Skip to main content

RAK WisBlock System for MeshCore

The RAKwireless WisBlock ecosystem is a modular hardware platform built around stackable boards connected by standardized slot connectors. For MeshCore deployments, WisBlock is the most flexible and field-proven hardware option available. This page explains the WisBlock architecture, the relevant modules, and recommended configurations for different MeshCore node roles.

WisBlock Architecture Overview

A WisBlock node consists of three types of boards:

  1. Base Board - provides power management (LiPo connector, solar input on some variants), USB, and slot connectors for the core and IO modules.
  2. Core Module - the RAK4631, containing the nRF52840 MCU and SX1262 radio. This is the "brain" of the node.
  3. IO/Sensor Modules - plug into the IO slots on the base board to add GPS, environmental sensors, displays, and other peripherals.

Base Boards

RAK19007 (Full-size Base Board)

  • Dimensions: 30 × 60 mm
  • Two IO module slots (Slot A and Slot B)
  • LiPo battery connector (JST 1.25 mm)
  • USB Type-C for charging and programming
  • Solar input via separate connector
  • Recommended for: Fixed repeaters, room servers, sensor nodes - any node where size is not constrained.

RAK19003 (Mini Base Board)

  • Dimensions: 30 × 35 mm
  • One IO module slot
  • LiPo battery connector
  • USB Type-C
  • No solar input connector
  • Recommended for: Portable client nodes, installations where size matters. Not ideal for sensor nodes requiring multiple IO modules.

RAK5005-O (Legacy Full-size Base Board)

  • Older variant, still widely used in the community.
  • Full-size form factor with IO slots and solar input.
  • Uses Micro-USB instead of USB-C.
  • Compatible with all WisBlock core and IO modules.

Core Module: RAK4631

The RAK4631 is the only WisBlock core module that supports MeshCore. Key specifications:

  • MCU: Nordic nRF52840 - ARM Cortex-M4F @ 64 MHz, 1 MB flash, 256 KB RAM
  • Radio: Semtech SX1262 - LoRa/FSK, 150 - 960 MHz frequency range, up to +22 dBm TX power
  • Connectivity: BLE 5.0 (used for MeshCore app connection and CLI access), NFC (tag mode)
  • Interfaces: SPI, I2C, UART, GPIO - all exposed on WisBlock connector and routed to IO slots
  • Power: Operates from 3.3 V; integrates with the base board's power management
  • Antenna: IPEX/U.FL connector on module; base board routes to SMA connector for external antenna

LoRa Module: RAK13300

The RAK13300 is a standalone SX1262 LoRa module that plugs into a WisBlock IO slot. It is an alternative radio path for custom builds, but for standard MeshCore use the integrated radio on the RAK4631 is preferred. The RAK13300 is primarily useful for advanced dual-radio or custom PCB integrations.

Sensor and Peripheral Modules

RAK1906 - BME680 Environmental Sensor

  • Measures: Temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, and VOC (air quality index via gas resistance)
  • Interface: I2C
  • Connects to: IO Slot A or B on RAK19007/RAK5005-O
  • MeshCore firmware: SENSOR variant reads BME680 data and transmits it as a sensor packet over the mesh
  • Use case: Environmental monitoring node - weather station, air quality sensor, remote temperature logger
  • Note: MeshCore also supports the simpler BME280 (temperature, humidity, pressure only). The RAK1906 with BME680 adds VOC sensing.

RAK12500 - GPS Module (uBlox ZOE-M8Q)

  • Provides: GPS position, altitude, course, speed, UTC time
  • Interface: UART or I2C
  • Connects to: IO Slot A on RAK19007/RAK5005-O
  • MeshCore firmware: GPS data is used for position reporting in the mesh - visible in the MeshCore app map view
  • Use case: Any node where location tracking or time synchronization is needed
  • Cold start: Typically 30 - 60 seconds to first fix outdoors; assisted GPS not available

RAK1921 - 0.96" OLED Display

  • Display: 128×64 pixel SSD1306 OLED
  • Interface: I2C
  • Use: Shows node status, last received message, SNR, and battery level in supported firmware builds
  • Note: MeshCore repeater firmware typically does not drive a display; Room Client firmware may show status information

Basic Repeater Node

Base boardRAK19007 or RAK19003
CoreRAK4631
IO modulesNone required
FirmwareREPEATER
AntennaExternal 868 MHz or 915 MHz antenna via SMA connector on base board. Gain antenna (3 - 5 dBi fiberglass) strongly recommended for fixed installs.
PowerLiPo + solar panel (connected to base board solar input) for off-grid deployment

Sensor Node (Environmental Monitoring)

Base boardRAK19007
CoreRAK4631
IO Slot ARAK1906 (BME680 environmental sensor)
FirmwareSENSOR
Antenna868/915 MHz external antenna via SMA
PowerLiPo battery; sensor firmware uses very low duty cycle so battery life can be weeks to months depending on transmit interval

GPS-Equipped Node (Room Client with Position)

Base boardRAK19007
CoreRAK4631
IO Slot ARAK12500 (GPS)
IO Slot BRAK1921 (OLED display, optional)
FirmwareCompanion
Use caseField node for search and rescue, event operations, or any scenario requiring node position on the map

Enclosures

RAKwireless sells several official enclosures for WisBlock nodes:

  • RAK Unify Enclosure - IP67-rated weatherproof enclosure for outdoor deployments. Available in multiple sizes. Includes SMA bulkhead, solar input gland, and cable glands. Ideal for permanent repeater installations.
  • RAK5804 IO Module + Custom Enclosure Kit - for custom form-factor builds requiring additional IO.
  • Third-party 3D-printable enclosure designs are available in the RAK community forums and on Printables for the RAK19007 base board.

Why WisBlock is the Most Flexible MeshCore Platform

The WisBlock system's modular design means you can build exactly the node you need:

  • Upgrade in the field: Add a GPS module to a repeater without changing the core or base board.
  • Cost efficiency: Buy base boards in bulk and swap core modules between development and production nodes.
  • Expandability: RAKwireless offers over 30 IO modules covering sensors, displays, motor drivers, cellular, and more - all compatible with the same base board.
  • Low power: The nRF52840 core draws only ~3 µA in deep sleep, making solar/battery deployments practical for months of continuous operation.
  • Production-ready: WisBlock components are FCC/CE certified and designed for real-world deployment, not just prototyping.

No comments to display

Back to top