Video summary

How To Make a 10KM LoRa System | No Internet, Real Field Test

Main summary

Key takeaways

Technology

Summary of the video (LoRa 10 km field test, no-internet monitoring/control)

Use case / scenario

  • The field test takes place ~10 km away from the home (behind the creator’s parents’ house), selected specifically because there is no usable Wi‑Fi coverage.
  • The goal is to monitor temperature and humidity and control devices in a garden using long-range wireless, while staying connected without relying on cellular/internet.

Why LoRa

  • LoRa is chosen (instead of cellular) for:
    • Long-range communication
    • Very low power consumption

Hardware / modules

  • LoRa module: RYLR998 (described as simple/easy to use)
  • Node 1 (low power): RYLR998 + Arduino Pro Mini (3.3V)
    • Sensors on Node 1:
      • Temperature/humidity
      • Soil moisture
      • Motion detection
    • Power: solar panel to keep the battery charged for long-term operation
  • Node 2: Arduino Nano
  • A USB-to-TTL adapter is used for setup and testing.

Setup / tutorial steps

  1. Pre-build test: verify the LoRa module using USB-to-TTL and AT commands.
  2. Programming: after verification, connect the sensors and upload the code.
  3. Documentation: wiring diagram and sample code are provided in the video description.
  4. Communication behavior after upload:
    • Node 1 sends data every 5 seconds
    • Motion events are reported immediately
    • Display includes: temperature, humidity, signal strength, packet count, and ASN

Range / real-world test method

  • Node 1 is placed in the middle of the field.
  • Node 2 is moved to several mapped checkpoints to measure practical range and signal quality.

Results (distance checkpoints)

  • 1 km: signal stable
  • ~2 km to first ~3.5 km checkpoint: signal remains consistent
  • ~3 km: connection strong
  • Passing through residential areas: signal weaker, but packets still arrive consistently
  • ~7 km: data still received reliably; signal weaker, but communication remains dependable
  • Packet counter interruption observed: the packet counter stops temporarily, then resumes after moving to a different spot—suggesting sensitivity to position and obstructions.

Key technical takeaway

LoRa range reliability depends strongly on:

  • Terrain
  • Obstacles
  • Antenna placement
  • Weather conditions

The creator considers the outcome a success for their target use case and recommends LoRa for similar projects.

Main speakers/sources

  • Primary speaker: the YouTube video creator/host demonstrating the build, setup, and field testing (specific name not provided in the subtitles).

Original video