Swarm EVAL Kit User manual
© 2021 SWARM TECHNOLOGIES INC.
Evaluation Kit
Quickstart Guide
Overview & Setup - Eval Kit Components
GPS Flex
Antenna
Swarm Tile
(Satellite Modem)
USB-C Header
(PWR + DATA)
Battery
Power
Switch
8-24VDC
Solar Input
6-pin Serial
Header
I²C Header
Noise RSSI
Indicator
LED
FeatherS2 +
OLED Display
Stack
u.fl-SMA Sat
Antenna
Cable
Eval Kit
Configuration
Buttons
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4.2VDC Out
USB/Feather
Serial Jumper
Swarm Tile
Device ID
Swarm Tile
Authentication Code
Overview & Setup - Activating your Device
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Create your Hive account and sign in:
https://bumblebee.hive.swarm.space/hive/ui/sign-up
After signing up, an activation email will be sent to you.
Navigate to Devices > Add Devices:
Click Start Scanning to scan your Swarm Tile QR Code:
The Swarm Tile modem is located inside the Evaluation Kit.
If you are unable to use the browser-based scanner, you can also use your
camera app to scan the Tile QR code and enter the auth code in the Hive manually.
See example below:
{"ac":"ABCDE.
12345$%XYZ"}
x
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Place the Eval Kit on a
flat surface, with solar
panel facing down.
Locate the external
power button on the
side of your Eval Kit.
Press and latch the
switch to power on.
Overview & Setup - Powering on the Kit
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Overview & Setup - Eval Kit Assembly
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Reinstall the tripod attachment (with Eval
Kit) to the Tripod, extend tripod legs
Install ¼ wave VHF antenna onto the solar
bracket bulkhead, hand-tight.
Screw the tripod mount into the threaded
hole on bottom of the Eval Kit solar bracket.
Remove the tripod mounting attachment by
loosening the latch at the top of the tripod.
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Overview & Setup - RSSI LED Indicator
The Eval Kit provides an LED indicator of the background noise RSSI. An RSSI
value of <-95dBm is ideal for successful transmission.
The OLED also displays the actual background noise RSSI value.
To lower your noise RSSI, isolate the Eval kit in an area with RF interference
(outside, in a more remote location is ideal).
Noise RSSI [dBm] Background Noise Level
>-90 Bad (Unlikely to work)
-93 Marginal
-97 OK
-100 Good
<-105 Great
<-95dBm >-91dBm
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Customer Support | [email protected]
Message Transmission - Custom Messages
There are multiple possible methods to send messages through the Eval Kit:
GPS Pinger
Email Web App
USB-C
Telnet
The GPS Pinger feature will automatically queue messages containing
the Eval Kit’s GPS location, speed, solar input, battery charge level, and
more.
By default, the pinger is set to queue a message every 60 minutes. This
can be configured between 15-720 minutes, or disabled by the User (see
user command page).
This method does not require WiFi to be enabled.
When connected to the Eval Kit access point in Access Point (AP) mode,
the Email Web App can be accessed at the web address 192.168.4.1
Users can queue messages on the Eval Kit of up to 192 bytes using the
web App. When transmitted by the Kit, the message will be sent to the
specified “To: (email)” address.
This method requires WiFi to be enabled.
In Access Point (AP) Mode, users connect to the Eval Kit AP (default
name swarm-xxxx with password 12345678), and communicate to
address 192.168.4.1 to queue messages and send other commands.
In Station (STA) Mode, users specify the network to connect the Eval Kit
to, connect to that network on another device, and communicate with
the Kit using the new displayed IP address.
This method requires WiFi to be enabled.
Users can connect a USB-C cable from their device to the Eval Kit to
communicate over a serial connection.
To enable USB-C Data, the J7 SERIAL CTRL jumper (#2) must be
moved from FEATHER to USB.
Once connected, Users can queue messages and send commands
directly to the Swarm Tile in the Eval Kit.
The USB-C source will also charge the batteries in the Eval Kit.
This method does not require WiFi to be enabled. 8
Message Transmission - GPS Pinger
The Eval Kit will automatically queue messages (default 60 min
interval) containing your GPS location, speed, solar input, battery
charge level, information while powered on.
You can now place your kit outdoors with a clear view of the sky
(with minimal obstructions), and observe the RSSI indicator LED on
the board. If leaving the Kit for an extended period of time, orient
the solar panel to face the Equator.
When the LED indicator shows GREEN, your kit has an optimal
background noise RSSI level for a successful transmission.
The Eval Kit will have best transmission results outdoors and ~5 km
away from cities (where RF noise is common).
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Message Transmission - GPS Pinger Hive Map Feature
The Swarm Map Beta is an included service in the Swarm Hive to monitor device health and
track the location of your devices. The most recent recorded GPS point (taken from your Eval
Kit pinger messages) is displayed on the map.
Map functionality can be expanded to include any of Swarm’s modems (using firmware version
v1.1.0 or newer) by sending messages using APPID: 65535 through the Swarm Network in a
JSON-structured message:
{"ln":-111.823,"si":0.128,"bi":0.216,"sv":20.032,"lt":40.4799,"bv":3.944,"d":1627498644,"n":261,"a":1835.0,"s":2.0,"c":290.0,"r":-103,"ti":0.04}
ln: Longitude
si: Solar current (A)
bi: Battery current (A)
sv: Solar voltage (V)
lt: Latitude
bv: Battery voltage (V)
d: Date and time as Epoch seconds (ex: 1625771690 = Thursday, July 8, 2021 12:14:50 PM GMT-07:00 DST)
n: Number of messages that have been sent since last power-up
a: Altitude (m)
s: Speed (km/h)
c: Course (degrees)
r: Last RSSI value (dBm)
ti: Tile current (A)
This GPS location report is accurate up to 4 decimal places in Decimal Degrees, around 11 meters.
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Message Transmission - Email Web App
Ensure the Kit is powered on, and the OLED display shows AP: 192.168.4.1
1. Using your PC or cell phone, access your WiFi network preferences:
a. Locate and connect to the swarm-xxxx network in your device’s network
preferences.
i. A notification of “Connected without internet” or similar is expected.
b. Enter default password 12345678.
c. Note that you can change the SSID and password - see Feather Commands section
2. Once connected, access the user messaging app by scanning the QR code below or
by navigating to 192.168.4.1 in your device web browser. You will see a messaging
UI appear with the Swarm logo - this may take a minute to load.
3. Once the web messaging app has loaded, you can fill out the 4 required fields to
send an email message of up to 192 bytes through your Swarm Eval Kit.
a. When the Tile has queued the message, you’ll see a fading ‘Message Sent!’
i. Messages are kept on the Tile for 48 hours by default (configurable).
b. The “Message Statuses” box will show ‘Message Sent’ once you’ve
successfully uplinked your message to a Swarm satellite.
i. Tile messages will send in the order that they are queued.
ii. Continue through the guide for more information on successfully
transmitting on the network.
http://192.168.4.1
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Message Transmission - Access Point (AP) Mode
1. Using your PC or cell phone, access your WiFi network preferences:
a. Locate and connect to the swarm-xxxx network in your device’s network
preferences.
i. A notification of “Connected without internet” or similar is expected.
b. Enter default password 12345678.
c. Note that you can change the SSID and password - see Feather Commands section
2. Using a Telnet-enabled tool, connect to the default address 192.168.4.1 using port
23 to communicate with the Eval Kit.
Example Tools below:
3. You can now simply queue a message on the Eval Kit by using the $TD (Transmit
Data) command.
Determine what you would like to send as your first message (within quotes), and
calculate the checksum for the message.
For example:
- Command: $TD
- Message string (in quotes): "Hello World!"
- Message checksum: *31
The full command to the Tile will then be: $TD "Hello World!"*31
If the message is accepted, a $TD OK response will be received, and the message
will be queued for transmission, and stored in the Swarm Tile (modem) memory.
See section 6 of the Tile Product Manual for more details and other commands. 12
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JuiceSSH for Android iTerminal for iOS
ZOC (PC/Mac)
Message Transmission - Station (STA) Mode
Users can to change the Eval Kit to Station (STA) mode, to connect to a
common access point such as a home WiFi network.
You’ll need to send commands via a Serial or Telnet terminal while connected
to the Eval Kit to change to STA mode.
1. Open a Serial or Telnet connection from your device to the Kit
a. If connected via USB-C, use serial terminal (Putty/ZOC)
*Note: Ensure the Feather/USB serial connection jumper is configured
for the type of connection being made.
Click here for reference to the jumper configuration.
For serial, use baud rate 115200, config 8-N-1, with flow control None
b. If connected wirelessly, use Telnet to the Feather IP address
i. You can use ZOC for this on Windows/macOS
2. Send the following commands to the feather:
a. @set ssid YourSSID
i. Response: Successfully set ssid to YourSSID
b. @set pw YourSSIDPassword
i. Response: Successfully set pw to YourSSIDPassword
c. @set mode sta
i. Response: Successfully set mode to sta
d. @reset
i. Response: No response, Feather will reboot and a new IP
address will be displayed
ii. ST: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx will now be displayed on OLED screen.
3. Switch your computer or phone WiFi connection to YourSSID
4. Re-connect via Telnet using the new displayed IP address
5. You’re now ready to send commands to the Eval kit in STA mode!
i. See the Tile Product Manual for various command options.
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Message Transmission - USB-C Connection
With a USB-C cable connected from
a host device (laptop) to the Eval Kit
USB-C Port, users can communicate
directly with the Swarm Tile while
charging the Eval Kit batteries.
To enable this, power off the Eval Kit,
and move the SERIAL CTRL Jumper
J7 (#2) to the right position, from
FEATHER to USB (see bottom
image).
Power on the Eval Kit once again -
note that the Feather will not be
accessible in this mode, and the
OLED display will not be active.
Using a Serial Monitor tool (such as
ZOC), connect to the Swarm Tile
using the identified USB/COM port,
baud rate 115200, config 8-N-1,
with Flow Control None.
You can now send commands and
receive responses to/from the Tile.
See the Tile Product Manual for
more details.
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Message Transmission - Swarm Pass Checker
Using the Swarm Satellite Pass Checker Tool, enter your location to see the
next available satellite passes overhead.
Find an upcoming pass of at least 10 minutes, during which time you will
attempt to transmit your queued messages to the Swarm Network. Higher
elevation passes are generally better for transmission success.
1. Enter your address or postal code in the search bar
2. Find a suitable pass window, based on the local time and pass duration
3. Place the Kit outdoors with a view of the sky, and wait for
transmission!
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Message Transmission - Accessing Data in the Hive
Using your credentials, log into the
Swarm Hive to view your message
dashboard, account information, and
device settings.
The delay for the message to transmit
from the Satellite to the Hive during this
early access phase could take up to 1
hour.
To pull and interact with your data in
the Swarm Hive, visit our REST API
integration guide.
You can also access our Swagger UI
documentation page from
Hive → Help → API Documentation
When your device has successfully transmitted through the Swarm
Network, you will see your messages displayed in the Swarm Hive.
If you are monitoring the Tile log with a Telnet or Serial connection,
the Tile will report when a message has been transmitted to a Swarm
Satellite with the $TD SENT report.
Unsent messages will remain in the Tile queue for 48 hours by default
before they expire.
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Kit Interactivity - FeatherS2 Commands
Command Functionality Example
@set mode <ap, sta> Set Eval Kit wifi mode to access point or
station mode.
Default: ap
@set mode sta
@set wifi <enabled,
disabled>
Enable or disable wifi functionality and
neopixels. It will change the mode and
then immediately reset the feather.
Default: enabled
@set wifi disabled
@set ssid \<ssid\> Set the ssid to create when in ap mode, or
to connect to in station mode.
Default: swarm-xxxx (from MAC address)
@set ssid EvalKitAP
@set ssid MyHomeWifi
@set pw \<password\> Set the password to create when in AP
mode, or to connect to in STA mode.
Default: 12345678
@set pw EvalKitPW
@set pw MyHomePW
@set interval \<minutes\> Set the interval for the gps pinger feature.
0 will disable the GPS pinger.
Acceptable range is 15 to 720 minutes.
Default: 60min
@set interval 120
@show Print the wifi mode, ssid, password, and
interval to be committed.
@show
@show <battery, 3v3, solar> Print the battery, 3v3, and solar voltage
and current.
@show solar
@reset Restart the feather (commits changes). @reset
@factory Reset the NVM to its default state and
restart the feather.
You must @reset for changes to take
effect.
@factory
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Kit Interactivity - OLED Buttons
Three buttons on the OLED installed in the Eval Kit provide the
user various functionality described below:
Button Functionality Description
AWifi Enable/Disable
You can disable the WiFi in order to
limit current draw for extended battery
life. This also disables the colored
RSSI indicator. A button press is
followed by a feather reset.
No telnet functionality exists while
WiFi is disabled.
BNone This pin is internally tied to the RSSI
indicator pin and is not configurable
CGPS Pinger Enable/Disable This button will disable or enable the
GPS pinger.
Reset Resets Feather/OLED Pressing this button will reset the
feather
Reset + A Factory Reset
To reset the feather to factory default,
press and release Reset, and then
hold A for 15 seconds. Handy combo!
AP: 192.168.4.1
BAT: 3.656V 0.232A
RSSI: -98
GPS Ping: 60min
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Development - Default Jumper Configuration
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LED Power
Enable
I2C 1k Pull-up
Disabled
I2C 1k Pull-up
Disabled
Serial Buffer
Enable
Feather/USB
Serial Connection
Tile Power
Enable
Customer Support | [email protected]
Switching
Reg. Enable
Switching
Reg. PWM
Mode
The image below shows the default jumper configuration for the Eval Kit.
Note that the Serial Jumper J7 (#2) can be switched to allow for Feather/USB
serial access to the Swarm Tile.
Development - External Power
Your Eval Kit can be powered from an external power source or
USB-C if the user is not wanting to run off of the provided solar panel.
This can be useful for low light conditions or extended uninterrupted
testing.
An additional pass-through is available in the Eval Kit enclosure cable
gland.
Providing external power involves removing the solar panel leads
from the green terminal block, and replacing with a 8-24VDC supply.
The OLED display will then report the INA3221 reading of the
external power input as “SOL: xx xx”
*Note: No jumper changes are required for external power input
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