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M5stack LoRaWAN UNIT 868MHz (ASR6501) with Antenna
The M5stack LoRaWAN UNIT 868MHz is a compact, ready-to-use LoRaWAN communication module built on the ASR6501 chipset, designed for IoT applications requiring long-range, low-power wireless connectivity. Professional IoT engineers, embedded systems developers, and industrial automation specialists use this module to build smart metering systems, environmental monitoring networks, and asset tracking solutions across Europe and Asia-Pacific regions. This product solves the critical challenge of achieving 10+ kilometer communication range with minimal power consumption in unlicensed 868MHz frequency bands, eliminating the need for expensive cellular infrastructure while maintaining reliable end-to-end connectivity.
Product Overview
The M5stack LoRaWAN UNIT 868MHz operates on LoRa modulation technology, a spread-spectrum technique that encodes data across a wide bandwidth to achieve exceptional link budget and interference immunity. The ASR6501 chipset integrates a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0 processor running at 48MHz with dedicated LoRa transceiver hardware, enabling simultaneous processing and wireless transmission without external microcontroller dependency. The module operates in the unlicensed 868MHz ISM band, compliant with European regulations, and supports Class A and Class B LoRaWAN protocols for flexible network architectures. With the integrated antenna and optimized RF matching circuit, this unit delivers approximately 14dBm transmit power and sensitivity down to -141dBm, enabling reliable communication in challenging RF environments with minimal signal degradation.
The M5stack LoRaWAN UNIT 868MHz distinguishes itself through its modular M5Stack ecosystem compatibility, allowing seamless integration with M5Core microcontroller boards via the standardized connector interface. The module features ultra-low standby current consumption below 2 microamps, extending battery life to several years in typical IoT deployments. The built-in UART and SPI interfaces support multiple communication protocols, while the onboard voltage regulator accepts 3.3V to 5V input, providing flexibility in power supply design. Pre-loaded firmware supports AT command interface for rapid prototyping, eliminating complex low-level radio configuration and accelerating time-to-market for commercial LoRaWAN applications.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Product Type | LoRaWAN Communication Module with Integrated Antenna |
| Brand | M5stack |
| Chipset | ASR6501 with ARM Cortex-M0 Processor |
| Operating Frequency | 868MHz ISM Band |
| Transmit Power | 14dBm Maximum |
| Receiver Sensitivity | -141dBm at 125kHz Bandwidth |
| Communication Range | Up to 15km Line-of-Sight |
| LoRaWAN Protocol Support | Class A and Class B |
| Processor Clock Speed | 48MHz |
| Standby Current | Below 2 microamps |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3V to 5V |
| Interfaces | UART, SPI, GPIO |
| Antenna Type | Integrated PCB Antenna |
| Module Dimensions | 25mm x 25mm x 10mm |
| Origin | Original/Authentic |
| Warranty | 7 days on manufacturing defects |
| Shipping | 1-5 days from Bengaluru |
| Delivery | 7-8 days across India |
| Support | 24/7 via Email and WhatsApp |
Key Features
- ASR6501 Chipset with Integrated LoRa Transceiver delivering -141dBm sensitivity for reliable long-range reception in noisy RF environments
- Ultra-Low Power Design with sub-2 microamp standby current enabling multi-year battery operation in remote IoT deployments
- M5Stack Ecosystem Compatibility via standardized connector interface for rapid prototyping with M5Core boards and existing M5Stack modules
- Dual Protocol Support for LoRaWAN Class A and Class B networks, providing flexibility for star topology and scheduled downlink applications
- Pre-loaded AT Command Firmware eliminating complex radio configuration and reducing development time from weeks to days
- Integrated PCB Antenna with optimized RF matching delivering 14dBm transmit power without external amplification requirements
- Multi-Interface Connectivity with UART, SPI, and GPIO pins supporting diverse microcontroller integration scenarios
- Wide Input Voltage Range from 3.3V to 5V with onboard regulation simplifying power supply design across different platform architectures
Applications and Use Cases
- Smart Water Metering Systems where the 868MHz LoRaWAN module transmits consumption data from distributed meters across cities, achieving 10+ kilometer range without cellular infrastructure costs
- Environmental Monitoring Networks for agriculture and forestry applications, collecting soil moisture, temperature, and humidity data from remote sensor nodes with multi-year battery autonomy
- Industrial Asset Tracking and Inventory Management in warehouses and manufacturing facilities, enabling real-time location updates with minimal power consumption and infrastructure overhead
- Smart Building Energy Management where the module monitors HVAC, lighting, and electrical systems across multiple floors, reporting efficiency metrics to central gateways via LoRaWAN protocol
- Structural Health Monitoring for bridges and buildings, transmitting vibration and stress data from distributed sensors with the reliability required for safety-critical applications
- Waste Management Optimization where fill-level sensors in distributed bins transmit status updates, optimizing collection routes and reducing operational costs through predictive scheduling
How to Use
Begin by connecting the M5stack LoRaWAN UNIT 868MHz to your M5Core board using the standardized connector, ensuring proper alignment and seating. Power the module through the M5Core's USB-C connector or external 3.3V to 5V supply, then open a serial terminal at 115200 baud to communicate with the pre-loaded AT command firmware. Verify connectivity by sending the AT command to receive an OK response, confirming proper UART communication and module initialization. Configure your LoRaWAN credentials including DevEUI, AppEUI, and AppKey obtained from your LoRaWAN network server, then initiate join procedure using AT+JOIN command to authenticate with the network infrastructure.
Once successfully joined to the LoRaWAN network, transmit sensor data using AT+SEND commands specifying the payload and port number matching your application server configuration. Monitor received downlink messages through UART output, implementing conditional logic to respond to network commands or adjust sensor sampling rates dynamically. For production deployments, implement error handling for join failures and transmission timeouts, incorporating exponential backoff algorithms to prevent network congestion. Utilize the module's low power modes between transmissions, configuring sleep duration based on your application's latency requirements and battery constraints, typically achieving 2-3 year battery life in typical IoT scenarios with hourly transmission intervals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between LoRaWAN Class A and Class B protocols supported by this module?
LoRaWAN Class A provides the lowest power consumption by opening receive windows only after uplink transmission, suitable for battery-powered sensors requiring minimal current draw. Class B adds scheduled receive windows at fixed intervals, enabling the network to initiate downlink communication to devices at predictable times, essential for applications requiring frequent remote commands or firmware updates. The M5stack LoRaWAN UNIT 868MHz supports both protocols, allowing you to select based on your application requirements and power budget constraints.
Can this 868MHz module work with LoRaWAN networks in regions using different frequencies like 915MHz?
No, the ASR6501 chipset in this module is hardware-locked to the 868MHz ISM band and cannot be reconfigured for 915MHz or other frequencies. The RF matching circuits, antenna design, and firmware are specifically optimized for 868MHz compliance with European regulations. For applications in regions using different frequency bands, you would require region-specific variants such as M5stack LoRaWAN UNIT 915MHz for North America or Asia-Pacific markets.
What is the actual communication range achievable in urban environments with buildings and obstacles?
While the theoretical line-of-sight range reaches 15 kilometers, urban deployment typically achieves 2-5 kilometers depending on building density, material composition, and gateway placement. LoRa's spread-spectrum modulation provides excellent wall penetration compared to standard RF protocols, but concrete and metal structures introduce significant attenuation. To maximize coverage, deploy multiple gateways at elevated positions such as rooftops or cellular towers, creating overlapping coverage zones that ensure reliable reception from distributed sensor nodes across your deployment area.
How do I integrate this module with my existing M5Core microcontroller board?
Insert the M5stack LoRaWAN UNIT 868MHz into the standardized M5Stack connector on your M5Core board, ensuring proper alignment with the keyed connector design. The module automatically receives power through the connector and establishes UART communication at 115200 baud rate. Include the M5Stack library in your Arduino IDE, then use serial communication functions to send AT commands to the module. Example code for join and transmit operations is available in the M5Stack GitHub repository, providing complete reference implementations for rapid prototyping.
What battery life can I expect with this module in typical IoT applications?
With the module's sub-2 microamp standby current and optimized firmware, you can achieve 2-3 years of operation using standard AA alkaline batteries in applications transmitting data hourly. Battery life scales linearly with transmission interval; daily transmissions extend battery life to 5+ years, while continuous operation reduces it proportionally. Actual battery life depends on factors including payload size, transmit power settings, network congestion causing retransmissions, and ambient temperature affecting battery chemistry efficiency.
When will I receive my order?
Orders are dispatched within 1-5 business days from our Bengaluru warehouse. Delivery takes 7-8 days to most locations across India.
What is your return and warranty policy?
We offer a 7-day return policy on manufacturing defects only. Contact support within 7 days of receipt for free replacement or full refund. Not applicable for user damage or misuse.
Are bulk discounts available?
Yes, wholesale pricing for orders of 10 or more units. Contact our sales team via WhatsApp or email for a customized bulk quote.
Why Buy from The Engineer Store
Buy M5stack LoRaWAN UNIT 868MHz (ASR6501) with Antenna Online in India
Purchase the M5stack LoRaWAN UNIT 868MHz (ASR6501) with Antenna online at The Engineer Store, India's trusted source for genuine electronics. We deliver across Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Surat.
Our team in Bengaluru is available 24/7 to support your journey from product selection to project completion.
M5stack LoRaWAN UNIT 868MHz (ASR6501) with Antenna
The M5stack LoRaWAN UNIT 868MHz is a compact, ready-to-use LoRaWAN communication module built on the ASR6501 chipset, designed for IoT applications requiring long-range, low-power wireless connectivity. Professional IoT engineers, embedded systems developers, and industrial automation specialists use this module to build smart metering systems, environmental monitoring networks, and asset tracking solutions across Europe and Asia-Pacific regions. This product solves the critical challenge of achieving 10+ kilometer communication range with minimal power consumption in unlicensed 868MHz frequency bands, eliminating the need for expensive cellular infrastructure while maintaining reliable end-to-end connectivity.
Product Overview
The M5stack LoRaWAN UNIT 868MHz operates on LoRa modulation technology, a spread-spectrum technique that encodes data across a wide bandwidth to achieve exceptional link budget and interference immunity. The ASR6501 chipset integrates a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0 processor running at 48MHz with dedicated LoRa transceiver hardware, enabling simultaneous processing and wireless transmission without external microcontroller dependency. The module operates in the unlicensed 868MHz ISM band, compliant with European regulations, and supports Class A and Class B LoRaWAN protocols for flexible network architectures. With the integrated antenna and optimized RF matching circuit, this unit delivers approximately 14dBm transmit power and sensitivity down to -141dBm, enabling reliable communication in challenging RF environments with minimal signal degradation.
The M5stack LoRaWAN UNIT 868MHz distinguishes itself through its modular M5Stack ecosystem compatibility, allowing seamless integration with M5Core microcontroller boards via the standardized connector interface. The module features ultra-low standby current consumption below 2 microamps, extending battery life to several years in typical IoT deployments. The built-in UART and SPI interfaces support multiple communication protocols, while the onboard voltage regulator accepts 3.3V to 5V input, providing flexibility in power supply design. Pre-loaded firmware supports AT command interface for rapid prototyping, eliminating complex low-level radio configuration and accelerating time-to-market for commercial LoRaWAN applications.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Product Type | LoRaWAN Communication Module with Integrated Antenna |
| Brand | M5stack |
| Chipset | ASR6501 with ARM Cortex-M0 Processor |
| Operating Frequency | 868MHz ISM Band |
| Transmit Power | 14dBm Maximum |
| Receiver Sensitivity | -141dBm at 125kHz Bandwidth |
| Communication Range | Up to 15km Line-of-Sight |
| LoRaWAN Protocol Support | Class A and Class B |
| Processor Clock Speed | 48MHz |
| Standby Current | Below 2 microamps |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3V to 5V |
| Interfaces | UART, SPI, GPIO |
| Antenna Type | Integrated PCB Antenna |
| Module Dimensions | 25mm x 25mm x 10mm |
| Origin | Original/Authentic |
| Warranty | 7 days on manufacturing defects |
| Shipping | 1-5 days from Bengaluru |
| Delivery | 7-8 days across India |
| Support | 24/7 via Email and WhatsApp |
Key Features
- ASR6501 Chipset with Integrated LoRa Transceiver delivering -141dBm sensitivity for reliable long-range reception in noisy RF environments
- Ultra-Low Power Design with sub-2 microamp standby current enabling multi-year battery operation in remote IoT deployments
- M5Stack Ecosystem Compatibility via standardized connector interface for rapid prototyping with M5Core boards and existing M5Stack modules
- Dual Protocol Support for LoRaWAN Class A and Class B networks, providing flexibility for star topology and scheduled downlink applications
- Pre-loaded AT Command Firmware eliminating complex radio configuration and reducing development time from weeks to days
- Integrated PCB Antenna with optimized RF matching delivering 14dBm transmit power without external amplification requirements
- Multi-Interface Connectivity with UART, SPI, and GPIO pins supporting diverse microcontroller integration scenarios
- Wide Input Voltage Range from 3.3V to 5V with onboard regulation simplifying power supply design across different platform architectures
Applications and Use Cases
- Smart Water Metering Systems where the 868MHz LoRaWAN module transmits consumption data from distributed meters across cities, achieving 10+ kilometer range without cellular infrastructure costs
- Environmental Monitoring Networks for agriculture and forestry applications, collecting soil moisture, temperature, and humidity data from remote sensor nodes with multi-year battery autonomy
- Industrial Asset Tracking and Inventory Management in warehouses and manufacturing facilities, enabling real-time location updates with minimal power consumption and infrastructure overhead
- Smart Building Energy Management where the module monitors HVAC, lighting, and electrical systems across multiple floors, reporting efficiency metrics to central gateways via LoRaWAN protocol
- Structural Health Monitoring for bridges and buildings, transmitting vibration and stress data from distributed sensors with the reliability required for safety-critical applications
- Waste Management Optimization where fill-level sensors in distributed bins transmit status updates, optimizing collection routes and reducing operational costs through predictive scheduling
How to Use
Begin by connecting the M5stack LoRaWAN UNIT 868MHz to your M5Core board using the standardized connector, ensuring proper alignment and seating. Power the module through the M5Core's USB-C connector or external 3.3V to 5V supply, then open a serial terminal at 115200 baud to communicate with the pre-loaded AT command firmware. Verify connectivity by sending the AT command to receive an OK response, confirming proper UART communication and module initialization. Configure your LoRaWAN credentials including DevEUI, AppEUI, and AppKey obtained from your LoRaWAN network server, then initiate join procedure using AT+JOIN command to authenticate with the network infrastructure.
Once successfully joined to the LoRaWAN network, transmit sensor data using AT+SEND commands specifying the payload and port number matching your application server configuration. Monitor received downlink messages through UART output, implementing conditional logic to respond to network commands or adjust sensor sampling rates dynamically. For production deployments, implement error handling for join failures and transmission timeouts, incorporating exponential backoff algorithms to prevent network congestion. Utilize the module's low power modes between transmissions, configuring sleep duration based on your application's latency requirements and battery constraints, typically achieving 2-3 year battery life in typical IoT scenarios with hourly transmission intervals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between LoRaWAN Class A and Class B protocols supported by this module?
LoRaWAN Class A provides the lowest power consumption by opening receive windows only after uplink transmission, suitable for battery-powered sensors requiring minimal current draw. Class B adds scheduled receive windows at fixed intervals, enabling the network to initiate downlink communication to devices at predictable times, essential for applications requiring frequent remote commands or firmware updates. The M5stack LoRaWAN UNIT 868MHz supports both protocols, allowing you to select based on your application requirements and power budget constraints.
Can this 868MHz module work with LoRaWAN networks in regions using different frequencies like 915MHz?
No, the ASR6501 chipset in this module is hardware-locked to the 868MHz ISM band and cannot be reconfigured for 915MHz or other frequencies. The RF matching circuits, antenna design, and firmware are specifically optimized for 868MHz compliance with European regulations. For applications in regions using different frequency bands, you would require region-specific variants such as M5stack LoRaWAN UNIT 915MHz for North America or Asia-Pacific markets.
What is the actual communication range achievable in urban environments with buildings and obstacles?
While the theoretical line-of-sight range reaches 15 kilometers, urban deployment typically achieves 2-5 kilometers depending on building density, material composition, and gateway placement. LoRa's spread-spectrum modulation provides excellent wall penetration compared to standard RF protocols, but concrete and metal structures introduce significant attenuation. To maximize coverage, deploy multiple gateways at elevated positions such as rooftops or cellular towers, creating overlapping coverage zones that ensure reliable reception from distributed sensor nodes across your deployment area.
How do I integrate this module with my existing M5Core microcontroller board?
Insert the M5stack LoRaWAN UNIT 868MHz into the standardized M5Stack connector on your M5Core board, ensuring proper alignment with the keyed connector design. The module automatically receives power through the connector and establishes UART communication at 115200 baud rate. Include the M5Stack library in your Arduino IDE, then use serial communication functions to send AT commands to the module. Example code for join and transmit operations is available in the M5Stack GitHub repository, providing complete reference implementations for rapid prototyping.
What battery life can I expect with this module in typical IoT applications?
With the module's sub-2 microamp standby current and optimized firmware, you can achieve 2-3 years of operation using standard AA alkaline batteries in applications transmitting data hourly. Battery life scales linearly with transmission interval; daily transmissions extend battery life to 5+ years, while continuous operation reduces it proportionally. Actual battery life depends on factors including payload size, transmit power settings, network congestion causing retransmissions, and ambient temperature affecting battery chemistry efficiency.
When will I receive my order?
Orders are dispatched within 1-5 business days from our Bengaluru warehouse. Delivery takes 7-8 days to most locations across India.
What is your return and warranty policy?
We offer a 7-day return policy on manufacturing defects only. Contact support within 7 days of receipt for free replacement or full refund. Not applicable for user damage or misuse.
Are bulk discounts available?
Yes, wholesale pricing for orders of 10 or more units. Contact our sales team via WhatsApp or email for a customized bulk quote.
Why Buy from The Engineer Store
Buy M5stack LoRaWAN UNIT 868MHz (ASR6501) with Antenna Online in India
Purchase the M5stack LoRaWAN UNIT 868MHz (ASR6501) with Antenna online at The Engineer Store, India's trusted source for genuine electronics. We deliver across Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Surat.
Our team in Bengaluru is available 24/7 to support your journey from product selection to project completion.