Proposed prototype: Raspberry Pi 4 Model B 2 GB, Raspberry Pi OS Lite 64-bit, RAK Pi HAT, EU868 RAK5146 or RAK5146L candidate, SPI, GNSS variant, external GNSS and LoRa antennas, and PoE. WireGuard and LTE are optional. A separate Ethernet LTE router may isolate modem power peaks; no power design has been approved.
RAK's current product documentation identifies SX1303 in RAK5146 and RAK5146L and documents SPI/USB variants. RAK5146 documentation identifies onboard ZOE-M8Q GPS and LBT hardware; RAK5146L documentation describes interface-dependent details. These facts do not select an orderable part or validate the software path.
Before BOM approval, verify from the exact manufacturer part number and bench unit:
- exact RAK5146/RAK5146L differences and EU868 ordering variant;
- SX1303 identity, GNSS presence, and physical PPS-to-SX1303 routing;
- HAL and forwarder/Basic Station Fine Timestamp support through ChirpStack;
- SPI module/HAT compatibility and pin routing;
- input voltage, steady current, peaks, PoE conversion, thermal margin, and LTE peaks;
- EU868 regulatory configuration and whether the selected LBT variant is appropriate;
- antenna connectors, GNSS antenna requirements, enclosure, grounding, and surge safety.
Until recorded in a verification report, each is TBD – requires verification. Do not infer that “L” means Lite or implies performance/LBT differences.
Official references: RAK5146 overview, RAK5146L datasheet, Semtech product guide.