RAKwireless Bulletin: New LoRaWAN® Modules, Gateways, New Tutorials, and Event Announcements
Welcome to the RAKwireless Bulletin – July 2025 Edition.
This month, we're excited to introduce next-gen hardware, new tutorials, and more ways for you to buy RAK products locally. In this round of updates, you’ll learn more about smarter gateways for smarter deployments, expanding sensor networks, and estimating cellular data costs.
Let’s dive in!
New Products: Smarter, Smaller, More Flexible
RAK11160 Module: Triple-Protocol Power in One Compact Package
Introducing the RAK11160, a fully integrated module combining Espressif’s ESP32-C2 and ST’s STM32WL, supportingLoRa® , WiFi, and Bluetooth®, all in one board.
Why choose RAK11160?
Most IoT applications rely on ESP32 for MQTT forwarding, while many clients also deploy the RAK3172 (STM32WLE5-based) with a separate ESP32 module for connectivity. Now, we’ve packaged it all into a single integrated solution.
Starting at just $6.90 USD, this dual-core module is more affordable, more compact, and easier to use.
Field Tester Plus: Accurate Coverage Testing for Indoor & Outdoor Environments
The Field Tester Plus has been redefining how LoRaWAN networks are tested since its release.
Unlike tools that rely on GPS alone, this solution runs an on-device application within WisGateOS 2 to compute signal quality metrics like rolling packet loss and downlink responsiveness.
As a result, it provides structured, local signal reports with full indoor support. No cloud needed.
- Supports indoor and outdoor testing without needing GPS.
- Provides both uplink and downlink analysis for complete network insight.
- Perfect for fine-tuning coverage in complex environments like factories, campuses, and warehouses.
Already own a Field Tester? Just upgrade your firmware and enable the Plus Extension through our blog below.
WisGate Edge Lite 2: New Variants for More Flexibility
Need an external LTE antenna for enhanced reception? Powering your gateway from a 9–24V source? The new variants of WisGate Edge Lite 2 are built to adapt.
Now you can deploy in more rugged, flexible, or low-infrastructure scenarios without workarounds.
How-To Guides & Tutorial Updates
How Much Data Do WisGate Edge and Soho Gateways Use? We Measured It.
One of the top questions from users: How much will cellular data cost me if I use a WisGate Edge or Soho gateway with a SIM card?
We did the testing for you. Here’s what we measured:
- Impact of WisDM remote monitoring (ON vs. OFF)
- Effects of log sharing
- Debug mode vs. normal log levels and their data usage
If you're planning a deployment using LTE backhaul, this guide helps you estimate data consumption and optimize your setup.
How to Connect a 4–20 mA Water Pressure Sensor to the RAK2560 Sensor Hub
If you’re using the RAK2560 Sensor Hub and want to connect a third-party sensor like a water pressure sensor that outputs a 4–20 mA signal, this guide walks you through the process.
What You’ll Need:
- RAK2560 Sensor Hub
- Generic Probe IO adapter
- 4–20 mA water pressure sensor (like the Huamo RG20201170)
- Power supply (12–24 VDC)
- Smartphone with WisToolBox and NFC
- The sensor’s datasheet (this is crucial!)
How to Integrate an RS485 Soil Sensor with the RAK2560 Sensor Hub
Need to connect a Modbus/RS485 sensor like the VEMSEE SN-3002 to the RAK2560 Sensor Hub? This guide walks you through wiring, setting communication parameters, and configuring data registers in WisToolBox. You’ll also learn how to create a reusable sensor profile for easier multi-unit deployments, ideal for environmental monitoring and smart agriculture.
Where to Meet the RAKwireless Team
The Things Conference 2025
RAK is attending The Things Conference 2025 in Amsterdam on September 23–24. We’ll be at Booth A14. Stay tuned for more information about our product showcases. Follow us on social media for updates and announcements as the event approaches.
IoT Sparks 2025
We’re proud sponsors of IoT Sparks 2025 in Valencia on October 7. Meet and network with Xose Pérez, our Product Owner for WisBlock, who will be attending. See you there!
RAKwireless Strengthens Ties with the LoRa Alliance
RAKwireless Upgrades LoRa Alliance Membership to ‘Contributor’
We’ve officially upgraded our LoRa Alliance membership from Adopter to Contributor. As long-time members, this milestone reflects our growing role in shaping LoRaWAN technology. The Alliance welcomed us as a key player, and we’re now contributing to working groups and task forces to help drive the ecosystem forward.
Expect to see more RAK collaborations with the Alliance at upcoming events and in our ecosystem contributions.
Join the LoRa Alliance - List RAKwireless as Your Referrer
The LoRa Alliance offers unmatched opportunities for IoT companies, like access to technical resources, global networking, and certification. If you’re considering joining, make sure to list RAKwireless as your referrer to support our work and help us grow the ecosystem together.
RAKwireless Now on Amazon India + More Local Channels
RAKwireless Products Are Now Available on Amazon India!
This expansion marks another step toward making it easier for customers worldwide to access our hardware, with faster shipping, local pricing, and simplified logistics.
Expanding Global Access through Local Distributors
Through our “Buy from Local” initiative, we’re continuing to establish strategic partnerships across regions, especially in Europe, so developers, makers, and businesses can:
- Purchase WisBlock and other RAK products from trusted local distributors
- Save on customs and reduce shipping times
- Get support in local time zones and languages
Stay tuned for more hardware launches, software updates, and solution releases in the months ahead.
