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Project14 | Sub-1GHz Band Challenge: Win a Pair of STM32 Nucleo-64 Dev Boards for Your Project Proposal!

tariq.ahmad

In the Comments Below:  Let Us Know Your Project Ideas for the Sub-1 GHz Band Challenge!

You are free to use whatever components you like.   

However,  if your project proposal uses an STM32 Nucleo-64 Development Board* We'll Send You a Pair of Boards at the Sub-1GHz Frequency of Your Choice!* 

*There are two versions of this board the NUCLEO-WL55JC2 that handles the 433 to 510 MHz range and the NUCLEO-WL55JC1 that handles the 865 to 928 MHz range.    If you are interested in one of these boards specify which range you are looking for so that we can send you the right board for your project!

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Contest Details

imageThe Sub-1 GHz Band contest challenges you to build any project that uses RF communication on sub-1GHz bands like 315 MHz, 433 MHz, 868 MHz or 915 MHz. The sub-1gHz band range includes frequencies used in various wireless communication applications, such as legacy mobile mobile, LoRa, and any number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices.  The sub 1gHz band offers low-power, long-range communication which can extend battery life and wide-area connectivity.  Lower frequency bands are typically less crowded than higher frequency bands, like those used for 4G and 5G, meaning there is more available spectrum in the sub 1 GHz range that can help accommodate a larger number of devices and applications without experiencing heavy interference.   Sub-GHz bands are used in various long-range communication applications, such as emergency services, rural connectivity, and remote monitoring systems.  

Your project could include anything that improves connectivity in rural and remote areas, such as living off-the-grid.   The sub 1gz band is ideal for remote monitoring applications that rely on low-power, long range connectivity with extend battery life.   Other types of projects you could work on include disaster relief projects, wildlife and environmental monitoring, smart city connectivity, low cost healthcare connectivity, and anything related to precision or smart agriculture.   This contest challenges you to design creative and innovative projects that explore the unique advantages of sub 1Ghz bands in any number of real world scenarios.  

Submit Your Projects Here:

Submit an Entry

imageYou are free to use any board  you like for this challenge but to make things more fun we will be giving away a limited number of STM32 Nucleo-64 boards for project project proposals that use them.    The NUCLEO-WL55JC STM32WL Nucleo-64 board provides an affordable and flexible way for users to try out new concepts and build prototypes with the STM32WL Series microcontroller, choosing from the various combinations of performance, power consumption, and features. Its got ARDUINO Uno V3 connectivity support and the ST morpho headers provide an easy means of expanding the functionality of the STM32WL Nucleo open development platform with a wide choice of specialized shields.

There are two versions of this board the NUCLEO-WL55JC2 that handles the 433 to 510 MHz range and the NUCLEO-WL55JC1 that handles the 865 to 928 MHz range.    If you are interested in one of these boards specify which range you are looking for so that we can send you the right board for your project!

image image
NUCLEO-WL55JC2 NUCLEO-WL55JC1
For Sub 1GHz Projects in the 433 to 510 MHz range For Sub 1GHz Projects in the 865 to 928 MHz range
Buy Now Buy Now

What are Some Advantages of Sub 1-gHz Band?

While sub 1 GHz frequencies offer several advantages, there's no one-size-fits-all solution to wireless connectivity. Each frequency band has its strengths and weaknesses, and your choice of frequency depends your requirements for the application as well as the environment in which it will be deployed. Higher frequency bands also have their own advantages, such as increased data capacity, which makes them better suited for other types of applications like 4G and 5G cellular networks.

Here are some advantages of Sub 1 GHz Bands:

  • Better Signal Penetration: Sub 1 GHz signals can penetrate obstacles such as walls and buildings more effectively compared to higher frequencies. This characteristic makes them ideal for providing coverage in indoor environments and areas with challenging terrain.
  • Extended Range: Lower frequency signals can travel over longer distances without significant signal degradation. This extended range is beneficial for providing wireless coverage in rural and remote areas where base stations may be far apart.
  • Improved Indoor Coverage: Due to their better penetration capabilities, sub 1 GHz frequencies are well-suited for improving indoor coverage, ensuring that users can maintain connectivity even when inside buildings.
  • Reduced Infrastructure Costs: The longer range of sub 1 GHz signals means that fewer base stations or access points are needed to cover a given area. This can lead to cost savings in network deployment and maintenance.
  • Energy Efficiency: In wireless communication, transmitting at lower frequencies generally requires less power compared to higher frequencies. This energy efficiency is advantageous for battery-operated devices, such as IoT sensors and remote monitoring equipment.
  • Less Susceptible to Rain and Foliage Attenuation: Sub 1 GHz signals are less affected by atmospheric factors like rain and foliage, which can attenuate higher frequency signals. This property can be crucial for maintaining reliable communication links in adverse weather conditions or heavily vegetated areas.
  • Narrowband Compatibility: Some sub 1 GHz bands are allocated for narrowband communication. Narrowband technologies are designed for low data rate applications, such as machine-to-machine communication, and can coexist with other communication systems more efficiently. Legacy System Compatibility: Many existing communication systems, such as older 2G and 3G networks, operate in the sub 1 GHz bands. This compatibility is important for ensuring seamless integration and backward compatibility during network upgrades and transitions to newer technologies.
Project Examples

You are free to use whatever boards you choose for this contest.    Or,  you can use any of the following project examples as inspiration for your project.

Here are some RF projects to help inspire you:

 Building a poor man's quarter-wave 433MHz antenna: Introduction by  

image

 PlanetCatcher: Building a World-Band Radio Receiver by  

image


  Got mail! LoRaWAN Mail box sensor by   

image


 Arduino MKR GSM and SemTech LoRa Example: LoRa Message to SMS by  

image


   

Your Chance to Win

 

Be Original
 Stick to the Theme
  • You could come up with a clever name that make's your project memorable!
    • This project is your baby! Part of the fun of bringing something new into the world is coming up with a name.
  • Your project could introduce something new or that is not commercially available or affordable!
  • If you have an idea for a project that doesn't fit the current theme then submit your idea in the comments section of the monthly poll.
List the Steps
 Submit Video Proof
  • Provide the steps you took to complete your project (text, video, or images).
    • This could be a step by step how-to-guide, vlog, schematics, coding, napkin drawings, voice narration, or whatever you think will be useful!
  • If it doesn't work that's fine, this is more about the journey than the end product.
  • A short video is all that is required but you can shoot as much video as you like.
  • You are encouraged to be creative and have as much fun as possible!

  

Your Prizes

 

One Grand Prize Winner Wins a $200 Shopping Bundle Three First Place Winners Win  a $100 Shopping Cart
  • One Grand Prize Winner Wins a $200 Shopping Cart!
  • 3 First Place Winners a Win $100 Shopping Cart!
image image

 

Some Terms & Conditions Apply:  Sub 1 GHz Band Contest Terms and Conditions

 

Your Project, Your Ideas!

 

About Project14
 Directions

Every month you'll have a new poll where you'll get to decide an upcoming project competition, based on your interests, that will take place a couple of months in advance. Themes are broad in scope so that everyone can participate regardless of skill set.

 

What are Monthly Themes?

  • Every month (around the 14th of each month) a new theme will be posted on Project14.
  • Submit your ideas (proposals) for your projects to get feedback from the rest of the community.
  • Submit a project entry in the Theme space once you start working on it.

 

What are Monthly Theme Polls?

  • Every month (around the 14th of each month) there is a project theme poll.
  • Vote on which project competition you want to see for the following upcoming theme.
    • The themes voted on during the previous poll decided the upcoming theme.
    • If you submit an idea for a theme that is not used then it can still be used in a future poll.
  • Themes comments and ideas from the comments section of the project theme poll.

Step 1: Log in or register on element14, it's easy and free.

Step 2: Post in the comments section below to begin a discussion on your idea. Videos, pictures and text are all welcomed forms of submission.

Step 3: Submit a blog post of your progress on your project by September 22nd.  You are free to submit as many blog entries as you like until the beginning of the next theme.

 

Be sure to include video proof of your project!

 

Visit:  Sub 1 Ghz Band  or tag your project blog sub1gzbandch

 

You have until September 22nd, 2023 End of Day to submit your completed project!

 

 


 

 

A jury consisting of your peers will judge project submissions!
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