RAK2171 WisNode TrackIt Downlink / Command Description

WisBlock is sadly too big, heavy and not ruggedist enough for a pet tracker - so it cannot be done with that. The RAK2171 is very formidable for this task, just the downlink control is missing :slight_smile: - thanks a lot already for forwarding and I am looking forward to what you come up with :slight_smile:

Anything new Carl? :slight_smile:

Hi @nmaas87 ,

There is no definite time yet when to add downlink capabilities (but it is already noted by the team). I will post here whenever we got update :slight_smile:

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Thanks, anything new ? :slight_smile:

@carlrowan Anything new?

I missed this @nmaas87 . I have to check on the team responsible on the development. I’ll get back whenever I get any update.

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Hey @carlrowan - could you find something new out? Thanks a lot!

Hi @nmaas87 ,

I asked our internal team about this and it seems there will be no update for downlink available.

There are no updates in the pipeline related to downlink configuration mode and likely not to be done in a short term. I am very sad to share this not so good news :pensive:

Thank you @carlrowan that is sad to hear. It would really benefit the RAK2171 and make it an even better tool. So you could e.g. remotely switch precision of GPS tracking to higher/often acquiring location as soon as a crate leaves a designated area - while still have long battery life.
Maybe they should think about it, its a use case that is a dealbreaker / dealmaker for not just me, but all other companies working in logistics.

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I definitely agree with @nmaas87. It would massively improve the versatility of the device.
I understand the different priorities and pipelines of a business, but I think there could be a bigger market for these devices.

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Hi all,

Let me just jump in and say that I’d also love this functionality, as the RAK2171 is an awesome product, but not being able to remotely switch the GPS on and off is sadly a dealbreaker for me. That’s the only reason I started developing my own LoRaWAN tracker.
Alternatively, you could also look into the ioTracker which also has excellent documentation, both for uplink AND downlink. But beware it’s a bit heavier and uses nonrechargable LiSOCl2 batteries.

Best wishes,
Mihai.

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+1 on the downlink commands to adjust parameters :wink:

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I’d also very much appreciate this feature. Is there a way to push this for development?

@carlrowan if it’s not a priority internally perhaps think about sharing hardware details to allow users to write alternative firmwares ?

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I can share the idea to the team, however RAK2171 (made as a closed project - no screws, no modules and test points visible, etc.) will make it a little harder to create a custom firmware. Surely we will share asap if there is a decision to make the hardware design open-source.

True but the gold pins on back that are used for charging don’t allow some serial communication with device ?

Thanks :+1:

There are only three exposed points under RAK2171. Two are surely for charging and the other one can be for 1-wire serial communication. I need to confirm first from our team :+1:

But unlikely we’ll provide further info at the moment (since open-source approach is not yet in place).

Hi @vincen ,

I just confirmed from the team that the 3 contact points under the RAK2171 are just for charging. No available comms possible thru it. My initial idea about one-serial doesn’t exist.

Hi @carlrowan

Thanks a lot for the follow-up although it’s not positive news about gold pins on back of device. Let’s hope Rakwireless management will decide to go open-source on that device or at least release enough info to allow alternative/tweaked firmware for it :slight_smile:

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+1
Recently bought RAK2171. Using third party LNS. The GPS datas are sending every one minute and even there is no movement. Looks like the built-in accelerometer is not utilised to find the movement and use the GPS sensor according to the motion. This will lead to dry the battery at the earliest which is not preferable by the end user.

RAK2171 can be utilised properly on multiple usecases only when the firmware is open.

Regards,
Prakash

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