be added with expansion modules that are installed in the slots on the controller board. The list of expansion modules can be viewed on the website.
Initially, we conceived the platform for quick assembly of the required configurations and flexible expansion of the layout if changes were needed. After years of experience, we already know which assemblies are the most popular, so we can release them as a single compact device.
Most often, clients add RS-485 modules to the controller to connect Modbus devices; 1-Wire module for temperature sensors; GPRS modem module. Our top configuration is based on ESP32 Ipex with support for RS485, LoRaWAN, 1-Wire — essentially, it is a universal wireless gateway from Modbus to wireless communication channels WiFi and LoRaWAN.
Our modular controller occupies 4 DIN modules (L1 Lite) or 6 DIN modules (L1) in the panel. And this is without additional external executive modules, most often from Wiren Board: relay, analog and discrete inputs, etc. The problem is that all these modules together with the controller take up a lot of space and require additional connections. In large panels, this is usually not a problem.
But what if there is almost no free space in the shield? Or if you need a very compact shield that can be placed next to a thermal curtain, air conditioner, information panel, various sensors and meters? Or even integrate it into the device we are going to control? So we came up with the idea to create a compact "all-in-one" module.
Creating a compact "all-in-one" module
We started thinking about the form factor. Developing the entire range of devices with such interfaces, while differing in the analog input-output subsystem, is very expensive, and there are quite a few on the market.
At the same time, our ideology and commitment to versatility have not gone anywhere. We also love to combine the ecosystems of different manufacturers, making our platform a "glue" for them.
Having thought through the entire range of devices and cases we have dealt with, we decided to take a risk and fit into the 3 DIN case, and in its front place, leaving the lower part, so to speak, in reserve. And there is a reserve, by the way — many Wiren Board devices have free space in the size of 3 DIN on the front panel. And we, being a young company, will be able to save resources and make devices that solve common problems of our users.
Unfortunately, in practice, everything turned out to be more complicated. Many Wiren Board relays, although they fit into the 3 DIN form factor, are equipped with LED indicators, which interferes with the installation of our front module. However, there are still quite a few devices in which our module can be installed. In addition, we can develop modules ourselves instead of Wiren Board if the existing nomenclature is insufficient. So far, there is only one such module, and it is experimental, with three relays with direct control via GPIO and a couple of expansion slots.
Additional photos
We placed all the most necessary components on the board first: the ESP32 controller, the LoRaWAN radio module, DC-DC 9-24V power supply, RS-485, USB-UART converter with Micro-USB port. There is still space for a 128x64 OLED display module, four control buttons, two service buttons, four indicator LEDs, and a buzzer. The buttons allow you to launch the most important control algorithms directly from the panel. We also added an IR transmitter for controlling other devices. We also provided for the connection of external antennas through APEX connectors to the EPS32 modules with Wi-Fi and LoRaWAN. External antennas can be used to increase the range.
And all this we connect with four wires GND V+ A B to other modules (Wiren Board in our case). We integrate our module into existing Wiren Board devices. For example, you can make a PLC out of a relay. How do you like that?
Software part
We used the same software as in the "senior" Lavritech controllers, so we retained all the firmware functionality: configuration via web interface, task scheduler, full range of capabilities. Of course, there is built-in support for Wiren Board modules.
For most tasks (thermostat, turning on the light, air conditioner, etc.), the controller interface has ready-made software modules. If more is required, you can use the Interpretor scripting language. Of course, it does not have such wide programming capabilities as in Wiren Board controllers, but it can solve specialized client tasks.
The display is graphical, but for now we use it as a character display with eight lines. It can display sensor values, relay status, service information, notifications, etc. The display can be flexibly configured in the controller's web interface.
LoRaWAN
The main advantage of our solution is the built-in support for LoRaWAN. Each Wiren Board device, to which we add the Lavritech controller, can work both as a LoRaWAN gateway and as a node (client device). As a result, we connect LoRaWAN and Modbus infrastructures in both directions.
What in practice?
So far, we have only developed experimental versions of our "Frankensteins" and released a trial batch for partners. As a basis, we chose the Wiren Board module with the necessary functions (for example, the analog input module WB-MAI6 or the relay module WB-MR6-LV, electricity meters MAP-12E and MAP-6S), integrated the display and our controller, after which we got a ready-made solution in practice. Our "all-in-one" module takes up very little space, while solving the client's automation tasks. And the built-in support for LoRaWAN allows you to connect sensors and actuators in a large building.
Most likely, it will not be possible to buy our mini-controllers with a display separately at retail. We will sell them only as part of Wiren Board modules, that is, as a ready-made solution "out of the box".
It is possible that we will integrate the Lavritech controller into Wiren Board 8 to add the LoRaWAN function.
Scenario examples
For example, in a business center, there is a task of electricity metering. Ordinary meters without smart functions are installed in electrical panels. There is very little additional space in the panel. We add MAP-6S with the Lavritech controller. As a result, it will be possible to collect data from all clients for energy consumption accounting via LoRaWAN.
In the office, you can install the WB-MR6-LV module with our integration, the WB-MSW sensor, and set up climate automation – turn on the exhaust when CO2 exceeds and the air conditioner when it is hot.
With the WB-MAI6 module, everything is also simple: you can install the module next to the tank to measure the level or pressure, and then transmit the information via LoRaWAN.
Conclusion
We want to make the solution universal, so in addition to the main 4-pin connector, we installed a 10-pin one on the board. We brought out the free GPIO ESP32 to it, so in the future, we will be able to connect the module not only via RS-485 but also via other interfaces. We will be able to develop expansion modules with functions that the customer needs. As we believe, the groundwork for the future is good. Who knows what ideas customers will have in the future, it is not worth limiting the flight of fancy.
We love to "glue" different devices together because they become more versatile. We stand for freedom of choice and the ability to combine the best solutions on the market so that together they are even better than individually.
What do you think of our solution? Would you buy it? Write in the comments.
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