RAK 425 Series User manual

RAK425 User Guide
1
RAK425 Serial WIFI Module
User Guide V1.4
Shenzhen Rakwireless Technology Co.,Ltd www.rakwireless.com
Mail：[email protected]

RAK425 User Guide
Content
RAK425 Serial WIFI Module..............................................................................1
1 Quick Start.............................................................................................................. - 1 -
STEP1: Check before Power Up.....................................................................- 2 -
STEP2: State after Power Up..........................................................................- 2 -
STEP3: Pass-through Data Test......................................................................- 5 -
2 Functional Description........................................................................................... - 8 -
2.1 Overview..................................................................................................... - 8 -
2.2 Key Applications.........................................................................................- 8 -
2.3 Device Features...........................................................................................- 8 -
2.4 Feature Description....................................................................................- 9 -
2.4.1 Hardware Interface...........................................................................- 9 -
2.4.2 Wireless Drivers................................................................................- 9 -
2.4.3 TCP/IP..............................................................................................- 10 -
2.4.4 Power Consumption.......................................................................- 10 -
3 Hardware Introduction.........................................................................................- 11 -
3.1 Module type.............................................................................................. - 11 -
3.2 Pin Definition............................................................................................- 12 -
4 Use Encyclopedia.................................................................................................. - 14 -
4.1 Basic Flow Chart...................................................................................... - 14 -
4.2 Variety of Configurations........................................................................ - 15 -
4.3 WEB Configuration................................................................................. - 16 -
Mode Selection Page............................................................................... - 17 -
AP Settings............................................................................................... - 18 -

RAK425 User Guide
STA Node Parameter Settings..................................................................- 19 -
IO Communication Parameter Settings.................................................. - 20 -
Network Parameter Settings...................................................................- 21 -
Advanced Management.......................................................................... - 21 -
Firmware Upgrade...................................................................................- 23 -
4.4 Wireless Configuration Tool....................................................................- 24 -
4.5 Serial Interface Configuration Tool........................................................- 25 -
4.6 Dual Socket Applications.........................................................................- 26 -
4.7 EasyConfig Functional Demonstration.................................................. - 30 -
5 Assistant AT Command.........................................................................................- 32 -
5.1 Syntax........................................................................................................- 33 -
5.2 Open AssistantCommand........................................................................ - 34 -
5.3 Module Management Commands...........................................................- 34 -
5.3.1 Open ASCII Display......................................................................... - 34 -
5.3.2 Query Module MAC address..........................................................- 35 -
5.3.3 Enter pass-through mode...............................................................- 35 -
5.3.4 Check software version.................................................................. - 35 -
5.3.5 Reset module..................................................................................- 35 -
5.3.6 Restore factory settings..................................................................- 35 -
5.4 Parameter Configuration Commands....................................................- 35 -
5.4.1 Write user configuration................................................................ - 36 -
5.4.2 Read user configuration................................................................. - 36 -
5.4.3 Read factory configuration.............................................................- 36 -
5.4.4 Modify factory configuration......................................................... - 37 -

RAK425 User Guide
5.4.5 Copy user parameters.................................................................... - 37 -
5.5 AP SAT Operating Commands............................................................... - 37 -
5.5.1 Query AP connection status...........................................................- 37 -
5.5.2 Query STA wireless signal strength................................................- 38 -
5.5.3 Scan for wireless networks............................................................ - 38 -
5.5.4 Get wireless network..................................................................... - 38 -
5.5.5 one-key networking command...................................................... - 39 -
5.5.6 WPS configuration commands.......................................................- 40 -
5.5.7 Check IP status................................................................................- 40 -
5.5.8 Ping command................................................................................ - 41 -
5.5.9 Query TCP connection status......................................................... - 41 -
5.5.10 AP Advanced Settings...................................................................- 41 -
5.6 Send and Receive Data Commands........................................................ - 42 -
5.6.1 Sending data................................................................................... - 42 -
5.6.2 Receiving Data................................................................................ - 42 -
5.7 Appendix................................................................................................... - 43 -
6 Sales and Service.................................................................................................. - 46 -
7 Revision History.................................................................................................... - 47 -

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1 Quick Start
Thank you for choosing RAK425 serial pass-through module, the pass-through
module is extremely easy to use and feature-rich, to meet various needs of customers.
First, we use RAK425 evaluation kit to have a feel of it. The Evaluation Kit is shown
as Figure 1-1
Figure 1-1 View of Development Board
Table 1-2 Main Peripherals
Function Name Description
External
Interface
Power DC5V Power Supply DC 5V input
RS232
The main communication interface, standardserial port,
female port
RS485 Assistant communication interface, 485 industrial
Button
Reset Module reset button
WPS
WPS function,one-keyconfiguration to network (with a
router WPS)
Default
1. Press and hold 3 sec and longer, module will restore to
factory parameters

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STEP1: Check before Power Up
Evaluation Kit contains a serial adapter cable, a USB cable, a module with
external antenna, also provides antenna with IPEX connector interface. If the module
is with external antenna, plug in with the external antenna. Connect the module serial
port with PC serial port (PC COM port or USB to serial port).
STEP2: State after Power Up
Normal phenomenon
When module is plug with power supply, module LED (Power LED) lights up,
followed by Status lights (Status pin output low), which means that the module start
properly.
If the power-Status light is not on, try pressing the Reset button, if the light still
remains off, please contact Sales.
In the module factory mode,after power up, it creates an open AP network named
RAK_AP_XXXXXX, XX is the last 6 digits of module MAC address, IP address is
192.168.7.1, by default DHCPServer is on. (Factory parameters can be modified)
When the Status light turns on, computer's wireless network list will find
RAK_AP_XXXXXX, as shown in Figure 1-3:
2. Press and hold shorter than 3 sec,one-key configuration
to network (with phone)
Sleep
Into ultra-low power mode button
Press and holdlonger than 5 sec and release, into the
ultra-low power
Press, and then release to wake up module

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Figure 1-3 AP Scanning after Factory
Doubleclick to join the network (the Link lights up), an IP address will be
assigned as Figure 1-4 shows:
Figure 1-4 Join inFactory AP

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Open browser and enterthe module gateway address 192.168.7.1, the default web
authentication interface pops up, enter authentication username: admin password:
admin. As Figure 1-5 shows:
Figure 1-5 WEB Authentication
The built-in WEBServer interface is shown. AP settingsand IO communication
settings can be viewed (i.e.UART interface and socket communication settings), as
shown in figure 1-6 and figure 1-7:
Figure 1-6 Factory Webpages

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Figure 1-7 Factory IO Communication Test
STEP3: Pass-through Data Test
Open serial port tool, select the COM port. The default baud rate is 115200, data
bit is 8, and stop bit is 1, no parity check, no flow control. Then open network
debugging tools (TCP / UDP tools) to establish TCP client connection, with target IP
192.168.7.1, server port 25000, as Figure 1-8 shows:

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Figure 1-8 Establish a TCP Client
After the TCP is connected, data can be exchanged, as Figure 1-9 shows. At this
point the module becomes a virtual serial port on the network, data from serial port
and network can be exchanged.
Figure 1-9 Factory Pass-throughTest
Keep in mind the state of the indicators
Status indicators:
Module started properly —— on (output low)
Module failed to start —— off
Module firmware is in upgrade —— quick flashing

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Module is ready to enter factory mode —— quick flashing
Module Upgrade Error —— slow flashing
Link indicators:
module is connected to router in STA mode，
module builds STA connection in AP mode ——on(output low)
Conversely off
EasyConfig, WPS in one-key configuration —— quick flashing
Methods for module to factory reset
There is a Default button on developmentboard, it is used when configuring
mistakes occur or forget the current configuration parameters for the module to
restore factory reset:
Press the Default button, status indicator starts blinking rapidly, press and hold
more than 3 seconds, the light stops flashing, and release the Default button, the
module goes back to factory mode (by default AP is built) (factory parameterscan be
modified)

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2 Functional Description
2.1 Overview
RAK425 module is an ultra-low power WIFI module that fully supports IEEE
802.11b/g/n wireless standards, with a small package and easy-to-use features. The
RAK425 is a complete serial pass-through module integrated with TCP / IP protocol
stack and drivers, easy to use by simply using the PC, WEB Browser, APPs tool to
work individually or in bulk for parameters configuration, and then module connects
the serial ports and network for normal usage.
The RAK425 module is characterized by stable performance, low power
consumption and flexibility to meet the various needs of customers. It can also
provide test reports, allowing customers to get started quickly, shorten the
development cycle.
The RAK425 module also provides various types of customized services, such as
user webpages, production and configuration tools, mobile phone APPs, etc.
2.2 Key Applications
Portable products
Home appliances and electricalappliances
Industrial sensors
Sales terminals
Buildings automation
Logistics and freight management
Home security and automation
Medical applications, such as patient monitoring, medical diagnostics
Metering (stop timing, measuring instruments, meters, etc.)
2.3 Device Features
Support IEEE 802.11b/g/n wireless standards
Integrated TCP / IP protocol stack

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Support OPEN, WEP, WPA/WPA2-PSK Encryptions
Support SoftAP, Station modes
Support TCP, UDP protocols
Support DHCP SERVER / DHCPCLIENT
Support AT commands and transparent transmission mode
Support UART communication with a data flow control, maximum rate of
921600bps
Support multiple configuration tools for one-step configuration
Support wireless upgrade firmware
On-board ceramic antenna or U.FL antenna connector
Operating voltage: 3.3V
Support 4 kinds of power operating mode, with the lowest power
consumption of 1.1uA
Small package size: Small package size: 20.5mm×15.5mm
( curved needle: height 6.4mm; vertical needle: height 8.7mm )
FCC, RoHS and CE compliant
2.4 Feature Description
2.4.1 Hardware Interface
Rate: 9600 - 921600bps
Interface actual throughput up to 600kbps
Support hardware flow control, ensuring the reliability of data transmission
485 function settings
2.4.2 Wireless Drivers
Compliant with IEEE 802.11b/g/n standards
Support AP and STA Mode
Support WEP, WPA/WPA2-PSK encryptions
Fast networking, allowing module to be added to network within 1 sec after
power up
Support WPS and EasyConfig one-key to network connection
Support network and socket automatic reconnection

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Supportproactively identifying devices in LAN
Support wireless configuration and firmware upgrade
2.4.3 TCP/IP
DHCP Client and Server features
DNS Client and Server functions
TCP Client, TCP Server, UDP Client, UDP Server and UDP Multicast
functions
Dualsocket transparent transmission of data (via uuid distinction)
Support HTTP protocol
TCPC / TCPS keep-alive time setting and TCPC reconnection
2.4.4 Power Consumption
The module supports four power consumption modes:
Fullspeed working mode, withapprox 80mA average power consumption,
peak current less than 200mA
Automatic power-saving mode, with approx 10mA average power
consumption, peak current <200mA, DTIM = 100ms
lowest power mode, with approx 3mA average power consumption, peak
current <200mA, DTIM = 100ms (maximum support to 115200bps)
External cable, ultra-low-power consumption mode, less than 1.1uA

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3 Hardware Introduction
3.1 Module type
Figure 3-1 RAK425BI Top View Figure 3-2 RAK425BI Bottom View
Figure 3-3 RAK425BL Top View Figure 3-4 RAK425BL Bottom View
Figure 3-5 RAK425BX Top View Figure 3-6 RAK425BX Bottom View

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3.2 Pin Definition
Table 3-1: Pin Definition
Pin Serial No. Name Type Description
1 GND Ground connected to ground pad or the copper
2 VCC3V3 Power 3.3V power supply
3 CONFIG I，PU
Module configuration pin to achieve
EasyConfig and DefaultConfig function
EasyConfig press (<3S) to enter
intoone-key configuration network
DefaultConfig Press (> = 3S) to restore
factory settings
4 RESET I，PU Module reset pin, low effective
5 STATUS O，PU
Normal startup output pin, output low
effective
6 RXD I
Serial flow control pin, ready to receive,
low effective
7 TXD O Serial data communication interface send
8 SLEEP I，PU
Power Management Module
Pulldown and hold 2S, release - enter
ultra-low-power mode
Pull down, then release - normal power
mode (full, save)
Wake up falling edge, remain disconnected
when no use
9 MODE/WPS I，PU
WPS function pin (default)
Module reuse mode selection
(byconfiguration switching)
"0" - open assistant command mode
"1" - only data pass-through mode
Remain disconnected when no use

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10 LINK O，PU
Module networking indicator
"0" - STA connected in AP mode,
Connected to router in STA mode
"1" - disconnected
Remain disconnected when no use
Note:
1. I - input O - output PU – pulling up PD - pulling down
Status indicator:
Module started properly —— On (Output Low)
Module failed to start —— Off
Module firmware is in upgrade —— quick flashing
Module is ready to enter factory mode —— quick flashing
Module Upgrade Error —— slow flashing
Link indicator:
module is connected to router in STA mode,
Module has STA connection under AP mode —— On (Output Low) Conversely off
EasyConfig, WPS is in one-key configuration —— Quick flashing

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4 Use Encyclopedia
4.1 Basic Flow Chart
The main working state of the module is pass-through mode, as well asassistant
command mode, allowing parameters management and query. The module chooses
mode according to the MODE pin level, which is high(default), it enters into the
pass-through mode. If low, then turnsinto the assistant command mode. The module
can enter into assistant command mode at all times. The figure 4-1 is a basic flowchart
as below:
Figure 4-1 Basic Flow Chart

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4.2 Variety of Configurations
For pass-through module, it’s aim for data communications. The precondition of
WIFI communication is parameter configurations, among which the more important
ones are network configuration (network name, password, IP address)
andcommunication protocol socket settings (TCP, UDP). For parameters, the module
defines the following two concepts.
First, the module defines two parts, factory parameters and user parameters.
Factory parameters: when the module is not in properuse, it maintains the
parameters of the initial state (usually as access point), and it has an
independentnetwork name, a fixed IP address, etc. Factory mode ensures
recoverability, to avoid user misconfiguration problems. (Factory parameters can be
modified by the customer)
User parameters: When the module is in proper use and configured before, it will
enable the new configuration as user parameters and these user parameters can be
automatically loaded when module is reset, user parameters are the configuration for
clients practical application scenarios. (Can be written at one time)
In order to facilitate entering fromfactory mode touser mode, pass-through mode
provides four flexible ways to modify the configuration:
For Ad-hoc network customers(need to build their own networks)
1.parameter modification via the browser to access module built-inWEB server
2.parameter modification via wireless discovery and configurationsoftware
provided
For the end customer scenarios by means of a router, it also provides a way for
one-key networking
3. Quick Connect with router using WPS function
4. Connection with router using EasyConfig function

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4.3 WEB Configuration
After the module has established AP or joineda router, enter the IP address in the
browser to access themodule. When in AP mode, IP address is default recognized as
gateway address, such as 192.168.7.1. When in STA mode, if the IP address is
automatically acquired, module IP address cannot be determined. However, with the
help of RAK4xx Wireless Tool.exe wireless configuration tool for local scanning, the
IP address can be get, thenuser can get access to the WEB server. See Figure 4-2 as
below:
Figure 4-2 Wireless Tool