XIAO ESP32S3 with Wio-SX1262 LoRa Module Support for Meshtastic and IoT Applications

Seeed Studio has recently released the XIAO ESP32S3 for Meshtastic and LoRa development kit that integrates the XIAO ESP32S3 board with the compact Wio-SX1262 LoRa module, connected via a board-to-board interface for seamless operation. The dual-core Xtensa ESP32S3 processor powers the development kit, supports LoRa (862-930MHz), Wi-Fi (2.4GHz), and Bluetooth 5.0, enabling wireless communication over distances of 2-5 km for LoRa and 100+ meters for Wi-Fi/BLE. Its thumb-sized form factor (21×17.8mm) makes it ideal for wearable devices and space-constrained projects.

It includes a Type-C USB interface, lithium battery charge management, and compatibility with Arduino and MicroPython. The Wio-SX1262, based on the Semtech SX1262 chipset, is a low-power LoRa module supporting the SPI interface and an 862-930MHz frequency range. It delivers a maximum transmit power of 22dBm and a receiver sensitivity of -136.73dBm, ensuring robust connectivity. Meshtastic nodes and routers, LoRaWAN gateways, IoT sensors for environmental monitoring, smart cities, and more are included in the applications. Grove sensors and extension boards are compatible with the modules, allowing for rapid prototyping and development, and offering versatility for custom IoT and AIoT solutions.

Previously, we have covered some development kits with LoRa support including the Seedstudio’s LoRa-E5, the Blue’s Note-WBGLW, the Matchx’s EdgeX development kit, and many more. We have also seen that the SX1262 LoRa module has previously been used in Lilygo T3S3 E-Paper with ESP32-S3. Some modules such as the LILYGO T-ETH-Elite and the OMGS3 also use the ESP32-S3. Therefore, if you are interested in this topic, feel free to browse these.

XIAO ESP32S3 with Wio-SX1262 LoRa Module Specifications:

• Processor: ESP32-S3R8 dual-core Xtensa LX7, 32-bit, up to 240 MHz
• Wireless Connectivity:
  • LoRa (Semtech SX1262) supporting 862-930 MHz
  • Frequency Range: 862-930 MHz
  • Transmit Power: Up to 22 dBm @ 868/930 MHz
  • Receiver Sensitivity: -136.73 dBm @ SF12, BW125 kHz
  • Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz
  • Bluetooth 5.0 with mesh support
• Antenna Options:
  • 1 x  Wi-Fi IPEX port or SMT pin (default: IPEX @ 50-ohm impedance)
  • 1x LoRa IPEX1 antenna
• Memory: Integrated RAM and Flash memory
• USB: 1x USB 2.0 Type-C for power supply and console
• I/O Interfaces:
  • 1x UART
  • 1x I2C
  • 1x SPI (connected to SX1262)
  • 1x I2S
  • 11x GPIO (PWM)
  • 9x ADC
• Misc:
  • 1x Boot button
  • 1x Reset button
  • 1x User LED
  • 1x Charge LED
  • 1x User button (for SX1262)
• Power: 1x USB 2.0 Type-C for power supply and console
  • USB Type-C (5V input)
  • Lithium battery support with charge management (100 mA charging current)
  • BAT (4.2V input)
• Power Consumption for Wio-SX1262:
  • Sleep: 1.62 μA
  • Transmit: 125 mA @ 22 dBm
  • Receive: 7.6 mA @ BW125 kHz
• Dimensions:
  • 21 x 17.8 mm (XIAO ESP32S3)
  • 11.6 x 11 x 2.95 mm (Wio-SX1262)
• Working Temperature:
  • -40°C to 65°C (XIAO ESP32S3)
  • -40°C to 85°C (Wio-SX1262)

The development board is pre-loaded with Meshtastic firmware, which was previously used in SenseCAP T1000-E, offering a ready-to-use solution for IoT projects. The company also mentioned that It supports programming with Arduino and MicroPython, making it versatile for different applications. It is an open-source, decentralized mesh network that leverages LoRa radios to enable low-power, long-range communication and location tracking, even in areas lacking reliable infrastructure.

According to the company, the development board is designed to work smoothly with both XIAO and Grove expansion boards, enhancing its functionality. Additional details about the XIAO ESP32S3 for Meshtastic & LoRa kit are available on the company’s wiki page.

Additionally, the XIAO ESP32S3 for Meshtastic & LoRa comes pre-flashed with Meshtastic firmware, ensuring it is ready to use straight out of the box. This is compatible with XIAO expansion boards, allowing users to easily add sensors, screens, and other components to enhance its functionality. External LoRa antennas are also supported by the board, with options for 2 dBi and 3 dBi models, to improve range and performance. This versatility makes it ideal for applications such as Meshtastic nodes or routers, LoRaWAN gateways, and various IoT sensor deployments.

Seeed Studio also offers the Wio-SX1262 module (11x6mm) as a standalone product, making it a convenient option for companies or makers looking to integrate LoRa connectivity into their projects or devices. The XIAO ESP32S3 for Meshtastic and LoRa development kit and the Wio-SX1262 module are available for purchase at Seeed Studio’s store, priced at $9.90 and $4.29, respectively.

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