To install this firmware on homebrew RNodes and other supported boards, please use the [RNode Config Utility](https://github.com/markqvist/rnodeconfigutil). It contains an auto-installer that allows you to install the RNode firmware on a variety of boards. For guides and tutorials on how to get started with making your own RNodes, visit [unsigned.io](https://unsigned.io).
You can download and flash the firmware to all the supported boards using the [RNode Config Utility](https://github.com/markqvist/rnodeconfigutil). All firmware releases are now handled and installed directly through the `rnodeconf` utility, which is inclueded in the `rns` package. It can be installed via `pip`:
```
# Install rnodeconf via rns package
pip install rns --upgrade
# Install the firmware on a board with the install guide
The RNode firmware can be considered stable at this point. If you do find a bug or discover unintended behaviour, please report it as an issue here, so I can fix it!
The original RNode from [unsigned.io](https://unsigned.io) is controlled by a powerful ATmega1284p MCU, and is fully Arduino compatible. You can use this firmware, or it can be programmed any way you like, either from the Arduino IDE, or using any of the available tools for AVR development. This firmware can also be edited and compiled directly from the Arduino IDE.
RNode can operate in two modes, host-controlled (default) and TNC mode:
- When RNode is in host-controlled mode, it will stay in standby when powered on, until the host specifies frequency, bandwidth, transmit power and other required parameters. This mode can be enabled by using the -N option of this utility. In host-controlled mode, promiscuous mode can be activated to sniff any LoRa frames.
- When RNode is in TNC mode, it will configure itself on powerup and enable the radio immediately. This mode can be enabled by using the -T option of this utility (the utility will guide you through the settings if you don't specify them directly).
## USB and Serial Protocol
You can communicate with RNode either via the on-board USB connector, or using the serial pins on the board (labeled RX0 and TX0). RNode uses a standard FTDI USB chip, so it works out of the box without additional drivers in most operating systems.
All communications to and from the board uses [KISS framing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KISS_(TNC)) with a custom command set. RNode also does not use HDLC ports in the command byte, and as such uses the full 8 bits of the command byte is available for the actual command. Please see table below for supported commands.
RNode can be put into LoRa promiscuous mode, which will dump raw LoRa frames to the host. Raw LoRa frames can also be sent in this mode, and have the standard LoRa payload size of 255 bytes. To enable promiscuous mode send the "Promiscuous" command to the board, or use one of the programming libraries. You can also use the example program [LoRaMon](https://github.com/markqvist/LoRaMon) for an easy to use LoRa packet sniffer.
## Support RNode Development
You can help support the continued development of open, free and private communications systems by donating via one of the following channels:
Permission is hereby granted to use the RNode firmware in binary form, for any and all purposes, and to freely distribute binary copies of the firmware, so long as no payment or compensation is charged or received for such distribution or use. If you want to charge money or receive compensation for providing this work to others, you must buy a license for doing so, which is cheap and easy.
Unless otherwise noted, this work is licensed under a [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License][cc-by-nc-sa].
Prior versions of this work, until and including commit [fe5e6aab9c2ab8fe69ede7f1da04bcffff7d1ed7](https://github.com/markqvist/RNode_Firmware/commit/fe5e6aab9c2ab8fe69ede7f1da04bcffff7d1ed7) was licensed purely under MIT License.
If you want to use the RNode Firmware in commercial products, or build and sell RNode, it is easy to do so by licensing the firmware commercially. I provide a range of convenient tools and resources for anyone who wants to build and sell RNodes, so just get in contact with me to get started.
