LoRaWAN usage for remote telescope operations

This paper discusses the usage of LoRa wireless transmission protocol in support of CCAT-prime telescope operations in northern Chile. A LoRa based sensor network allows for low data rate sensors to be deployed with up to 1 year battery life with a broadcast range of multiple kilometers. In this paper we present the basics of a LoRa network and demonstrate its application to a vehicle tracking system as part of an observatory sensor network. We show results from a recent test campaign and demonstrate transmission ranges up to 40km. We discuss plans for future expansion and how such a system aids the remote operation of an observatory.