LoRa Gateway

LoRa (from "long range") is a physical proprietary radio communication technique. It is based on spread spectrum modulation techniques derived from chirp spread spectrum (CSS) technology. LoRa, in practice, is very low bandwidth and the data rates that we use are in the low, single digit kbit/s range, or even less. The upside, however, is that LoRa essentially guarantees data reception in line-of-sight scenarios. LoRa has a stated range of more than 10 Km, but this has never been tested in practice with the Verge Aero platform. In practical scenarios, there has never been a hardware-driven loss of the LoRa data link.

The X1 and X7 integrate a LoRa radio to support mission-critical, broadcast data payloads. This is the only link necessary to successfully execute a show. A loss of all other data transfer methods after a show has been launched will still lead to a successful mission.

The radio module provides continuous frequency coverage from 150MHz to 960MHz, allowing the support of all major sub-GHz ISM bands around the world.

Region	Center Frequency
United States	915 MHz
Europe	433/868 MHz
China	470/779 MHz

What It Is Used For

Given its robust nature, Verge Aero uses LoRa for mission-critical, transmit-only data. It is used for trigger events, and for RTCM data. Some examples of trigger events include:

• Launching the show

• Aborting the show (via land all or RTH)

• Setting drone safety states

• Setting drone light modes

Console

The LoRa radio is also not absolutely necessary for a successful show. Configuration tools in the Verge Aero Console allows all LoRa data to intead be transmitted over the AT86 module. This alternate module has lower range, but is still sufficient for the majority of operating environments.

The LoRa radio channel may be configured from the Verge Aero Console in software by using the network configuration wizard. Total number of channels available differ by region.