Overview
Things
Story

IoT Project: Environmental Monitoring of Electronics Laboratory
Objectives
Target Level
Prerequisites
Required Materials and Software
Hardware
Software
Estimated Duration
Learning Outcomes
Steps for Configuration and Implementation

Published July 11, 2025

Environmental Monitoring of Electronics Laboratory

"Instantly monitor your lab! Real-time temp, humidity, gas data, plus alerts for total control. "

IntermediateWork in progress10 hours63

Environmental Monitoring of Electronics Laboratory

Things used in this project

Hardware components

RAKwireless WisBlock Environmental Sensor RAK1906

RAKwireless WisBlock Base Board 2nd Gen | RAK19007

RAKwireless WisBlock OLED Display RAK1921

$WisGate Edge Lite 2 RAK7268\RAK7268C Gateway for LoRaWAN$

RAKwireless WisGate Edge Lite 2 RAK7268\RAK7268C Gateway for LoRaWAN

RAKwireless Automatic Screwdriver Screwdriver for WisBlock

rak12004

rak13009

Software apps and online services

Arduino IDE

The Things Industries The Things Stack

Hand tools and fabrication machines

Multitool, Screwdriver

Story

IoT Project: Environmental Monitoring of Electronics Laboratory

Objectives

Monitor in real-time key environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, air quality, and gases) within an electronics laboratory.
Detect critical events such as elevated gas levels or sudden temperature changes.
Visualize collected data remotely for informed decision-making.
Generate automatic alerts when predefined thresholds are not met.
Gain practical experience in implementing IoT solutions with RAK Wireless hardware and cloud platforms.

Target Level

Intermediate. Requires basic knowledge of electronics, programming (C++ for microcontrollers), and networking/IoT concepts.

Prerequisites

Fundamentals of digital and analog electronics.
Basic C++ programming (for Arduino/ESP32).
Basicnetworking concepts (LoRaWAN).
Superficial knowledge of cloud IoT platforms (e.g., The Things Stack, Ubidots, Grafana Cloud).
Familiarity with development tools (VS Code, PlatformIO, or Arduino IDE).

Required Materials and Software

Hardware:

Base:
📷1 x RAK19007 WisBlock Base Board 2nd Gen

Core:
1 x RAK4631 Nordic nRF52840 (for LoRa and Bluetooth connectivity)

Sensors(essential for environmental control):
1 x RAK1906 BOSCH BME680 Environment Sensor (temperature, humidity, pressure, VOC air quality)

1 x RAK12004 MQ2 Gas Sensor (combustible gases and smoke)

Interfaces:
1 x RAK13009 QWIIC Module (for easy connection of other I2C sensors if needed)

Miscellaneous:
1 x RAK1921 SSD1306 OLED Display (for local data visualization)

1 x RAK7268V2 WisGate Edge Lite 2 (LoRaWAN Gateway for sending data to the cloud)

Battery Connector Cable (if battery power is required, although constant power is preferred for a laboratory)
Screwdriver(for assembly)
USB connection cables (for programming)
5V power supply for the Gateway and WisBlock module.
Enclosure or case to protect the device (optional, but recommended for a laboratory).

Software:

Integrated Development Environment (IDE):
PlatformIO (recommended for its cross-platform support) or Arduino IDE.
Libraries/SDKs:
RAK WisBlock SDK (available on GitHub).
Libraries for specific sensors (BME680, MQ2).
LoRaWAN library (integrated into the RAK SDK for RAK4631).
Cloud IoT Platform:
The Things Stack (for the LoRaWAN network).
Ubidots, Grafana Cloud, or ThingsBoard (for data visualization, dashboards, and alerts).
Gateway Software:
RAK7268V2 Firmware (accessed via web browser for configuration).
Monitoring Tools (optional):
MQTT Explorer (for debugging MQTT messages).

Estimated Duration

WisBlock node configuration and programming: 6-10 hours
LoRaWAN Gateway configuration: 2-3 hours
Cloud platform configuration (visualization/alerts): 4-6 hours
Testing and debugging: 3-5 hours
Total Estimated: 15-24 hours (can vary greatly depending on prior experience).

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this activity, you will be able to:

Design and implement a basic IoT-based environmental monitoring solution.
Program microcontrollers to read data from key environmental sensors.
Configure and use a LoRaWAN Gateway for long-range connectivity.
Integrate IoT devices with cloud platforms for data visualization and analysis.
Set up rules and alerts based on data thresholds.
Understand the data flow from sensor to cloud visualization.
Debug common problems in IoT systems.

Steps for Configuration and Implementation

1. Preparation of the Development Environment

Install PlatformIO: Follow the instructions to install PlatformIO IDE in VS Code.
Install the RAK WisBlock SDK: Clone the RAK WisBlock SDK repository from GitHub.
Install sensor libraries: Add the necessary libraries for the BME680 and MQ2 to your PlatformIO project.

2. Hardware Assembly

Connect the Core: Connect the RAK4631 to the "CORE" slot of the RAK19007 Base Board.
Connect Sensors:
Connect the RAK1906 (BME680) to a sensor slot (e.g., A).
Connect the RAK12004 (MQ2) to an analog or digital sensor slot depending on its interface.

Connect OLED Display: Connect the RAK1921 (OLED Display) to an interface slot (I2C).

3. Programming the WisBlock Node (RAK4631)

Initialization:Configure the necessary I2C and UART pins for the sensors.
SensorReading: Write code to read data from each sensor at regular intervals (e.g., every 5 minutes).
BME680:Temperature, humidity, pressure, air quality index (IAQ).
MQ2:Gas level (may require calibration).
Local Visualization (OLED): Display the most relevant values on the OLED screen.
LoRaWAN Payload: Package sensor data into an efficient LoRaWAN payload format (e.g., using Cayenne LPP or a custom binary format to save bytes).
LoRaWAN Configuration:
Obtain DevEUI, AppEUI (or JoinEUI), and AppKey credentials from The Things Stack (TTS).
Configure the RAK4631 in OTAA (Over-The-Air Activation) mode.
Send LoRaWAN data to the Gateway.

4. LoRaWAN Gateway Configuration (RAK7268V2)

Network Connection: Connect the Gateway to your local network (Ethernet or Wi-Fi).

Access Web Interface: Access the Gateway's administration interface via your web browser (the default IP or the one assigned by your router).
LoRaWAN Configuration:
Configure the Gateway to point to your The Things Stack server (or another Network Server of your choice). 90
Ensure that the LoRaWAN frequencies are correct for your region (e.g., EU868, US915).

5. Cloud IoT Platform Configuration (The Things Stack + Ubidots/Grafana)

The Things Stack (TTS):
Create an application and register your device (WisBlock node) using the DevEUI, AppEUI, and AppKey credentials from step 3.
Configure a "Payload Formatter" (or Decoder) so that TTS can interpret the binary data you send from the node.
Configure an integration (e.g., MQTT, HTTP Webhook) to send the decoded data to Ubidots, Grafana Cloud, or ThingsBoard.
Ubidots / Grafana Cloud / ThingsBoard:
Create devices/data sources: Configure "devices" or "data sources" on the platform that reflect your node's sensors.
Create Dashboards: Design dashboards with widgets (graphs, gauges, tables) to visualize real-time and historical data for temperature, humidity, gases, etc.
Configure Alerts: Set up alert rules (e.g., if temperature > 30°C, if gas > critical threshold) to send notifications via email, SMS, or Telegram.

6. Testing and Debugging

LoRaWAN Connectivity Verification: Check the TTS console to confirm that "uplinks" (messages from the node to the Gateway) are being received correctly.
Data Validation: Ensure that the decoded data in TTS and on your visualization platform is correct and makes sense.
Sensor Testing: Vary environmental conditions (e.g., breathe near the gas sensor) to verify that the sensors respond and data updates.
Alert Testing: Force conditions to trigger alerts and verify that notifications are sent.

Challenges and Troubleshooting Tips

LoRaWAN Connectivity Problems:
Tip: Ensure that credentials (DevEUI, AppEUI, AppKey) match exactly on the node and in TTS.
Verify that frequencies are correct for your region. Make sure the Gateway is online and connected to TTS.
Incorrect/Null Sensor Data:
Tip: Check sensor connections to the WisBlock. Review the sensor reading code;
these are often initialization or incorrect I2C/UART readings issues.
Ensure that libraries are compatible with your Core.
Malformed LoRaWAN Payload:
Tip:Use a tool like MQTT Explorer to see the raw payload arriving at TTS.
Compare with Cayenne LPP documentation or your custom binary format. Debug the "Payload Formatter" in TTS.
Alerts Not Triggering:
Tip:Verify the configured thresholds. Make sure data is reaching the alert platform correctly and that attribute/variable names match.
Check notification settings (email, SMS).
Power Consumption (if using battery):

Tip: For a laboratory, use constant power. If considering battery, optimize the code for low-power mode (sleep modes) and adjust data transmission frequency.

Gas Readings:
Tip: MQ sensors need a "warm-up" time to stabilize.
They are not laboratory precision, only for threshold detection. They can react to alcohol or soldering fumes.

Evaluation Criteria

The success of this project will be evaluated based on:

HardwareFunctionality: The WisBlock node is correctly assembled, and all sensors are properly connected and powered.
Data Reading: The microcontroller code correctly reads data from all specified sensors.
LoRaWAN Connectivity: Data from the node is successfully transmitted to the Gateway and received by The Things Stack.
Cloud Data Processing: Data is correctly decoded and sent to the visualization platform (Ubidots/Grafana).
Visualization and Dashboard: A clear and functional dashboard is created, displaying real-time and historical data from all sensors.
Alert System: Alerts for at least two critical environmental parameters (e.g., high temperature, elevated gas) are successfully configured and tested.
Code Documentation: The microcontroller code is commented and readable.
Project Presentation: Clear explanation of the architecture, components, operation, and results.

Untitled fileEnvironmental Monitoring of Electronics Laboratory

#include <Arduino.h>
#include <Wire.h>
#include <Adafruit_SSD1306.h>
#include <bsec.h>                // Librería para BME680 (RAK1906)
#include <MQ2.h>                 // Librería para MQ2 (RAK12004)
#include <LoRaWan-RAK4630.h>     // SDK de RAK para LoRaWAN

#define SCREEN_WIDTH 128
#define SCREEN_HEIGHT 64
Adafruit_SSD1306 display(SCREEN_WIDTH, SCREEN_HEIGHT, &Wire, -1);

// Pines del MQ2
#define MQ2_PIN A0
MQ2 mq2(MQ2_PIN);

// BSEC para BME680
Bsec iaqSensor;

// Credenciales LoRaWAN
uint8_t nodeDevEUI[8] = { 0xXX, 0xXX, 0xXX, 0xXX, 0xXX, 0xXX, 0xXX, 0xXX };
uint8_t nodeAppEUI[8] = { 0xXX, 0xXX, 0xXX, 0xXX, 0xXX, 0xXX, 0xXX, 0xXX };
uint8_t nodeAppKey[16] = { 0xXX, 0xXX, 0xXX, 0xXX, 0xXX, 0xXX, 0xXX, 0xXX,
                           0xXX, 0xXX, 0xXX, 0xXX, 0xXX, 0xXX, 0xXX, 0xXX };

// Intervalo de envío (en milisegundos)
uint32_t sendInterval = 5 * 60 * 1000;
TimerEvent_t sendTimer;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  Wire.begin();

  // Inicializar OLED
  if (!display.begin(SSD1306_SWITCHCAPVCC, 0x3C)) {
    Serial.println(F("No se encontró la pantalla OLED"));
    while (true);
  }
  display.clearDisplay();

  // Inicializar BME680
  iaqSensor.begin(BME680_I2C_ADDR_PRIMARY, Wire);
  iaqSensor.setConfig(bsec_config_iaq);

  // Inicializar MQ2
  mq2.begin();

  // Inicializar LoRaWAN
  api.lorawan.initOTAA(nodeDevEUI, nodeAppEUI, nodeAppKey, true, CLASS_A, REGION_EU868);
  api.lorawan.join();

  // Configurar timer para enviar datos
  TimerInit(&sendTimer, onSend);
  TimerSetValue(&sendTimer, sendInterval);
  TimerStart(&sendTimer);
}

void loop() {
  api.lorawan.run();
  iaqSensor.run();
  delay(100);
}

// Función de envío de datos
void onSend(void) {
  if (!api.lorawan.isJoined()) {
    Serial.println("Aún no unido a LoRaWAN");
    TimerStart(&sendTimer);
    return;
  }

  // Leer BME680
  float temperature = iaqSensor.temperature;
  float humidity = iaqSensor.humidity;
  float pressure = iaqSensor.pressure;
  float iaq = iaqSensor.iaq;

  // Leer MQ2
  float gas = mq2.readLPG();

  // Mostrar en OLED
  display.clearDisplay();
  display.setTextSize(1);
  display.setCursor(0, 0);
  display.print("Temp: "); display.print(temperature); display.println(" C");
  display.print("Hum: "); display.print(humidity); display.println(" %");
  display.print("Pres: "); display.print(pressure); display.println(" hPa");
  display.print("IAQ: "); display.print(iaq);
  display.print(" MQ2: "); display.println(gas);
  display.display();

  // Crear payload simple (ejemplo)
  uint8_t payload[8];
  payload[0] = (uint8_t)temperature;
  payload[1] = (uint8_t)humidity;
  payload[2] = (uint16_t)(pressure / 10) >> 8;
  payload[3] = (uint16_t)(pressure / 10) & 0xFF;
  payload[4] = (uint8_t)iaq;
  payload[5] = (uint16_t)gas >> 8;
  payload[6] = (uint16_t)gas & 0xFF;
  payload[7] = 0x00; // Libre

  api.lorawan.send(1, payload, sizeof(payload), false);

  Serial.println("Datos enviados por LoRaWAN");

  TimerStart(&sendTimer);
}

Credits

Miguel Montiel Vega

11 projects • 8 followers

Teacher at Maude Studio & Erasmus+ project member: "Developing Solutions to Sustainability Using IoT" (2022-1-PT01-KA220-VET-000090202)

Thanks to Jose Migue Fuentes.

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Environmental Monitoring of Electronics Laboratory

Environmental Monitoring of Electronics Laboratory

Things used in this project

Hardware components

Software apps and online services

Hand tools and fabrication machines

Story

IoT Project: Environmental Monitoring of Electronics Laboratory

Objectives

Target Level

Prerequisites

Required Materials and Software

Hardware:

Software:

Estimated Duration

Learning Outcomes

Steps for Configuration and Implementation

Code

Untitled fileEnvironmental Monitoring of Electronics Laboratory

Credits

Miguel Montiel Vega

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