Long Range LoRa Temperature Monitor System | PIC + ESP8266 NodeMCU IoT Project | ThingSpeak Wireless Data Logger | Precompiled Firmware📡 OverviewIn this project, we build a long-range wireless temperature monitoring system using LoRa radio communication (10km range), a PIC microcontroller, and a NodeMCU ESP8266. See the demo of it working here: www.youtube.com/shorts/eoTI-EBDXnsHead on over here to learn how to build this for just £20: odonodesign.com/blog/2026/06/04/tinytherm-v3-remote-online-temperature-logger-using-thingspeak/The system allows you to monitor temperature from remote locations such as a garden, shed, greenhouse, or outdoor enclosure — and view live data anywhere in the world using the ThingSpeak cloud platform.Unlike typical WiFi-based sensors, this system does not require WiFi at the sensor location, making it significantly more secure and much higher range.What is bundled with this purchase?We provide the premium code to flash the PIC16F28 microcontroller along with the arduino sketch to flash the NodeMCU ESP8266 with. The rest of the tutorial including schematics and Bill of materials list are all below near the bottom of this page along with the listing images above here for the schematics.How to build this yourself?If you want to skip the blurb on what this does and how it does it, please scroll down to the build section to get to the nitty gritty part of how to build this yourself proper DIY style! All the components will be maximum £20 depending on AliExpress market prices. Full BOM list and links included down below. This is dirt cheap considering professional market temperature loggers are upwards of £200!🧠 System ArchitectureThe project is split into two main parts:[ Sensor Node (Outdoor) ]PIC16F628 → DS18B20 Temperature Sensor → LoRa Transmitter↓Wireless Long-Range Link (LoRa)↓[ Base Station (Indoor) ]LoRa Receiver → NodeMCU ESP8266 → ThingSpeak Cloud🌍 How It Works1. Sensor Node (Outdoor Unit)The outdoor unit is built around a PIC16F628 microcontroller connected to a DS18B20 temperature sensor.The PIC reads temperature data and formats it ready for transmission.I.e: 24 = temperature value (°C)This data is transmitted via LoRa at a fixed interval (e.g. every 5 minutes).To conserve power, the microcontroller spends most of its time in a low-power state between transmissions.2. Receiver Node (Indoor Unit)The base station uses a NodeMCU ESP8266 connected to a LoRa receiver module.It:Receives incoming LoRa packetsExtracts the temperature value between T and EValidates and processes the dataOnce decoded, the value is passed to the WiFi stage.3. Cloud Upload (ThingSpeak IoT)The NodeMCU uploads the processed temperature value to ThingSpeak, allowing:Real-time graphsHistorical data loggingRemote access from any device with internetNo custom app is required — just open your ThingSpeak channel in a browser.📊 ThingSpeak DashboardThingSpeak provides:Live updating temperature graphAutomatic data loggingMobile and desktop accessLong-term data storage (ideal for monitoring trends)Once configured, the system continuously logs sensor data at your chosen interval.⚡ Power & Efficiency DesignTo make the system suitable for outdoor battery operation:PIC microcontroller sleeps between transmissionsLoRa module remains inactive when not sending dataSystem wakes periodically to transmit readingsThis approach significantly reduces power consumption and allows long-term battery operation.🧩 Key FeaturesLong-range wireless communication using LoRaNo WiFi required at the sensor nodeSecure remote sensing (no exposed credentials outdoors)Cloud-based monitoring via ThingSpeakLow-power design for battery operationSimple and reliable packet protocol (TxxE)Easily expandable to multiple sensor types🔧 Possible UpgradesThis system can be expanded to include:Humidity monitoringSoil moisture sensingBattery voltage trackingMulti-node sensor networksAlerts via ThingSpeak webhooks or email💡 Why This System Is UsefulMost off-the-shelf IoT sensors rely entirely on WiFi, which limits range to a typical home network and requires storing credentials on the device.This design solves that problem:The sensor node does not store WiFi credentialsCommunication range is significantly extended using LoRaThe system can operate in remote outdoor environmentsData is still accessible globally via the cloud🏗️ Hardware OverviewSensor Node:DS18B20 temperature sensorPIC16F628 microcontrollerLoRa transmitter moduleBase Station:LoRa receiver moduleNodeMCU ESP8266 (ESP-12E)WiFi connection to ThingSpeak🔗 Build ProcessYou can assemble this project using a breadboard or prototype setup by following the schematics shown in image 2 (transmitter) and image 3 (receiver).PCB design files will be added in a future update.⚙️ Setup SummaryCreate a ThingSpeak accountCreate a new channel and enable Field 1 (Temperature)Copy your Channel ID and API KeyFlash the PIC with the provided HEX firmwareUpload the NodeMCU Arduino sketch (insert WiFi + API credentials)Power both units and begin logging data📦 What’s Included in the DownloadThis project pack includes:PIC assembly source code (for reference)Pre-compiled PIC HEX firmware (ready to flash)NodeMCU Arduino IDE sketchFull wiring diagrams (both nodes)ThingSpeak setup guidePacket format documentation (TxxE)Step-by-step build instructions🚀 Real-World ApplicationsA temperature data logger like this is widely used in:Cold chain logisticsPharmaceutical storage monitoringFood safety (HACCP compliance)Laboratory temperature mappingHVAC system optimisationAgricultural and greenhouse monitoring📌 Final NotesThis project demonstrates how low-cost embedded systems can be combined to create a long-range IoT monitoring solution without relying on WiFi at the sensor location.By combining:PIC microcontroller processingLoRa long-range communicationESP8266 cloud connectivity…you get a flexible, scalable remote monitoring system that can be deployed almost anywhere.How to Build the free version to test before buying the full version code:Download the full project code here, follow the schematics and buy the components below. Flash the NodeMCU and PIC16F628 with the code provided in this download. Setup a Thingspeak account. And off you go!Use these schematics to build the hardwareBill of Materials Components list, all of which can be purchased for dirt cheap from AliExpress, see the buy links below (total roughly £20):104nF ceramic capacitor100 uF electrolytic capacitorPIC16F628 04P (not the A version)DS18B20 Temperature Thermistor SensorResistors per the schematic (bought as a kit)Lora DX LR02 transmitter receiver pairNodemcu 12E (CH340 version) by ESP8266 Breadboard prototyping kit if you only want to make it without committing to a soldered pcb first. Includes power supplyPickit 2 programmer if you want to flash the code to the PIC microcontroller yourself Micro USB DATA Cable (needs to be the data version) to flash the Nodemcu if you want to flash it yourselfPickit 2 V2 flashing software to flash the pic with the HEX Code I provideArduino IDE to flash the NodeMCUWhat is a temperature logger?A temperature data logger is a portable device used to automatically measure and record environmental temperatures over a specific period. It ensures that sensitive goods remain within safe limits by providing a reliable, automated alternative to manual thermometer checks.They are essential tools across various industries, fulfilling the following primary uses:Cold Chain Shipment Monitoring: Tracking perishable goods (e.g., produce, dairy) and pharmaceuticals in transit to guarantee that conditions remain within safe parameters. Pharmaceutical and Vaccine Storage: Ensuring drugs, blood samples, and vaccines are kept at required temperatures (e.g., +2°C to +8°C) to prevent spoilage and maintain their efficacy. Food Safety and HACCP Compliance: Monitoring refrigerators, freezers, and processing facilities to ensure strict food safety regulations are continuously met. Laboratory and Equipment Mapping: Performing temperature mapping in scientific environments, incubators, or industrial ovens to identify hot and cold spots. Building Management & HVAC: Optimizing climate control systems in commercial and agricultural buildings for efficiency and product quality.Disclaimer Notice: This is an educational tutorial only and I will not accept any responsibility for damage or harm to property and/or persons as a result of you following and building this tutorial project. You are responsible for your own safety and performing any safety tests if used commercially. Ideally we recommend this for use only in personal/hobby projects.This is an educational tutorial for personal use only. Commercial use of this project is strictly prohibited. You must ensure you conduct the appropriate safety tests once you have made this. I will accept no liability for any death, injury, harm or damage to humans/property or animals as a result of you following this tutorial. This is an untested project. This is for hobby and personal use only. We do not allow commercial use of this tutorial (ie selling it in an end product, but if you are making this for commercial purposes, YOU are responsible for all CE, FCC and safety testing according to your jurisdiction. We will not be held responsible for any fire, damage or injury caused by this project.Personal Liscense (Commercial use prohibited)You are free to use this for personal and educational use. You are prohibited from using this for commercial use. You are also prohibited from redistributing the content, code, schematics and images on this webpage as is or modified. Failure to comply with this will result in legal action. Creative Commons License applies to this. … See MoreSee Less
In this project, we build a long-range wireless temperature monitoring system using LoRa radio communication (10km range), a PIC microcontroller, and a NodeMCU ESP8266. See the demo of it working here…
DIY remote online temperature logger. 3 year data history. 10km range, no WiFi security risks and cheaper than tapo. Build yours now in under 10 minutes. Go here now: … See MoreSee Less
Hi guys, so I’ve developed the temperature monitor to log the temperature every 10 seconds on thingspeak, which is a free account that can store up to 10 million logs for up to 3 years before the ne…
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