Tiny Media Streamer with LoRaWAN? A Curious Combination

I’ve designed a custom carrier board to transform a Compute Module 5 (CM5) into an ultra-compact media streaming device. The goal? Stream media via HDMI to a projector, all while keeping the design as small and efficient as possible.

This project is fully open-source, with all the design files and code available on GitHub. The board was designed using KiCad, making it accessible for anyone looking to build or modify it for their own needs.

Here’s what’s packed into this tiny board:

  • USB-C Power Delivery (PD): Efficient and versatile power management.
  • HDMI Output: The main feature for media streaming.
  • Ethernet and USB 2.0: Reliable connectivity for networking and peripherals.
  • Fan Connector: To keep things cool during heavy use.
  • SHTC3 Sensor: A temperature and humidity sensor for added environmental monitoring.

The wildcard here is the RAK3172 LoRaWAN module from RAKWireless. It’s an unusual pairing for a media streaming device, but the possibilities are intriguing. Combining the CM5’s processing power with LoRa’s long-range, low-power communication could lead to some creative applications:

  • Remote Environmental Monitoring: Stream media while also sending environmental data (like temperature and humidity) over LoRaWAN to a remote dashboard.
  • Interactive Installations: Create art or media installations that adapt based on environmental conditions or remote inputs over LoRa.
  • Field Applications: Imagine using this for outdoor setups where LoRaWAN extends the range of control or telemetry far beyond Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

There’s also an I2C connector for testing additional peripherals, opening the door to even more customization.

This board isn’t just a one-trick pony—it’s a platform for experimentation. While the primary use case is media streaming, I’m excited to explore the unexpected possibilities that might arise from combining the CM5 and LoRa SoC. If you have ideas for what such a hybrid could achieve, I’d love to hear them!

Check out the project on GitHub and feel free to contribute or build your own!