LILYGO T-Echo

  • nRF52840
  • LoRa
  • E-Paper
  • GPS
  • NFC
  • Low Power

T-ECHO

Version History:

Version Update date Update description
T-Echo_V1.0 Latest Version Initial version of multi-functional LoRa communication device
Product MCU LoRa Screen GPS NFC Link
T-Echo nRF52840 SX1262 E-Paper Supported Supported AliExpress

Table of Contents

Description

T-Echo is a multi-functional LoRa communication device based on the nRF52840 chip, integrating an E-Paper screen, GPS positioning, NFC functionality, and multiple sensors. The device supports Arduino and nRF5-SDK development environments, making it an ideal platform for developing LoRa communication, IoT nodes, and low-power applications.

T-Echo is compatible with multiple open-source firmware projects, including SoftRF and Meshtastic, and can be used to build decentralized communication networks. The device features low-power design and supports various power-saving modes, making it suitable for outdoor communication, environmental monitoring, and other application scenarios.

Preview

Physical Image

T-Echo

Application Examples

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Modules

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MCU

  • Chip: nRF52840
  • Architecture: ARM Cortex-M4
  • Wireless: Bluetooth 5.0
  • FLASH: MX25R1635FZUIL0 or ZD25WQ16B selected based on supply conditions

LoRa

  • Chip: SX1262
  • Frequency: Supports multiple frequency bands
  • Output Power: -17 to 22 dBm

Display

  • Type: E-Paper
  • Feature: Low power display

GPS

  • Function: Global Positioning System

NFC

  • Function: Near Field Communication

Sensors

  • Type: Onboard multiple sensors

Overview

Component Description
MCU nRF52840
LoRa SX1262 Chip
Display E-Paper Display
GPS Supports positioning function
NFC Supports near field communication
Development Environment Arduino, nRF5-SDK
Open-source Firmware SoftRF, Meshtastic compatible

Quick Start

Example Support

Visit the GitHub repository to view example programs

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Arduino IDE Development

  1. Download Arduino IDE
  2. Open Preferences, add https://www.adafruit.com/package_adafruit_index.json to the Board Manager URL list
  3. Open the Board Manager, wait for the index to update, select 'Adafruit nRF52 by Adafruit' and click Install
  4. After installation is complete, select 'Nordic nRF52840 (PCA10056)' from the board list
  5. Copy all folders in the lib directory to the Arduino library folder
  6. Open the sketch, select the correct port, then click Upload

PlatformIO Development

  1. Install VS Code and Python
  2. Search for and install the PlatformIO extension in VS Code extensions
  3. After restarting VS Code, the PlatformIO icon will appear at the bottom left
  4. Click File -> Open Folder -> select the LilyGO-T-ECHO folder
  5. Click the √ at the bottom left to compile, → to upload

Note: When using USB to download firmware, double-click the reset button to enter DFU mode

nRF5-SDK Development

  1. Download nRF5-SDK
  2. Use nRF5-SDK for programming, supporting advanced features like NFC

Development Platforms

  1. Arduino IDE - Supports Adafruit nRF52
  2. Platform IO - Cross-platform development
  3. nRF5-SDK - Nordic official SDK

Pin Overview

For pin definitions, please refer to the utilities.h file.

Important Notes

  1. Need to use files in the lib directory, which includes:

    • arduino-lmic
    • AceButton
    • Adafruit_BME280_Library
    • Adafruit_BusIO
    • Adafruit_EPD
    • AceButton
    • Adafruit-GFX-Library
    • Button2
    • GxEPD
    • PCF8563_Library
    • RadioLib
    • SerialFlash_ID539
    • SoftSPI
    • TinyGPSPlus

  2. Default uses Adafruit_nRF52_Arduino, all factory boards have already flashed Adafruit_nRF52_Bootloader. If using nRF5-SDK to program the board, the original Bootloader will be lost.

  3. If you need to use nRF5-SDK for programming, please click the link to download nRF5-SDK

  4. NFC functionality is not supported in Adafruit_nRF52_Arduino, please use nRF5-SDK for programming.

  5. FLASH will be selected as MX25R1635FZUIL0 or ZD25WQ16B based on supply conditions. Pay attention to the distinction during use.

  6. After setting LoRa output power, current limit configuration is required:

// Set output power to 22 dBm (acceptable range -17 to 22 dBm)
if (radio.setOutputPower(22) == RADIOLIB_ERR_INVALID_OUTPUT_POWER) {
    Serial.println(F("Selected output power is invalid for this module!"));
    while (true);
}

// Set over-current protection limit to 80 mA (acceptable range 45 - 240 mA)
// Note: Setting to 0 disables over-current protection
if (radio.setCurrentLimit(80) == RADIOLIB_ERR_INVALID_CURRENT_LIMIT) {
    Serial.println(F("Selected current limit is invalid for this module!"));
    while (true);
}