Nov 3, 2025 — by Giorgio Mendoza 0 views
iLabs has released the Challenger+ RP2040 LoRa Mk II, an upgraded Feather-format microcontroller board that combines the Raspberry Pi RP2040 with an RFM95W LoRa radio module. The new revision refines the original design with improved noise isolation, enhanced power distribution, and added modular connectivity options.
The board features a redesigned power supply with separate power domains for the microcontroller and RF sections to improve signal stability and reduce noise interference. It integrates the dual-core 133 MHz RP2040 Cortex-M0+ processor, 8 MB of high-speed flash memory, and 264 KB of SRAM divided into six banks.
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The RFM95W LoRa transceiver provides up to +20 dBm output power, –148 dBm sensitivity, and a…
Nov 3, 2025 — by Giorgio Mendoza 0 views
iLabs has released the Challenger+ RP2040 LoRa Mk II, an upgraded Feather-format microcontroller board that combines the Raspberry Pi RP2040 with an RFM95W LoRa radio module. The new revision refines the original design with improved noise isolation, enhanced power distribution, and added modular connectivity options.
The board features a redesigned power supply with separate power domains for the microcontroller and RF sections to improve signal stability and reduce noise interference. It integrates the dual-core 133 MHz RP2040 Cortex-M0+ processor, 8 MB of high-speed flash memory, and 264 KB of SRAM divided into six banks.
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The RFM95W LoRa transceiver provides up to +20 dBm output power, –148 dBm sensitivity, and a 168 dB link budget, supporting data rates up to 300 kbps with LoRa, FSK, and OOK modulation modes.
RFM95W Simplified Block Diagram(click images to enlarge)
Connectivity includes a U.FL antenna connector, USB Type-C port for power and programming, and a BConnect expansion interface designed by iLabs for compact add-on modules using I²C or UART communication.
The compact 1.25 mm-pitch JST connector supports Li-Po batteries, and the onboard charger automatically manages charge and power switching between USB and battery sources.
Challenger+ RP2040 LoRa Mk II Pinout(click images to enlarge)
The Challenger+ RP2040 LoRa Mk II exposes UART, SPI, I²C, PWM, and four analog inputs through header pins. The LoRa module connects via SPI1 and several GPIO lines for control and interrupts.
Measuring 50.8 × 22.86 mm, the board includes a user-programmable green LED on GPIO24, a red charge-status indicator, and maintains the Adafruit Feather footprint with optional header pins for breadboard or soldered integration.
Challenger+ RP2040 LoRa Mk II(click images to enlarge)
Like previous Challenger boards, the Mk II supports both Arduino and CircuitPython development. Arduino support is provided through Earle Philhower’s RP2040 core, while CircuitPython integration follows Adafruit’s standard distribution.
Further Information
The board is currently listed at kr 269.00 (around $24 USD) and offered in an 868 MHz configuration for the EU region.