Skip to content

Y201-L Technical Manual

Y201-L

Y201-L Specification


Contents

  1. Overview
  2. Default Settings
  3. Serial Modes and Packetization
  4. LoRa Parameters and Communication Modes
  5. AT Command Conventions
  6. Common AT Commands
  7. Typical Configuration Flow
  8. Maintenance and Upgrade
  9. Troubleshooting

1. Overview

This manual explains configuration, commissioning, maintenance, and troubleshooting for the Y201-L mini LoRa DTU. It covers the serial AT command set, transparent and command modes, LoRa communication modes, relay networking, firmware upgrade, and parameter recovery.

ItemDescription
Frequency Band410 to 493 MHz
Serial InterfaceSingle-port RS232, RS485, or 3.3 V TTL, depending on the ordered variant
Communication DistanceUp to 5 km
Working ModesBroadcast, fixed-point, master-slave, relay networking
Configuration MethodSerial AT commands

2. Default Settings

ParameterDefault
Serial Baud Rate115200 bps
Data Bits8
Stop Bits1
ParityNONE
Serial ModeTransparent mode
Hardware Flow ControlNFC
Base Frequency410 MHz
Step1 MHz
Channel20
Speed Level5
LoRa ModeBroadcast mode, BRD
Retransmission Count0
Retransmission Interval1000 ms
RelayOFF
Relay Group ID0
Relay Rule0,0

3. Serial Modes and Packetization

3.1 Serial Modes

Y201-L supports two serial working modes:

  • Transparent Mode, default: Serial data is packetized and forwarded through LoRa
  • AT Command Mode: Serial input is treated as AT commands and downlink data is not transparently forwarded

3.2 Entering AT Command Mode

Recommended sequence:

  1. Send +++.
  2. Wait longer than the packet interval and less than 3 s; 500 ms is recommended.
  3. Send a.
  4. Enter AT mode only after receiving +ok.

Notes:

  • The device pauses data output for about 3 s after receiving +++
  • Send AT queries and settings only after +ok is returned
  • AT mode is not saved across power cycles; the device returns to transparent mode after reboot

3.3 Exiting AT Mode

  • Send AT+EXIT\r\n and wait for OK.
  • Or reboot the device directly

3.4 Packetization

Serial data is transmitted when either condition is met:

  • Length trigger: data length >= packet length, default 252, range 5 to 252
  • Interval trigger: inter-character gap >= packet interval, default 5 ms, range 0 to 300 ms

4. LoRa Parameters and Communication Modes

4.1 Key Parameters

ParameterMeaningDefault
Base Frequency, baseFrequency calculation baseline410 MHz
Step, stepFrequency interval between adjacent channels1 MHz
Channel, chWorking channel number20
Speed, spLoRa speed level, 1 to 9; higher speed shortens the relative transmission distance5
Key, keyLoRa encryption string, 1 to 16 characters; write-onlyNo default
Device Address, idLocal address in fixed-point or master-slave mode, 0 to 65535No default

Frequency formula: F = base + step x ch.

The configuration tool displays the base frequency and step in 100 kHz units. For example, 4100 represents 410.0 MHz, and 10 represents a 1 MHz step.

4.2 Broadcast Mode, BRD

  • Data is broadcast only and not modified
  • Both ends must use the same base frequency, step, channel, and speed
  • No extra protocol framing is required

4.3 Fixed-Point Mode, FP

Transmit frame format in hex:

[Target Address(2B)][Target Channel(1B)][Data(nB)][XOR(1B)]

Examples:

  • Send to address 0x0001, channel 0x03, data 01 02 03: 00 01 03 01 02 03 02
  • Use target address 0xFFFF in fixed-point mode for broadcast transmission

4.4 Master-Slave Mode, MS

  • The master must frame data according to the master-slave protocol
  • The slave returns uplink data transparently
  • Configure the retransmission interval and count to reduce packet loss

Master transmit frame format:

[Target Address(2B)][Data(nB)]

4.5 Relay Networking

Relay networking works with broadcast, fixed-point, and master-slave modes.

Key parameters:

  • AT+RELAY: relay enable
  • AT+GROUPID: relay group ID
  • AT+RELAYRULE: relay input and output rules

Typical rules:

  • The sender group ID must match the input rule of the first relay
  • The input rule of each relay must match the output rule of the previous relay
  • The receiver group ID must match the output rule of the last relay

Contact YenGear to confirm the relay-rule settings for your deployment.


5. AT Command Conventions

5.1 Command Format

  • Commands start with AT+ and end with \r or \n
  • Commands are case-insensitive, uppercase is recommended
  • Maximum command length is 256 bytes, 252 bytes recommended
  • Multiple parameters are separated by commas
  • Wait for the previous response before sending the next command, maximum timeout about 12 s

5.2 Call Types

TypeSend FormatReturn Format
QueryAT+CMD or AT+CMD?+CMD:value followed by OK
SetAT+CMD=value1,value2...OK
HelpAT+CMD=?+CMD:(range...) followed by OK

5.3 Common Error Codes

Error CodeMeaning
ARGSInvalid parameter, length, format, or range
ARGCInvalid number of parameters
CMD_UNKNOWNUnknown command
CMD_FORMATInvalid command format
CMD_LENGTHCommand too long
UN_VIEWWrite-only parameter
DEV_MEMORYMemory error
DEV_SAVEParameter save failed

6. Common AT Commands

6.1 Device and System

CommandFunctionNotes
AT+LISTList supported commandsUse to list commands
AT+VERQuery firmware versionReturns version string
AT+DEVINFOQuery device informationModel, version, SN, and more
AT+ECHOEnable or disable command echoON / OFF; default OFF
AT+BOOTINFOSet or query boot information1 to 16 bytes; default Start
AT+REBOOTReboot deviceParameters take effect in the current runtime area
AT+EXITExit AT modeReturns to transparent mode
AT+RSTCFGRestore backup parameters and rebootEquivalent to Reload
AT+BKCFGBack up current parametersRecommended after commissioning
AT+CLRCFGRestore factory parameters and rebootFull factory reset

6.2 Serial Parameters

CommandParameterRange / Default
AT+UART1=<baud>,<data>,<stop>,<parity>Serial settingsbaud 1200 to 460800, default 115200; data 7/8, default 8; stop 1/2, default 1; parity NONE/EVEN/ODD, default NONE
AT+UARTTL1=<tm>,<len>Packet interval and lengthtm 0 to 300 ms, default 5; len 5 to 252, default 252

6.3 Basic LoRa Parameters

CommandParameterRange / Default
AT+SPEED=<sp>LoRa speed level1 to 9, default 5
AT+KEY=<key>LoRa encryption string1 to 16 characters, write-only
AT+FREQ=<base>,<step>Base frequency and stepExample 4100,10, see note below
AT+CH=<ch>Channel numberDetermines frequency with base and step
AT+WMODE=<mode>LoRa modeBRD / FP / MS
AT+ADDR=<id>Local device address0 to 65535

Note: The configuration tool displays the base frequency and step in 100 kHz units. Use 4100,10 for a 410.0 MHz base and a 1 MHz step.

6.4 Master-Slave and Relay Parameters

CommandParameterDefault
AT+TMODE=<mode>MASTER or SLAVEDepends on device role
AT+RETRANS=<time>,<count>Retransmission interval in ms and retransmission count1000,0
AT+RELAY=<state>ON / OFFOFF
AT+GROUPID=<id>Relay group ID, 0 to 2550
AT+RELAYRULE=<rule1>,<rule2>Relay input and output rules, 0 to 2550,0

Contact YenGear to confirm the relay-rule settings for your deployment.


7. Typical Configuration Flow

7.1 Quick Broadcast Configuration

  1. Enter AT mode, +++ -> delay -> a -> +ok.
  2. Configure both devices with matching wireless parameters:
text
AT+FREQ=4100,10
AT+CH=20
AT+SPEED=5
AT+WMODE=BRD
  1. Set serial parameters if required:
text
AT+UART1=115200,8,1,NONE
AT+UARTTL1=5,252
  1. Back up the current configuration for later recovery:
text
AT+BKCFG

Parameter changes are saved to the runtime parameter area automatically. AT+BKCFG creates a separate backup used by AT+RSTCFG and Reload.

  1. Reboot and verify the link:
text
AT+REBOOT

7.2 Fixed-Point Mode Configuration

  1. Set both ends to the same base frequency, step, and speed:
text
AT+FREQ=4100,10
AT+SPEED=5
  1. Set device addresses:
text
AT+ADDR=1
AT+ADDR=2
  1. Switch to fixed-point mode:
text
AT+WMODE=FP
  1. Send data using the fixed-point frame format.

7.3 Master-Slave Mode Configuration

  1. Match the base frequency, step, channel, and speed on both devices.
  2. On the master, set AT+WMODE=MS and AT+TMODE=MASTER.
  3. On the slave, set AT+WMODE=MS and AT+TMODE=SLAVE.
  4. Set retransmission strategy if needed:
text
AT+RETRANS=1000,0
  1. The master sends framed master-slave messages and the slave returns data transparently.

7.4 Relay Networking Suggestions

  1. Complete the base communication mode configuration first, broadcast, fixed-point, or master-slave.
  2. Enable relay on each node with AT+RELAY=ON.
  3. Build the group ID and relay rule chain:
  • Sender group ID = first relay input rule
  • First relay output rule = second relay input rule
  • Receiver group ID = last relay output rule
  1. After validating the multi-hop link, run AT+BKCFG to save.

8. Maintenance and Upgrade

8.1 Parameter Partitions

The device uses three parameter areas:

  • Runtime Area: Current running configuration, query and set commands act on this area
  • Backup Area: Saved by AT+BKCFG
  • Factory Area: Factory-fixed default parameters

New parameter values are saved to the runtime area automatically and take effect after reboot. AT+BKCFG copies the current runtime values to the backup area.

Recommended workflow:

  1. Finish parameter commissioning.
  2. Run AT+BKCFG to create a backup.
  3. Use AT+RSTCFG when rollback is needed.
  4. Use AT+CLRCFG for a full factory reset.

8.2 Firmware Upgrade

Upgrade steps:

  1. Power off the device.
  2. Hold the Reload button while powering on and release it after about 3 s to enter upgrade mode.
  3. Select the firmware file in the configuration tool and start the upgrade.

Firmware upgrade usually keeps saved parameters. Back up parameters first as a precaution.


9. Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseRecommended Action
Cannot enter AT modeThe timing is incorrect or +ok was not receivedRetry with +++ -> 500 ms delay -> a
Command returns CMD_FORMATThe command does not start with AT+ or has no line endingCheck command format and serial line ending
Command returns ARGS/ARGCWrong parameter value or parameter countRun AT+CMD=? to view the valid range
LoRa link does not workFrequency, step, channel, or speed does not matchCheck FREQ / CH / SPEED on both ends
Fixed-point communication failsWrong target address or wrong frame formatCheck ADDR and the fixed-point frame format with XOR
Packet loss in master-slave modeRetransmission is not configured or the link is noisyIncrease RETRANS interval and adjust count
Relay link breaksGroup ID and rule chain do not matchCheck GROUPID and RELAYRULE across all hops
Parameters revert after Reload or AT+RSTCFGThe desired values were not saved to the backup areaRun AT+BKCFG after commissioning

Quick LED reference:

  • Power steady on: power is normal
  • WORK regular blinking: module is running normally
  • TX flashes once: LoRa packet transmission
  • RX flashes once: LoRa packet reception

  • Manufacturer: Hunan YenGear Tech Co., Ltd.
  • Address: Room 21014, Building 1, Fudi Xingguang Tiandi, Yingxin Road, Yuhua District, Changsha, Hunan, China
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Website: www.yengear.com