Converting a bench project into something real - LoPy4

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1

Guys,
Following on from my recent posts I now have a LoPy4 with 2 x waterproof DS18x20 sensors (additional soil moisture sensor still to add) connected to a 2400mAh LiPO battery via a Pycom expansion board. The code works, passes data to TTN and Node-Red is working too.

Now I need to take the collection of stuff off my Pioneers Board and put it in a box (and potentially make a few more copies) so that I can deploy it (them) into the paddock(s).

Question:
Would you normally leave the expansion board in the final solution / box, or remove it and solder the sensors to a home made shield / directly to the LoPy4? If its normal to remove the expansion board, would it be sensible to use something like a Sunny Bunny LiPo/Solar charger in place of the charger thats on the expansion board?

As I see it, the expansion board is no good for me to permanently attach the sensors to and the only other thing it is doing is providing the battery charger / supply point.

Im wondering if it would be more power friendly & easier to remove the expansion board and make my own shield that I could connect headers to and solder the DS18x20ā€™s directly to it, along with the replacement battery charger.

Connectivity to the LoPy down the road could be via the Wifi hotspot that I have not disabled.

Thoughts please guys.

Thx
Jon

2

Hi Jon,

Nice to hear the project is going well!

If LiPo charging is being used, then it might be worth keeping the Expansion Board as it does a good job. Minor software updates would generally be easier than Over The Air (OTA) updates.

An alternative is to use a dedicated LiPo charging module such as the PowerBoost and a 28-pin Wide ZIF Socket (not something we stock at the time of writing).

PCB Protboards are a popular choice for a long-term project. Circuits are made by soldering the pads together.

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Thanks @Graham I hadnt thought of the ZIF sockets.

I have had another thought though, that is to keep the expansion board and use a protboard that sits above the LoPy4. and connects into the expansion board headers:)

Thx for the ideas!

Jon

1 Like
4

Great idea, it would be great if you could share the design afterward, Iā€™m sure other makers would be able to make use of something so handy!