Laird Sentrius RG1 Series User manual

A
Version 1.2

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Version
Date
Notes
Contributor
Approver
1.0
4 Apr 2018
Initial Release
Seokwoo Yoon
Jonathan Kaye
1.1
19 Dec 2018
Updated template, logos, and URLs
Sue White
Jonathan Kaye
1.2
3 Jan 2020
Updated pictures and contents
according to the new firmware v5.4
Seokwoon Yoon
Chris Boorman
1.3
14 Jan 2020
Updated Figure 1 to include wireless
protocols
Dave Drogowski
Sue White

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1Overview .............................................................................................................................................................................4
2Data Flow Architecture........................................................................................................................................................4
3Gateway Factory Reset.......................................................................................................................................................4
4Connect the Gateway..........................................................................................................................................................5
5Log into the Gateway...........................................................................................................................................................6
5.1 Logging into Gateway Web Interface..........................................................................................................................6
5.2 Updating Gateway Firmware ......................................................................................................................................6
5.3 LoRa Packet Forwarding Set Up ................................................................................................................................7
6Senet Configuration.............................................................................................................................................................7
6.1 Senet Account Setup..................................................................................................................................................7
6.2 Registering Your Gateway..........................................................................................................................................9
6.3 Adding Devices an Application .................................................................................................................................10
7RS1xx Configuration..........................................................................................................................................................11
8Setting up MQTT Broker on Amazon AWS .......................................................................................................................13
8.1 Setting up AWS server .............................................................................................................................................13
8.2 Installing MQTT Broker on AWS instance.................................................................................................................15
9MQTT Integration on Senet...............................................................................................................................................16
10 node-RED Setup...........................................................................................................................................................18
10.1 Install node.js Package Manager and node.js ..........................................................................................................18
10.2 Install JSON Files.....................................................................................................................................................18
10.3 Installing node-RED..................................................................................................................................................19
10.4 Installing node-RED-Dashboard...............................................................................................................................20
10.5 Updating RS1xx-Demo-Config File...........................................................................................................................20
10.6 Running node-RED with Default Settings.................................................................................................................21
10.7 Establishing MQTT Broker Connections...................................................................................................................22
10.8 Loading node-RED User Interface............................................................................................................................24
11 Appendix.......................................................................................................................................................................26
11.1 Troubleshooting Tips for Sentrius Gateway Connections.........................................................................................26
11.2 Troubleshooting Tips for Senet Connections............................................................................................................26
11.3 Troubleshooting Tips for node_RED (MQTT Broker Links) Connections .................................................................26

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This guide provides instructions on configuring a Sentrius RG1xx gateway and Sentrius RS1xx sensor using the Senet server
and node-RED web-based user interface.
Note: Step-by-step instructions, screenshots, and pictures are based on the Sentrius RG191 and Sentrius RS191, but
the same is applicable for the Sentrius RG186 and Sentrius RS186. Differences are noted.
For more detailed information on how to use all Sentrius gateway and sensor features, please see the Sentrius RG1xx User
Guide, available from documentation tab at: https://connectivity.lairdtech.com/wireless-modules/lorawan-solutions/sentrius-rg1xx-
lora-enabled-gateway-wi-fi-bluetooth-ethernet and the Sentrius RS1xx User Guide: https://connectivity.lairdtech.com/wireless-
modules/lorawan-solutions/sentrius-rs1xx-lora-enabled-sensors.
The following block diagram (Figure 1) displays the overall architecture described in this demo. This is a high-level
representation of how the sensor’s LoRaWAN data is transferred through the gateway (which plays a role of packet forwarder)
to Senet server where the data packets are processed. They are then forwarded to the MQTT Broker. The node-RED
application contains an MQTT client that receives sensor data and displays it on a browser-based user interface.
Figure 1: Data flow architecture
This guide shows a step-by-step approach to setting up a test LoRaWAN network. It starts on the left side of the block diagram
with the Gateway configuration and progresses toward the UI application on the right. Sensor devices are added when
configuring the Senet backend.
If setting up a previously configured gateway, we recommend that you clear any prior settings by resetting the gateway to its
factory default values. To do this, complete the steps described in the Factory Reset section of the RG1xx User Guide. You
can access this guide on the RG1xx product page from the Documentation tab.
LoRa
Wi-Fi /
Ethernet
Cloud
Cloud

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To use the gateway, you must power it up and access the web interface via the Ethernet port. To do this, follow these steps:
Follow the label on the box and connect the three antennas. Refer to Antenna Configuration for additional information.
Connect the power supply (see #2 in Figure 2).
Connect the gateway to your router (#3 Figure 2) using the Ethernet cable (#1 in Figure 2).
Your gateway is now connected and ready.
Figure 2: Connecting the gateway
To configure the antenna properly, do the following:
Attach the two shorter antennas to the 2.4/5.5 GHz (Wi-Fi) ports.
Attach the third and longer antenna to the 868 MHz/900 MHz (LoRa) port.
Figure 3: Antenna configuration
3
2
1

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To log into the gateway web interface, follow the steps from the RG1xx User Guide’s Log into the Gateway section. This guide
is accessible from the website’s RG1xx product page on the Documentation tab.
Figure 4: Gateway interface login screen
Note: For this guide, we assume the LAN or Wi-Fi connection is successfully set up and the user login credentials are
updated. We recommend that you update the credentials as soon as possible to minimize a potential security risk.
Update these credentials on the Settings page.
Update the firmware by clicking Settings > Update Firmware. (Figure 5)
Figure 5: Updating gateway firmware
Depending on the current version of firmware loaded, different URL should be used. If v93.7.2.10 is loaded, use
https://connectivity-firmware.s3.amazonaws.com/rg1xx-lora-gateway/firmware/newest/fw.txt. For firmware v93.7.3.x and later,
the URL should be auto populated. Note: It is recommended to have GA4 (v93.7.3.x) firmware or greater.
Once the gateway is finished updating the firmware, follow the on-screen instructions to reboot the device. This requires a
login using your updated profile credentials.

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Simply select Senet on LoRa > Preset. The gateway connection status should stay false in UI when the Preset is applied.
(Figure 6)
Figure 6: Setting presets
Note: Before performing any actions, ensure that port 1700 is open (LoRaWAN traffic port) as well as ports 1883 and
8883 (Senet MQTT traffic port) in your network. UDP traffic is sent over port 1700. TCP and TCP/TLS socket
connections are made on ports 1883 and 8883. We recommend that you work with your IT group to provide access
for this install.
To set up an account with Senet, follow these steps:
Go to https://portal.senetco.io/#/home and click Create New Account in the lower right of the window to start the process
as shown in Figure 7. If you already have an account, click Login and skip to step four.

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Figure 7: Senet account setup
Note: It is important that you have access to the email address entered in the account setup since Senet requires you
to validate your email before proceeding with the rest of the setup.
1. Log in to Senet after the email is verified. (Figure 8)
Figure 8: Senet login page
2. The dashboard appears as the home page once logged in.

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To register your gateway with the Senet network, follow these steps:
Click + button on Devices & Gateways in Dashboard
Select Register Gateway (Figure 9)
Figure 9: Senet gateway configuration page
Follow the prompts. When Select Device Type appears, choose Laird Sentrius (Figure 10).
Figure 10: Semtech Packet Forwarder
3. On the next page, register your gateway as shown in Figure 11. For serial number, enter 0x followed by Ethernet MAC
ID from at the bottom of the RG1xx case (Figure 12). For Gateway Vendor and Type, enter Laird. For Description,
enter your own description.
Figure 11: Gateway Information

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Figure 12: On a bottom label, M2 EUI corresponds to Serial number.
4. Continue to follow the prompts and click Register to complete setup. Senet sends an approval email for gateway
registration.
click + button on Devices & Gateways in Dashboard.
Select Register Device. (Figure 13)
Figure 13: Device registration
5. Enter Device EUI from the RS191 label. Choose Laird for Device Type. Check the box for Supports Senet Packets.
Then, click Register New Device.
Note: The Sensor Dev EUI can be found on the bottom of the sensor. This field is lower-case sensitive.

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Figure 14: Register Device
6. Keep the values for AppEUI and AppKey shown on the next page. They are needed in RS1xx Configuration.
Download and run the Sentrius sensor app (available via Apple Store, Google Play and Microsoft Store –only for Windows
10 PC).
Click the Bluetooth icon ( ) on the RS1xx face panel. This causes the sensor to start advertising, with SS_T&H as its
device name.
Start the Sentrius app and then it scans for RS1xx via BLE.
If the latest firmware is not loaded, update firmware in Device FW Update.
The sensor’s DevEUI, along with SS_T&H, should appear in the scan list. Connect to it.
Click the gear icon for LoRa Radio Settings and Info. (Figure 15)
Figure 15: LoRa setting in Sentrius app
Update AppEUI and AppKey to the values obtained from Senet. Set Channel Mask to sub-band 1. Choose Packet
Format to Laird, along with a desired Packet Type. (Figure 16)
Device EUI from RS191 label

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Figure 16: LoRa Configuration page
Note: AppKey is a write only value, while DevEUI and AppEUI are read/write values. For that reason, AppKey does not
appear here but it can be written.

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Note: Following MQTT setup is not required to normally use RS1xx as of firmware v5.4. That is, RS1xx with v5.4 can
join Senet network and transmit data without having the subsequent sections set up. (Refer to 11.2.2 Device
Network Time for more details.) However, the rest of this document will give you better understanding on how to
process data that are received on Senet using integration and how to present data visually in graph.
The AWS Free Tier enables you to use a certain number of instances, depending on your region, for free for 12 months. The
information on how many instances can be used for free is accessible in your AWS account after login.
Note: The AWS account used in this guide was created in Ohio, USA for this guide. Different regions may have different
limit on the number of free instances, according to Amazon AWS policy.
Create an AWS account at https://aws.amazon.com/. You must enter a credit card number during sign-up, but it will not be
charged as long as you do not exceed the AWS Free Tier Limit.
After verification, choose Free for a Support Plan. (Figure 17)Figure 17: AWS Support Plan
Figure 17: AWS Support Plan
Click Services > EC2. Note that it may take up to 24 hours to fully activate the AWS account.

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Figure 18: Amazon AWS Services
Click Launch Instance .
Locate Ubuntu Server 16.04 LTS (HVM), SSD Volume Type (64 bit) and click Select.
Figure 19: Ubuntu server on AWS
The default instance should be t2.micro. If not, select it. Then, click Review and Launch.
Figure 20: t2.micro instance
On the Review page, click Edit security groups.
Optional: Security group name and Description can be changed to be specific for your purpose.
Port 22 is enabled by default for SSH. Click Add Rule, and add the ports shown in Figure 21, and click Review and
Launch.
Figure 21: Configure Security Group
Note: The address 0.0.0.0/0 was used for testing purpose. For better security, you may consider adding the IP address
of the computer you’re using (example: <IP_ADDRESS>/32).
Click Launch.
AWS can now create a key to securely connect the AWS instance via SSH. In the pop-up window, select Create a new
key pair and provide a name for key pair. Download Key Pair and Launch Instances.

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Figure 22: Create a new key pair
Your AWS instance is now running.
Note: To avoid being charged, make sure no instance is running after the 12 month trial period.
You must SSH into the AWS EC2 instance and install the MQTT broker. To SSH to it with the generated key pair above,
complete the following:
a. For Linux, open a terminal and type:
ssh -i <keyfile> ubuntu@<instance hostname or IP address>
b. For Windows, follow steps provided in this link.
Note: The IP address for your AWS instance is in Services > EC2 > running instances > IPv4 Public IP.
Once logged in, to ensure APT package manager has the latest sources, type:
sudo apt-get update
To retrieve and install the broker and clients, type:
sudo apt-get install mosquitto mosquitto-clients
To create a username and password, type:
sudo mosquitto_passwd -c /etc/mosquitto/passwd <user_name>.
When prompted, enter a strong password and confirm it.
Force mosquitto to use the login and password by creating a configuration file. And for extra security, disallow anonymous
users by setting "allow_anonymous" to "false," as follows:
printf "allow_anonymous false\npassword_file /etc/mosquitto/passwd\nlistener 1883
0.0.0.0\nprotocol mqtt\n" > /tmp/listeners.conf
sudo cp /tmp/listeners.conf /etc/mosquitto/conf.d/
Mosquitto must be restarted to apply changes. To restart, type:
sudo systemctl restart mosquitto
Test for connecting to the MQTT broker. Type:
mosquitto_sub -h localhost -u <USERNAME> -P <PASSWORD> -t '#' -d -v

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Figure 23: Successfully connected to MQTT broker locally
Now that all the Keys/EUIs match between RS1xx sensor and Senet, the sensor should be able to join the Senet network.
Senet allows users to add a notification target to a LoRa device after it has joined (activated). The notification target should be
set to be the MQTT broker created in section 8: Setting up MQTT Broker on Amazon AWS.
Power cycle the RS1xx by taking out battery and re-inserting it.
Verify that the end-device is updated with Joined status on the https://portal.senetco.io/#/home dashboard. You may need
to refresh the page.
Click the hamburger menu at the upper right corner of the device widget, and then click the gear icon. (Figure 24)
Figure 24: RS1xx activated on Senet
Click Notification Target tab and choose MQTT in Forward To. (Figure 25)

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Figure 25: MQTT integration on Notification Target
Fill in the information for MQTT configuration. (Figure 25)
a. If your MQTT broker is set up with SSL support and you want to use it, check the box for SSL.
b. Client ID: any name that preferably describes your device
c. Broker Address: web address or IP address where your MQTT broker resides
d. Broker Port: 8883 for SSL support and 1883 without SSL
e. Public Topic: application/senet/node/<Client ID>/rx
f. Subscribe Topic: application/senet/node/<Client ID>/tx
g. User name/password: credential for MQTT broker

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node-RED is a flow-based programming environment which is used to wire devices models, APIs, and online services
together. Flow-based programming is a way of describing an application’s behavior as a network of nodes. Each node
receives data, does something with that data, and then passes the data onward. This network of nodes is set up using the
node-RED palette web interface.
node-RED uses node.js to host the flow-based programming palette and to create a user web interface. Reference
https://nodered.org/ for more information on the node-RED tool.
Our sample node-red application has a MQTT client that communicates with MQTT broker installed on AWS EC2 instance,
and this guide will install node-red on your local PC. Install the node.js package manager (NPM) and node.js locally on your
PC by going to the node.js website: https://nodejs.org/en/. Both node.js and the NPM are installed in the same install (Figure
26). We recommend that you install the latest version.
Note: This guide is based off working versions of Node-Red: Version 0.17.5 and Node.js: Version 8.9.1
Figure 26: node.js and node.js package manager installation
Note: If there are errors encountered while running the latest version of the installer, use the Recommended for Most Users
version of node.js.
Before running the install, you must save the JSON config and flow file in the same directory from which node-RED is run. In
Windows, this is typically in your USER file location on the C: drive (e.g. C:\Users\User_Name\nodered-demo). Placing the
files in this USER file location ensures that the correct privileges are assigned to these files; otherwise there may be issues
during the install of node-RED packages.
Download the JSON files off the website –https://connectivity.lairdtech.com/wireless-modules/lorawan-solutions/sentrius-rs1xx-
lora-enabled-sensors

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Figure 27: JSON node-RED configuration files
Note: The following files are contained in the node-RED-demo folder:
▪rs1xx-demo-config.json –Config File
▪sentrius-rs1xx-demo.json –Flow File
The rs1xx-demo-config.json file is a template for listing the devices in the Device ID dropdown menu and for
changing from Celsius to Fahrenheit for the node-RED user interface. The sentrius-rs1xx-demo.json is a template
for a node-RED flow which processes the MQTT data and sets up the user interface.
Once the nodered-demo folder is saved in the User folder within the C drive (or other folder with appropriate permissions), you
can install node-RED using a terminal window. In Windows 10, press Shift and right-click on the mouse while in the nodered-
demo folder. This brings up the PowerShell Window option. Depending on the Windows version, a Command Prompt or a
PowerShell Window will appear.
(Figure 28).
Figure 28: Opening PowerShell

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Figure 29: node-Red install command prompt screen
To install node-RED using the Node.js Package Manager (NPM), enter the following:
npm install -g node-red
Reference the node-RED website for information on alternate ways to install node-RED:
https://nodered.org/docs/getting-started/installation.
Figure 30: Successful node-Red install
node-Red is now installed on your PC.
To install the node-RED-dashboard, enter the following as shown in Figure 31:
npm install -g node-red-dashboard
Figure 31: node-RED Dashboard
To populate the Device ID drop-down menu in NodeRed with the devices registered with Senet, you must edit the rs1xx-demo-
config.json file. This file is read by the node-RED flow during the start-up of the user web interface.
Note: JSON is an object representation in a human readable text format. Any text editor can be used to modify the file. We
recommend Notepad++ (https://notepad-plus-plus.org/). Install the latest version.
Open rs1xx-demo-config.json with a text editor and follow the instruction in the below note.
Note: The content of the file is an array of device IDs plus a variable to either display the temperature readings in Celsius
or Fahrenheit. The file is in JSON format and the JSON object must look like this:
{“dev_ids”:[“<enter a device id here>”, “<enter a device id here>”],
“degreesFahrenheit”:false}
For every device you want to add to the list, replace: “<enter a device id here>” with a device ID. The file
must be named rs1xx-demo-config.json. The following is an example of a valid config file content: