Connecting ESP32 to Sigfox via Wisol Modules Guide

• Connect ESP32 to SigfoxSigfox Message Encoding: Packing Sensor Data into 12-byte PayloadsLearn efficient data encoding techniques for Sigfox's constrained 12-byte payloads. Discover bitwise operations, structured encoding & CBOR strategies. networks using Wisol modules for global LPWAN connectivity.

Table of Contents🔗

• Why SigfoxSigfox Message Encoding: Packing Sensor Data into 12-byte PayloadsLearn efficient data encoding techniques for Sigfox's constrained 12-byte payloads. Discover bitwise operations, structured encoding & CBOR strategies. for ESP32?
• Understanding the SigfoxSigfox Message Encoding: Packing Sensor Data into 12-byte PayloadsLearn efficient data encoding techniques for Sigfox's constrained 12-byte payloads. Discover bitwise operations, structured encoding & CBOR strategies. Network and Wisol SFM10Rx
• Hardware SetupZigbee Green Power: Ultra-Low-Power Energy Harvesting SolutionsDiscover how ZGP enables battery-free IoT devices through energy harvesting with ESP32 integrations, supporting smart home and industrial applications.: Wiring SFM10Rx to ESP32
• Software Configuration: AT CommandsUsing Quectel BC66/BG96 Modules with ESP32 for NB-IoT ConnectivityExplore our detailed tutorial on integrating Quectel BC66/BG96 with ESP32 for low-power, reliable NB-IoT connectivity. Learn hardware setup and AT commands. and Libraries
• Message Encoding: Packing Data into 12-Byte Payloads
• Sigfox Security: Device IDSigfox Device Registration: Managing Device IDs and PAC KeysLearn how to register your ESP32 device on the Sigfox network using Device IDs & PAC Keys. Follow this step-by-step guide for secure IoT deployments. and PAC Key Management
• Real-World ExampleConnecting ESP32 to Cloud Services via Wi-FiDiscover how to connect your ESP32 to AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud using secure Wi-Fi. This guide covers setup, error handling, and low power strategies.: Building a Sigfox Sensor Node
• Handling Downlink Messages
• Power OptimizationUsing Quectel BC66/BG96 Modules with ESP32 for NB-IoT ConnectivityExplore our detailed tutorial on integrating Quectel BC66/BG96 with ESP32 for low-power, reliable NB-IoT connectivity. Learn hardware setup and AT commands.: Deep Sleep and Wisol States
• Troubleshooting Common IssuesZigbee Over-the-Air (OTA) Firmware Updates with ESP32 CoordinatorsSecure your IoT network with OTA firmware upgrades using an ESP32 coordinator. Our guide details firmware setup, packaging, security, and troubleshooting.
• Real-World ApplicationsArquitetura ESP32: SoC dual-core, subsistemas RF integradosDiscover the ESP32’s dual-core prowess and integrated RF subsystems for efficient, innovative IoT applications—from smart homes to industrial sensors. and Use Cases

Why Sigfox for ESP32?🔗

SigfoxSigfox Message Encoding: Packing Sensor Data into 12-byte PayloadsLearn efficient data encoding techniques for Sigfox's constrained 12-byte payloads. Discover bitwise operations, structured encoding & CBOR strategies. is a low-power, long-rangeQuick Comparison: Range, power consumption, costs, and complexity of each technologyDiscover the ideal wireless solution for your ESP32 IoT project by analyzing range, power, cost, and complexity. Optimize connectivity now. (LPWAN) protocol ideal for sporadic, small-data transmissions (e.g., sensor readings). While the ESP32 lacks native SigfoxSigfox Message Encoding: Packing Sensor Data into 12-byte PayloadsLearn efficient data encoding techniques for Sigfox's constrained 12-byte payloads. Discover bitwise operations, structured encoding & CBOR strategies. support, external Wisol SFM10Rx modules bridge this gap:

• Global coverage: Operates in unlicensed ISM bands (e.g., 868 MHz in EU, 902 MHz in US).
• Low powerConnecting ESP32 to Cloud Services via Wi-FiDiscover how to connect your ESP32 to AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud using secure Wi-Fi. This guide covers setup, error handling, and low power strategies.: Modules consume ~15mA during transmission.
• Simple architecture: No gatewayESP32 Multi-Protocol Gateways: Combining Wi-Fi, BLE, and LoRaDiscover how to build a multi-protocol ESP32 gateway integrating Wi-Fi, BLE, and LoRa for scalable IoT deployments in smart cities and industry. needed-messages route directly to Sigfox’s cloud.

Understanding the Sigfox Network and Wisol SFM10Rx🔗

The Sigfox network is designed for ultra-narrowband, low-power IoT applicationsConnecting ESP32 to Cloud Services via Wi-FiDiscover how to connect your ESP32 to AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud using secure Wi-Fi. This guide covers setup, error handling, and low power strategies.. It targets devices that need to send small messages over long distances while consuming minimal energy. Here’s what makes it special:

• Limited PayloadSigfox Message Encoding: Packing Sensor Data into 12-byte PayloadsLearn efficient data encoding techniques for Sigfox's constrained 12-byte payloads. Discover bitwise operations, structured encoding & CBOR strategies.: SigfoxSigfox Message Encoding: Packing Sensor Data into 12-byte PayloadsLearn efficient data encoding techniques for Sigfox's constrained 12-byte payloads. Discover bitwise operations, structured encoding & CBOR strategies. restricts message sizes (usually 12 bytes), which forces developers to prioritize essential data.
• Global Coverage: With SigfoxSigfox Message Encoding: Packing Sensor Data into 12-byte PayloadsLearn efficient data encoding techniques for Sigfox's constrained 12-byte payloads. Discover bitwise operations, structured encoding & CBOR strategies. operating on an international network, you can deploy devices worldwide with minimal configuration changes.
• CostQuick Comparison: Range, power consumption, costs, and complexity of each technologyDiscover the ideal wireless solution for your ESP32 IoT project by analyzing range, power, cost, and complexity. Optimize connectivity now.-Effective Design: The low data throughput and simplistic architecture contribute to reduced operation and deployment costsQuick Comparison: Range, power consumption, costs, and complexity of each technologyDiscover the ideal wireless solution for your ESP32 IoT project by analyzing range, power, cost, and complexity. Optimize connectivity now..

The Wisol SFM10Rx, as a Sigfox module, encapsulates this philosophy in its hardware design. It integrates the necessary RF front-end, baseband processing, and security features to interact with Sigfox’s backend services. Its compact design makes it perfect for retrofitting into existing ESP32 systems where SigfoxSigfox Message Encoding: Packing Sensor Data into 12-byte PayloadsLearn efficient data encoding techniques for Sigfox's constrained 12-byte payloads. Discover bitwise operations, structured encoding & CBOR strategies. connectivity is an added advantage.

Hardware Setup: Wiring SFM10Rx to ESP32🔗

The SFM10Rx communicates via UARTInterfacing ESP32 with Zigbee3.0 Devices (Xiaomi, Philips Hue)Unlock seamless smart home integration by following our detailed guide on bridging ESP32 with external Zigbee modules for reliable IoT solutions.. Wire it to the ESP32Setting Up ESP32 as a Wi-Fi Access PointMaster ESP32 AP configuration with our step-by-step guide. Set up a secure, local IoT network using practical code examples and optimization tips. as follows:

Tip: Add a 10kΩ resistor between SFM10Rx’s RESET pin and ESP32Setting Up ESP32 as a Wi-Fi Access PointMaster ESP32 AP configuration with our step-by-step guide. Set up a secure, local IoT network using practical code examples and optimization tips. GPIO for software reboots.

Software Configuration: AT Commands and Libraries🔗

1. Initialize UART on ESP32Setting Up ESP32 as a Wi-Fi Access PointMaster ESP32 AP configuration with our step-by-step guide. Set up a secure, local IoT network using practical code examples and optimization tips.:

#include <HardwareSerial.h>
HardwareSerial SigfoxSerial(2); // Use UART2
void setup() {
  SigfoxSerial.begin(9600, SERIAL_8N1, 16, 17); // Baud rate, pins
  delay(1000);
  SigfoxSerial.println("AT"); // Test connection
}

2. Send a SigfoxSigfox Message Encoding: Packing Sensor Data into 12-byte PayloadsLearn efficient data encoding techniques for Sigfox's constrained 12-byte payloads. Discover bitwise operations, structured encoding & CBOR strategies. Message:

void sendSigfoxMessage(String payload) {
  SigfoxSerial.print("AT$SF=");
  SigfoxSerial.println(payload);
}

3. Handle Responses:

while (SigfoxSerial.available()) {
  String response = SigfoxSerial.readString();
  if (response.indexOf("OK") != -1) {
    Serial.println("Message sent!");
  }
}

Common AT CommandsUsing Quectel BC66/BG96 Modules with ESP32 for NB-IoT ConnectivityExplore our detailed tutorial on integrating Quectel BC66/BG96 with ESP32 for low-power, reliable NB-IoT connectivity. Learn hardware setup and AT commands.:

• AT - Check if the module is responsive.
• AT$I=10 - Get the device IDSigfox Device Registration: Managing Device IDs and PAC KeysLearn how to register your ESP32 device on the Sigfox network using Device IDs & PAC Keys. Follow this step-by-step guide for secure IoT deployments..
• AT$I=11 - Get the PAC (Porting Authorization Code).
• AT$SFAdaptive Data Rate (ADR) Optimization for LoRaWAN on ESP32Optimize your IoT network with our ADR tutorial for ESP32 in LoRaWAN. Learn dynamic transmission tuning, power management, and troubleshooting strategies.=<data> - Send a SigfoxSigfox Message Encoding: Packing Sensor Data into 12-byte PayloadsLearn efficient data encoding techniques for Sigfox's constrained 12-byte payloads. Discover bitwise operations, structured encoding & CBOR strategies. message.

Message Encoding: Packing Data into 12-Byte Payloads🔗

SigfoxSigfox Message Encoding: Packing Sensor Data into 12-byte PayloadsLearn efficient data encoding techniques for Sigfox's constrained 12-byte payloads. Discover bitwise operations, structured encoding & CBOR strategies. limits payloads to 12 bytes. Use bitwise operationsSigfox Message Encoding: Packing Sensor Data into 12-byte PayloadsLearn efficient data encoding techniques for Sigfox's constrained 12-byte payloads. Discover bitwise operations, structured encoding & CBOR strategies. to pack data efficiently:

// Example: Pack temperature (float) and humidity (uint8_t)
float temp = 25.6;
uint8_t humidity = 60;
uint8_t payload[12];
// Convert temperature to 16-bit integer (scaled by 10)
int16_t temp_scaled = (int16_t)(temp * 10);
payload[0] = temp_scaled >> 8;   // High byte
payload[1] = temp_scaled & 0xFF; // Low byte
payload[2] = humidity;           // Humidity
// Send payload as HEX string
String hexPayload;
for (int i=0; i<3; i++) {
  if (payload[i] < 0x10) hexPayload += "0";
  hexPayload += String(payload[i], HEX);
}
sendSigfoxMessage(hexPayload);

Sigfox Security: Device ID and PAC Key Management🔗

• Device IDSigfox Device Registration: Managing Device IDs and PAC KeysLearn how to register your ESP32 device on the Sigfox network using Device IDs & PAC Keys. Follow this step-by-step guide for secure IoT deployments.: Unique identifier for your module. Retrieve via AT$I=10.
• PAC KeySigfox Device Registration: Managing Device IDs and PAC KeysLearn how to register your ESP32 device on the Sigfox network using Device IDs & PAC Keys. Follow this step-by-step guide for secure IoT deployments.: Used for initial device registration. Retrieve via AT$I=11.

Secure Storage Tips:

• Store credentials in ESP32’sCombining Wi-Fi with Deep Sleep for Low-Power ApplicationsLearn how to integrate Wi-Fi and deep sleep on ESP32 to maximize battery life in IoT devices. This guide offers practical tips and step-by-step instructions. non-volatile storage (NVS):

#include <Preferences.h>
Preferences prefs;
prefs.begin("sigfox");
prefs.putString("deviceID", "1234ABC");
prefs.end();

• Avoid hardcoding keys in firmware.

Real-World Example: Building a Sigfox Sensor Node🔗

Scenario: A battery-powered temperature monitor for remote agricultural fields.

1. Hardware: ESP32Setting Up ESP32 as a Wi-Fi Access PointMaster ESP32 AP configuration with our step-by-step guide. Set up a secure, local IoT network using practical code examples and optimization tips. + SFM10Rx + DS18B20 temperature sensor.

2. Code:

void loop() {
  float temp = readTemperature(); // Custom sensor function
  sendSigfoxMessage(packData(temp));
  ESP32.deepSleep(3600e6); // Sleep for 1 hour
}

3. SigfoxSigfox Message Encoding: Packing Sensor Data into 12-byte PayloadsLearn efficient data encoding techniques for Sigfox's constrained 12-byte payloads. Discover bitwise operations, structured encoding & CBOR strategies. Cloud:

• Configure callbacks to forward data to your server.
• Use geolocation (RSSI-based) for approximate device tracking.

Handling Downlink Messages🔗

SigfoxSigfox Message Encoding: Packing Sensor Data into 12-byte PayloadsLearn efficient data encoding techniques for Sigfox's constrained 12-byte payloads. Discover bitwise operations, structured encoding & CBOR strategies. supports downlink communication, allowing the network to send commands or acknowledgments back to your device. To enable downlink, add the ,1 parameter to the AT$SFAdaptive Data Rate (ADR) Optimization for LoRaWAN on ESP32Optimize your IoT network with our ADR tutorial for ESP32 in LoRaWAN. Learn dynamic transmission tuning, power management, and troubleshooting strategies. command:

SigfoxSerial.println("AT$SF=48656C6C6F,1"); // Send "Hello" and request downlink

The downlink message will be received on the next uplink transmission. Use the AT$RF command to read the downlink data.

Power Optimization: Deep Sleep and Wisol States🔗

• ESP32Setting Up ESP32 as a Wi-Fi Access PointMaster ESP32 AP configuration with our step-by-step guide. Set up a secure, local IoT network using practical code examples and optimization tips.: Use deepSleep() between transmissions.
• SFM10Rx: Put in low-power mode after use:

SigfoxSerial.println("AT$P=0"); // Enter sleep mode

Current Consumption:

Troubleshooting Common Issues🔗

1. No Response from Module:

• Check baud rate (default: 9600).
• Verify wiringUsing Quectel BC66/BG96 Modules with ESP32 for NB-IoT ConnectivityExplore our detailed tutorial on integrating Quectel BC66/BG96 with ESP32 for low-power, reliable NB-IoT connectivity. Learn hardware setup and AT commands. with AT command.

2. SigfoxSigfox Message Encoding: Packing Sensor Data into 12-byte PayloadsLearn efficient data encoding techniques for Sigfox's constrained 12-byte payloads. Discover bitwise operations, structured encoding & CBOR strategies. Message Failed:

• Ensure device is registered on the SigfoxSigfox Message Encoding: Packing Sensor Data into 12-byte PayloadsLearn efficient data encoding techniques for Sigfox's constrained 12-byte payloads. Discover bitwise operations, structured encoding & CBOR strategies. backend.
• Confirm network coverage using SigfoxSigfox Message Encoding: Packing Sensor Data into 12-byte PayloadsLearn efficient data encoding techniques for Sigfox's constrained 12-byte payloads. Discover bitwise operations, structured encoding & CBOR strategies. Coverage Map.

3. High Power ConsumptionQuick Comparison: Range, power consumption, costs, and complexity of each technologyDiscover the ideal wireless solution for your ESP32 IoT project by analyzing range, power, cost, and complexity. Optimize connectivity now.:

• Disable ESP32’sCombining Wi-Fi with Deep Sleep for Low-Power ApplicationsLearn how to integrate Wi-Fi and deep sleep on ESP32 to maximize battery life in IoT devices. This guide offers practical tips and step-by-step instructions. WiFi/Bluetooth in code.
• Use hardware wake-up triggers instead of polling.

Real-World Applications and Use Cases🔗

1. Asset Tracking: Monitor the location and status of remote assets like shipping containers or vehicles.

2. Environmental MonitoringConnecting ESP32 to Cloud Services via Wi-FiDiscover how to connect your ESP32 to AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud using secure Wi-Fi. This guide covers setup, error handling, and low power strategies.: Collect data from sensors in hard-to-reach areas, such as forests or agricultural fields.

3. Smart Metering: Transmit utility usage data (water, gas, electricity) to central systems.

4. Industrial IoTSigfox Message Encoding: Packing Sensor Data into 12-byte PayloadsLearn efficient data encoding techniques for Sigfox's constrained 12-byte payloads. Discover bitwise operations, structured encoding & CBOR strategies.: Monitor equipment health and send alerts for maintenance.

By combining the ESP32 with the SFM10Rx module, you can build robust, energy-efficient IoT devices that leverage the global Sigfox network. Whether you’re tracking assets or monitoring environmental conditions, this integration opens up a world of possibilities for your IoT projectsConnecting ESP32 to Cloud Services via Wi-FiDiscover how to connect your ESP32 to AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud using secure Wi-Fi. This guide covers setup, error handling, and low power strategies..

Integrating the Sigfox Wisol SFM10Rx with the ESP32 is as much an art as it is a science. By balancing theoretical principles with real-world testing, you can create efficient, cost-effective IoT solutionsConnecting ESP32 to Cloud Services via Wi-FiDiscover how to connect your ESP32 to AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud using secure Wi-Fi. This guide covers setup, error handling, and low power strategies. that are both scalable and reliable. With a clear understanding of the underlying technologies and hands-on coding examples, you’re well-equipped to bring Sigfox connectivity to your next project.