LightTracker is one of the most affordable, smallest, lightest, powerful and open source LoRa and LoRaWAN trackers available. It makes tracking pico balloons, weather balloons, model rockets, RC aircraft, and anything else that flies simple and easy.
It is able to report location, altitude, temperature and pressure to the internet (LoRaWAN networks such as Helium and TTN) or direct to another LoRa radio module with a solar panel/super capacitors or just 3xAAA batteries.
**Important :** LightTracker uses unlicensed ISM radio bands which does not require any license to operate. So everyone can use LoRa & LoRaWAN modules.
To programme LightTracker, all you need is a micro usb (B type) cable, a few installations and configurations.
### 1.Install Arduino IDE
Download and install [Arduino IDE](https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software). If you have already installed Arduino, please check for updates. Its version should be v1.8.13 or newer.
### 2.Configure Board
- Open the **Tools > Board > Boards Manager...** menu item as follows:
- First download the repository to your computer using the green "[Code -> Download ZIP](https://github.com/lightaprs/LightTracker-1.0/archive/refs/heads/main.zip)" button and extract it.
- You will see more than one Arduino project optimized for different use cases. For example if you are planning to use LightTracker for a pico balloon project, then use "[lorawan-otaa-pico-balloon-tracker](lorawan-otaa-pico-balloon-tracker)" folder or if you want to track your assets, vehicles, etc. then use "[lorawan-otaa-asset-tracker](lorawan-otaa-asset-tracker)" folder.
- You will also notice some folders in the "libraries" folder. You have to copy these folders (libraries) into your Arduino libraries folder on your computer. Path to your Arduino libraries:
**Windows** : This PC\Documents\Arduino\libraries\
- First attach an antenna to your tracker as if described in [Antenna Guide](https://github.com/lightaprs/LightTracker-1.0/wiki/Antenna-Guide) LoRa radio module may be damaged if operated without attaching an antenna, since power has nowhere to go.
- Connect LightTracker to your computer with a micro USB cable.
- IYou should see a COM port under **Tools->Port** menu item. Select that port.