MS48-LR(TEST)

Last modified by Xiaoye on 2025/06/30 17:02

1. Introduction

1.1 Overview of MS48-LR

The MS48-LR is an open-source LoRaWAN gateway that converts LoRaWAN protocols to Modbus RTU/TCP. It bridges LoRa wireless networks with IP networks via WiFi, Ethernet, or an optional 4G module. Leveraging LoRa technology enables long-range data transmission at low bit rates, which is ideal for remote monitoring and IoT applications.

1.2 Key Functional Features

Protocol Compatibility: Fully compliant with LoRaWAN standards, integrating a built-in LoRaWAN server and IoT server.

Multi-Network Connectivity: Supports WiFi, Ethernet, and 4G (with expansion module) for flexible network deployment.

Protocol Conversion: Enables direct communication between LoRaWAN devices and PLC systems via Modbus RTU/TCP, eliminating the need for additional LoRaWAN gateways.

Frequency Band Adaptability: Pre-configured with global LoRaWAN frequency bands, supporting user-customizable settings for regional requirements.

Remote Management: Allows system integrators to monitor and maintain the gateway remotely, enhancing operational efficiency.

1.3 Technical Advantages

Single-device solution for LoRaWAN to Modbus conversion, reducing hardware costs and complexity.

Versatile connectivity options suitable for industrial, agricultural, and smart city scenarios.

Flexible frequency configuration to comply with regional regulatory standards.

Robust remote management capabilities for simplified maintenance and troubleshooting.

1.4. Operational Principle

The MS48-LR operates as a Modbus RTU/TCP slave device, facilitating protocol conversion between LoRaWAN and Modbus. Here's a detailed breakdown of its working mechanism:

1.4.1 Data Flow Process

LoRaWAN Data Reception:
- The gateway receives uplink data from LoRaWAN sensors via the configured LoRa frequency band.
- Data is processed through the built-in LoRaWAN server, which handles packet decoding and protocol validation.
Protocol Conversion Mechanism
The MS48-LR translates LoRaWAN sensor data into Modbus registers using these steps:
- LoRaWAN Decoding:
  - Gateway decodes received LoRaWAN packets into readable values (e.g., Temperature: 25.5°C, Humidity: 65%).
- Register Mapping:
  - Maps each sensor value to a specific Modbus register (e.g., 40001 for temperature).
- Data Formatting:
  - Stores values in registers using:
    Positive Integers: Hexadecimal
    Negative Numbers: IEEE 754 Double-Precision
    Floats: IEEE 754 Double-Precision
- Example Mapping:
  
  Decode Key Name Register address Start length Format Example
  Temperature 40001 4 25.5°C → 41 CC 00 00
  Humidity 40004 4 65% → 00 41
Modbus Data Exposure:
- Converted data is stored in the gateway's Modbus address space, accessible via RTU (serial) or TCP (Ethernet/WiFi) interfaces.
- Connected PLCs or SCADA systems can poll this data using standard Modbus commands.
- The data is updated once per polling gateway

1.5 Specifications

Hardware System:

CPU: Quad-core Cortex-A7 1.2Ghz
RAM: 512MB
eMMC: 4GB

Interface:

10M/100M RJ45 Ports x 1
Multi-Channel LoRaWAN Wireless
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
USB 2.0 host connector x 1
Mini-PCI E connector x 1
RS485 Interface x 1
RS232 Interface x 1

LoRa Spec:

Up to -140 dBm sensitivity with SX1250 Tx/Rx front-end
70 dB CW interferer rejection at 1 MHz offset
Able to operate with negative SNR, CCR up to 9dB
8 x 8 channels LoRa packet detectors,8 x SF5-SF12 LoRa demodulators,8 x SF5-SF10 LoRa demodulators,125/250/500 kHz LoRa demodulator and 1 x (G)FSK demodulator
Dual digital TX & RX radio front-end interfaces
10 programmable parallel demodulation paths
Dynamic data-rate (DDR) adaptation
True antenna diversity or simultaneous dual-band operation

Cellular 4G LTE (optional):

Quectel: EC25 LTE module
Standard Size SIM Slot
2 x 4G Sticker Antenna.
Up to 150Mbps downlink and 50Mbps uplink data rates
Worldwide LTE, UMTS/HSPA+, and GSM/GPRS/EDGE coverage
MIMO technology meets demands for data rate and link reliability in modem wireless communication systems

Operating Condition:

Work Temperature: -20 ~ 70°C
Storage Temperature: -20 ~ 70°C
Power Input: 12V, 2A, DC

1.6 Features

Open Source Debian system
Managed by Web GUI, SSH via WAN or WiFi
Remote Management
Auto-provisioning for batch deployment and management
LoRaWAN Gateway
10 programmable parallel demodulation paths
Pre-configured to support different LoRaWAN regional settings.
Allow customizing LoRaWAN regional parameters.
Different kinds of LoRaWAN Connections such as
- Semtech UDP Packet Forwarder
- LoRaWAN Basic Station
- ChirpStack-Gateway-Bridge (MQTT)
Built-in ChirpStack local LoRaWAN server
Built-in Node-Red local Application server
Act as Modbus Slave mode

1.7 LED Indicators

MS48-LR has a total of four LEDs. They are:

➢ LED 1 (ETH LED): This GREEN LED will blink GREEN when the ETH port is connecting

➢ LED 2 (RET LED): This GREEN LED will show different colors in different states:

✓ SOLID GREEN: When the long-press 4-5s Toggle button, the device will reload the Network and Initialize wifi configuration. This GREEN LED will SOLID GREEN until the reload is finished.

✓ BLINKING GREEN: When the long-press 10s Toggle button,the device will restore the factory settings. This GREEN LED will BLINKIND GREEN until the restore is finished.

➢ LED 3: This GREEN LED is undefined

➢ LED 4 (Power LED): This GREEN LED will be solid if the device is properly powered

➢ LED 5 (WIFI LED): This LED shows the WIFI interface connection status.

✓ SOLID GREEN: The device enables the WiFi WAN Client and connects to the WiFi successfully.

✓ BLINKING GREEN: The device's WiFi WAN Client connection is unsuccessful.

✓ OFF: The device WiFi WAN Client is not enabled.

➢ LED 6 (SYS LED): This GREEN LED will show different colors in different states:

✓ SOLID GREEN: The device is alive with a LoRaWAN server connection.

✓ BLINKING GREEN: a) no LoRaWAN Connection, or b) Device is in booting stage, in this stage, it will BLINKING GREEN for several seconds and then with BLINKING GREEN together

✓ OFF: Device doesn't have an Internet connection.

2. Quick Start

2.1 Accessing the MS48-LR's web page

The MS48-LR Web UI can be accessed through the following methods(Just choose one of the methods).

Connect via MS48-LR WiFi Hotspot (Recommended)
Connect via Fallback IP (Wired Connection)
- Use a network cable to connect the MS48-LR to your PC.
- Access the web interface via the fallback IP address (refer to the device manual for the exact address).
Use Case: When WiFi is unavailable, this provides a direct wired connection.
Connect via DHCP-Assigned IP (LAN Network)
- Connect the MS48-LR to a LAN network via Ethernet.
- The router will assign a DHCP IP address to the device.
- Access the web interface using the IP address displayed on the device or in the router's DHCP list.
Advantage: Enables permanent network integration for remote management.

And then access http://10.130.1.1 on your PC browser :

2.2 Configuring the Network Connection

No need to configure the network, skip this step
Configuring Ethernet connection
Configuring a WiFi connection
Configuring a Cellular connection

2.3 Configure LoRa Radio settings

Choose a frequency plan that matches your area
Ensure that the IoT server is connected to the built-in server

2.4 Registering sensors to the built-in server

Select the same region as the LoRa radio
Enabling the built-in server, accessing the built-in server Web page
Creating a Gateway
Creating profile and adding a decoder
Creating a Device
Activate the device and complete the enrollment at the built-in server