Planet LN501 User manual

LoRa Node Controller
LN501
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LoRa Node Controller
LN501

LoRa Node Controller
LN501
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Copyright
Copyright (C) 2023 PLANET Technology Corp. All rights reserved.
The products and programs described in this User’s Manual are licensed products of PLANET
Technology, This User’s Manual contains proprietary information protected by copyright, and this User’s
Manual and all accompanying hardware, software, and documentation are copyrighted.
No part of this User’s Manual may be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated, or reduced to any
electronic medium or machine-readable form by any means, electronic or mechanical including
photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval systems, for any purpose other than the
purchaser's personal use, and without the prior express written permission of PLANET Technology.
Disclaimer
PLANET Technology does not warrant that the hardware will work properly in all environments and
applications, and makes no warranty and representation, either implied or expressed, with respect to
the quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose.
PLANET has made every effort to ensure that this User’s Manual is accurate; PLANET disclaims
liability for any inaccuracies or omissions that may have occurred. Information in this User’s Manual is
subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of PLANET.
PLANET assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies that may be contained in this User’s Manual.
PLANET makes no commitment to update or keep current the information in this User’s Manual, and
reserves the right to make improvements and/or changes to this User’s Manual at any time without
notice.
If you find information in this manual that is incorrect, misleading, or incomplete, we would appreciate
your comments and suggestions.
FCC Compliance Statement
This Equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications.

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However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
–Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
–Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
–Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
–Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
CE mark Warning
The is a class A device, In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio
interference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
WEEE
To avoid the potential effects on the environment and human health as a result of the
presence of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, end users of
electrical and electronic equipment should understand the meaning of the crossed-out
wheeled bin symbol. Do not dispose of WEEE as unsorted municipal waste and have to collect such
WEEE separately.
Trademarks
The PLANET logo is a trademark of PLANET Technology. This documentation may refer to numerous
hardware and software products by their trade names. In most, if not all cases, these designations are
claimed as trademarks or registered trademarks by their respective companies.
Revision
User’s Manual of PLANET LoRa Node Controller
Model: LN501
Rev.: 2.0 (December, 2023)
Part No. EM-LN501_v2.0

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LN501
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Product Introduction.............................................................................................5
1.1 Package Contents......................................................................................................6
1.2 Overview ....................................................................................................................7
1.3 Features .....................................................................................................................8
1.4 Product Specifications ...............................................................................................9
Chapter 2. Hardware Introduction .......................................................................................11
2.1 Physical Descriptions ...............................................................................................11
2.2 Hardware Installation ...............................................................................................14
Chapter 3. Preparation ........................................................................................................15
3.1 Requirements...........................................................................................................15
3.2 Managing LoRa Node ..............................................................................................15
Chapter 4. Operations Management ...................................................................................16
4.1 Managing LoRa Node ..............................................................................................16
4.2 LoRaWAN setting.....................................................................................................18
4.3 Interface setting........................................................................................................21
4.3.1 RS485 Settings ......................................................................................22
4.3.2 RS232 Settings ......................................................................................25
4.3.3 GPIO Settings ........................................................................................26
4.3.4 AI Settings..............................................................................................29
4.3.5 SDI-12 Settings......................................................................................31
4.4 Alarm Settings..........................................................................................................33
4.5 Data Storage ............................................................................................................34
4.6 Data Retransmission................................................................................................35
4.7 Maintenance.............................................................................................................37
4.7.1 Upgrade .................................................................................................37
4.7.2 Backup ...................................................................................................37
4.7.3 Reset to Factory Default ........................................................................38

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LN501
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Chapter 1. Product Introduction
Thank you for purchasing PLANET LoRa Node Controller, LN501. The descriptions of these models
are as follows:
LN501
Outdoor IP67 LoRa Node Controller with Solar Panel
“LN501” mentioned in the manual refers to the above models.

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LN501
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1.1 Package Contents
The package should contain the following:
LN501
LoRa Node Controller x 1
Quick Installation Guide x 1
Data Cables x 2
Mounting Bracket x 1
Wall Mounting Kits x 1
Hose Clamps x 2
2550 mAh Battery x 2
If any of the above items are missing, please contact your dealer immediately.

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1.2 Overview
Feature-rich Sensor Hub for Connecting Sensors
PLANET LN501 is an outdoor LoRa node controller used for data acquisition from multiple sensors. It
contains different I/O interfaces such as analog inputs, digital inputs, digital outputs, serial ports and so
on to simplify the deployment and replacement of LoRaWAN networks. The LN501 can be easily and
quickly configured by NFC or wired USB port. For outdoor applications, it provides solar or built-in
battery power supply and is equipped with IP67-rated enclosure and M12 connectors to protect itself
from water and dust in harsh environments.
LoRaWAN-based Controller with Rich Industrial Interfaces
The LN501 is LoRaWAN compatible and is with built-in multiple industrial interfaces to connect to all
types of sensors, meters and other appliances. It also bridges Modbus data between serial and
Ethernet network via LoRaWAN. The LN501 supports LoRaWAN class A and C protocol to be in full
compatibility with standard LoRaWAN gateways including PLANET LCG-300 series.
RS232
RS485
GPIO
Analog Input
SDI-12
The LN501 is ideal for large-scale IoT application deployments, such as projects for building
automation, smart metering, HVAC system, etc. With multiple interfaces, PLANET LN501 can perfectly
help retrofit legacy assets into IoT enablement.

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1.3 Features
Key Features
LN501
Easy to connect with multiple wired sensors through GPIO/AI/RS232/RS485/SDI-12 interfaces
Long transmission distance up to 11km with line of sight
Waterproof design including IP67 case and M12 connectors
Solar powered and built-in battery (optional)
Quick wireless configuration via NFC
Compliant with standard LoRaWAN gateways and network servers

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1.4 Product Specifications
Product
LN501
Wireless Transmission
Technology
LoRaWAN
Antenna
Internal Antenna
Frequency
LN501-868M: IN865, EU868, RU864
LN501-915M: US915, AU915, KR920, AS923
Tx Power
16dBm(868)/20dBm(915)
Sensitivity
-137dBm @300bps
Work Mode
OTAA/ABP Class A, Class C
Data Interfaces
Interface Type
M12 A-Coded Male
IO
Ports
2 × GPIO
Logical Level
Low: 0~0.9V, High: 2.5~3.3V
Maximum Current
20 mA
Work Mode
Digital input, digital output, pulse counter
Serial Port
Ports
1 × RS232 or RS485 (Switchable)
Baud Rate
1200~115200 bps
Protocol
Transparent (RS232), Modbus RTU (RS485)
Analog Input
Ports
2 × Analog input
Resolution
12 bit
Input Range
4~20mA or 0~10V (Switchable)
SDI-12
Ports
1 × SDI-12
Protocol
SDI-12 V1.4
Power Output
Ports
2 × 3.3 V, 2 × 5/9/12 V (Switchable)
Power Time
Before Data
Collection
0~10 minutes
Operation
Power On & Off
NFC, power button (Internal)
Configuration
PC software (via USB Type C or NFC)
Physical Characteristics
Operating
Temperature
-20°C to +60°C
Ingress Protection
IP67
Dimensions
116 × 116 × 45.5 mm

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Power Connector
1 × M12 A-coded Male Interface
Power Supply
Solar powered + 2 x 2550mAh battery backup + 5-24 VDC
Installation
Desktop or wall mounting
Standards Conformance
Regulatory
Compliance
CE, FCC

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Chapter 2. Hardware Introduction
2.1 Physical Descriptions
LN501
Analog Input
Power Output

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DIP Switch:
Interface
DIP Switch
Power Output
12V
(default)
3
2
1
OFF
ON
9V
3
2
1
OFF
ON
5V
3
2
1
OFF
ON
Analog Input
Disable
3
2
1
OFF
ON
4-20mA ADC
(default)
3
2
1
OFF
ON
0-10V ADC
3
2
1
OFF
ON
RS485
Disable
3
2
1
OFF
ON
Add 120 Ω resistor between A and B
3
2
1
OFF
ON
Add 1k Ω pull-up resistor on A
3
2
1
OFF
ON
Add 1k Ω pull-down resistor on B
3
2
1
OFF
ON
Power Button:
Function
Action
LED Indication
Turn On
Press and hold the button for more than 3s.
Off → On
Turn Off
Press and hold the button for more than 3s.
On → Off
Reset
Press and hold the button for more than 10s.
Blinks.
Check On/Off
Status
Quickly press the power button.
Light On: Device is on.
Light Off: Device is off.
1. Please turn off the device before changing an analog input or
power output via DIP switch.
2. Analog inputs are set to 4-20mA by default, power outputs are
set to 12V by default.
3. Power output on interface 1 is used for powering analog
devices, power output on interface 2 is used for powering serial
port devices and SDI-12 devices.

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Data Interface:
Data Interface 1
Pin
Description
1
5V/9V/12V OUT (Switchable)
12V
(default)
3
2
1
OFF
ON
9V
3
2
1
OFF
ON
5V
3
2
1
OFF
ON
2
3.3V OUT, max. 100mA
3
GND
4
Analog Input 1
5
Analog Input 2
6*
5-24V DC IN
*When both DC external power and batteries are connected, external power will be the preferred power supply
option.
Data Interface 2
Pin
Description
1
5V/9V/12V OUT (Switchable)
12V
(default)
3
2
1
OFF
ON
9V
3
2
1
OFF
ON
5V
3
2
1
OFF
ON
2
3.3V OUT, max. 100mA
3
GND
4
GPIO1
5
GPIO2
6
RS232(Tx)/RS485(A)
7
RS232(Rx)/RS485(B)
8
SDI-12

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2.2 Hardware Installation
Refer to the illustration and follow the simple steps below to quickly install your LoRa Node.
2.2.1 Wall Mounting
Make sure you have a wall mounting bracket, bracket mounting screws, wall plugs, wall mounting
screws and other required tools.
Step 1: Mark the four holes on the wall you prefer to place the device and drill the marked four holes for the wall
plugs (anchors). Then place the mounting bracket over the holes with the wall plugs inside, and tighten it
with the screws.
Step 2: Place the device on the mounting bracket and put the small screw into the hole found on the bottom of the
device and then tighten the screw to finish the job.
2.2.2 Pole Mounting
Step 1: Straighten out the clamp and slide it through the rectangular rings in the mounting bracket, and wrap the
clamp around the pole. Then use a screwdriver to tighten the clamp by turning it clockwise.
Step 2: Place the device on the mounting bracket and put the small screw into the hole found on the bottom of the
device and then tighten the screw to finish the job.
Please make sure the screws are tightly fixed.

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Chapter 3. Preparation
Before accessing the LoRa node controllers, user has to install utility tool for operation.
3.1 Requirements
Workstations running Windows 10/11
Type C USB cable for LN501
3.2 Managing LoRa Node
1. Download ToolBox software from Planet web site.
2. https://www.planet.com.tw/en/support/downloads?&method=keyword&keyword=LN501&view=6#list
3. Power on the LoRa Node device and then connect it to computer via micro USB port.
4. Open the ToolBox and select “Type” and then "General", and then click password to log in ToolBox. (Default
password: 123456)

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Chapter 4. Operations Management
This chapter provides operations details of the LoRa node controller.
4.1 Managing LoRa Node
1. Download ToolBox software from Planet web site.
2. https://www.planet.com.tw/en/support/downloads?&method=keyword&keyword=LN501&view=6#list
3. Power on the LoRa Node device and then connect it to computer via micro USB port.
4. Open the ToolBox and select “Type” and then "General", and then click password to log in ToolBox. (Default
password: 123456)

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5. After logging in the ToolBox, you can click “Power On” or “Power Off” to turn on/off device and change other
settings.

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4.2 LoRaWAN setting
LoRaWAN setting is used for configuring the transmission parameters in LoRaWAN ® network.
Basic LoRaWAN Settings:
Go to “LoRaWAN -> Basic” of ToolBox software to configure join type, App EUI, App Key and other
information. You can also keep all settings by default.
Object
Description
Device EUI
Unique ID of the device which can also be found on the label.
App EUI
Default App EUI is 24E124C0002A0001.
Application Port
The port is used for sending and receiving data; default port is
85.
Note: RS232 data will be transmitted via another port.
Working Mode
Class A and Class C are available
LoRaWAN Version
V1.0.2, V1.0.3 are available.

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Join Type
OTAA and ABP mode are available
Application Key
Appkey for OTAA mode; default is
5572404C696E6B4C6F52613230313823.
Device Address
DevAddr for ABP mode, default is the 5th to 12th digits of SN.
Network Session
Key
Nwkskey for ABP mode, default is
5572404C696E6B4C6F52613230313823.
Application
Session Key
Appskey for ABP mode, default is
5572404C696E6B4C6F52613230313823.
RX2 Data Rate
RX2 data rate to receive downlinks.
RX2 Frequency
RX2 frequency to receive downlinks. Unit: Hz
Spread Factor
If ADR is disabled, the device will send data via this spread
factor.
Confirmed Mode
If the device does not receive ACK packet from network server, it
will resend data 3 times at most.
Rejoin Mode
Reporting interval ≤ 35 mins: the device will send specific
mounts of LoRaMAC packets to check connection status
every 30 mins; If no reply after specific packets, the device
will re-join.
Reporting interval > 35 mins: the device will send specific
mounts of LoRaMAC packets every to check connection
status every reporting interval; If no reply after specific
packets, the device will re-join.
Set the number of
packets sent
When rejoin mode is enabled, set the number of LinkCheckReq
packets sent.
Note: the actual sending number is Set the number of packet
sent + 1.
ADR Mode
Allow network server to adjust datarate of the device.
Tx Power
Tx power of the device.
LoRaWAN Frequency Settings:
Go to “LoRaWAN -> Channel” of ToolBox software to select supported frequency and select channels
to send uplinks. Make sure the channels match the LoRaWAN gateway.

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If frequency is one of AU915/US915, you can enter the index of the channel that you want to enable in
the input box, making them separate by commas.
Examples:
1, 40: Enabling Channel 1 and Channel 40
1-40: Enabling Channel 1 to Channel 40
1-40, 60: Enabling Channel 1 to Channel 40 and Channel 60
All: Enabling all channels
Null: Indicates that all channels are disabled