Heltec v4.3 support

[weebl2000]

On Heltec V4 revision 3 there's a different FEM, KCT8103L instead of GC1109 used before.

Pinout is largely the same, except for GPIO5 now being used for TX switching with KCT8103L. Adjusted firmware accordingly. This makes the firmware fully compatible with all Heltec v4 variants.

Based on @Quency-D PR on MT.

BUILD FIRMWARE HERE

reference docs:

• v4.3 schematic
• v4.2 schematic

KCT8103L is similar to the KCT8101L, but different gain levels: KCT8101L.pdf

[Quency-D]

Thank you so much, you acted so quickly. But I was wondering if this method would be simpler, and would also make adding LNA control functions later on much easier?
https://github.com/Quency-D/MeshCore/tree/dev-heltec-v4.3

[weebl2000]

Thank you so much, you acted so quickly. But I was wondering if this method would be simpler, and would also make adding LNA control functions later on much easier? https://github.com/Quency-D/MeshCore/tree/dev-heltec-v4.3

What LNA control functions do you think would be useful to add. Is there really any use-case where it should be disabled?

[Quency-D]

It can control the LNA's on and off states.

[weebl2000]

It can control the LNA's on and off states.

Would be interesting to have this. Do you know if testing was done where LNA bypass is useful? It would require a little more work and also meshcore firmware needs to know how to handle this. I think it would be a good follow-up as a separate PR to have more extensive PA/LNA control. That way we can keep this PR small to just support Heltec V4.3 with the current always on LNA.

[Quency-D]

It can control the LNA's on and off states.

Would be interesting to have this. Do you know if testing was done where LNA bypass is useful? It would require a little more work and also meshcore firmware needs to know how to handle this. I think it would be a good follow-up as a separate PR to have more extensive PA/LNA control. That way we can keep this PR small to just support Heltec V4.3 with the current always on LNA.

Currently, turning off the LNA works well in noisy environments, but we are still testing it in other scenarios.

[towerviewcams]

I wake up to this! Do we have these boards and not know it? ha ha.... Where did/do you have the 4.3 @Quency-D @weebl2000 ?
Well this sure is major news. I will order some once I find them. Let the testing begin!!

[weebl2000]

I wake up to this! Do we have these boards and not know it? ha ha.... Where did/do you have the 4.3 @Quency-D @weebl2000 ? Well this sure is major news. I will order some once I find them. Let the testing begin!!

See also:
https://wiki.heltec.org/docs/devices/open-source-hardware/esp32-series/lora-32/wifi-lora-32-v4/hardware-update-log#v431

[towerviewcams]

@weebl2000 @Quency-D
Do either of you know where I can purchase a couple of these 4.3.1 boards to start testing?

[weebl2000]

@weebl2000 @Quency-D Do either of you know where I can purchase a couple of these 4.3.1 boards to start testing?

I highly suspect sellers are going to sell older boards until they get new stock. Your best bet might be the Heltec official store and ask them specifically if they ship out V4.3 yet :)

[Quency-D]

@weebl2000 @Quency-D Do either of you know where I can purchase a couple of these 4.3.1 boards to start testing?

I asked around, and all you need to do is place your order on the Heltec website and note that you need version 4.3.

[Socalix]

@Quency-D Do you offer any trade-in for those loyal early adopters that helped you realize v4.3 is needed? 😉

[Quency-D]

@Quency-D Do you offer any trade-in for those loyal early adopters that helped you realize v4.3 is needed? 😉

You can send an email directly to support@heltec.cn, and a sales representative will provide a detailed response.