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how to install rak19007 base board

The RAK19007 WisBlock Base Board is the second-generation main board that connects the MCU, sensor, and IO modules using standardized connectors for easy setup and communication. These connectors link all attached modules to form a complete WisBlock system.

This guide explains how to install and remove modules on the RAK19007 Base Board. It also covers how to handle the WisConnector and how to install Core, Sensor, and IO modules.

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NOTE

The RAK19007 shares the same form factor as the earlier RAK5005-O Base Board. Because of their similar design, this guide can also be used for both boards with only minor differences.

RAK5005-O WisBlock module is a motherboard that allows you to attach MCU, sensors, and IO modules through the standardized expansion connectors. These connectors provide a data bus interconnection between the modules attached to the baseboard.

This document explains the details related to the installation of modules into the RAK5005-O board. The following section discusses the general concepts to manipulate the WisConnector in any WisBlock module are explained. For the second one, it explains the installation details of each type of WisBlock module: Core, Sensor, and IO, and the last section explains how to remove a WisBlock module from the RAK5005-O baseboard.

WisConnector General Concepts

Attaching a WisConnector

The IO Connector serves as the interface between the RAK19007 and the WisBlock Core, Sensor, and IO modules. Before handling or attaching any modules, read the following instructions carefully.

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NOTE

This guide uses two arrows for visual reference. See Figure 1 for their representation.

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Figure 1: Arrow representation

  1. Align the connectors. Keep the header parallel and place it lightly on the corresponding socket.

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Figure 2: Align connectors

 

  1. Fit the connector. Tilt one end of the header less than 20 degrees. Do not apply force. Gently lower the other end until both sides are parallel.

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Figure 3: Fit the header to the socket

 

  1. After the above alignment steps, the header and socket should be matched but not yet locked.

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Figure 4: Header and socket matched

 

  1. Apply even pressure on both sides until you hear a soft click, confirming the connection is secure.

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Figure 5: Apply even pressure on the header and socket

 

  1. In the process of buckling and applying force, avoid pressing unevenly, as this can damage the connector.

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Figure 6: Avoid pressing the header and socket unevenly

 

  1. Once connected, ensure the header and socket are parallel. 

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Figure 7: Parallel header and socket

 

  1. If the header and socket are not parallel, press evenly on both sides to complete the connection. Do not force the connector if it does not fit smoothly. Repeat the alignment step if necessary to avoid damage.

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Figure 8: Repeat the alignment step

 

Detaching a WisConnector

To remove the header from the socket, pull evenly and parallel on both sides.

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Figure 9: Remove the header from the socket

 

  • Avoid pulling the headers unevenly along the long side.

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Figure 10: Avoid pulling the headers unevenly

 

  • The short-side of the connector can be pulled out asymmetrically, but apply vertical force and avoid twisting.

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Figure 11: Apply vertical force and avoid twisting

 

  • Never pull the header from one corner only.

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Figure 12: Never pull the header from one corner

 

Assembling a WisBlock Module

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NOTE

Read the complete instructions before attempting to assemble a module.

WisBlock Core

The WisBlock Core module is designed to be installed in the RAK19007 Base Board CPU slot. The location is clearly marked by a silkscreen, as shown in Figure 13. 

Follow the steps in the previous section, Attaching a WisConnector, to connect the module. Once in place, secure it with four (4) M1.2 × 3 mm screws.

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Figure 13: WisBlock Core assembly

 

WisBlock Sensor

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NOTE

The RAK1910 GPS module must be installed only on the front side of the RAK19007 Base Board. It is a full-length module that occupies the space of two WisBlock IO modules.

The WisBlock Sensor modules are installed on the RAK19007 sensor slots. There are four (4) slots in total, two (2) on each side of the base board, and their locations are clearly marked by a silkscreen, as shown in Figure 14. 

Follow the same connection steps described in the Attaching a WisConnector section, then secure the module with one (1) M1.2 × 3 mm screw.

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Figure 14: WisBlock Sensor assembly

 

WisBlock IO

A WisBlock IO module is installed in the IO slot of the RAK19007 Base Board. There is one IO slot, clearly marked by a silkscreen, as shown in Figure 15. 

Follow the steps in the previous section, Attaching a WisConnector, then secure the module with three (3) M1.2 × 3 mm screws.

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Figure 15: WisBlock IO assembly

 

Disassembling a WisBlock Module

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NOTE

Read the complete instructions before disassembling any module.

The disassembly process is the same for all WisBlock modules. Follow these steps to remove a module: 

  1. As shown in Figure 16, start by removing the screws.

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Figure 16: Remove the screws to disassemble the module

  1. On each WisBlock module PCB, a silkscreen marking indicates where to apply force safely. Apply even upward pressure on these marked areas to detach the module from the baseboard, as shown in Figures 17 and 18.

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Figure 17: WisBlock module silkscreen
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Figure 18: Apply upward pressure on the silkscreen to detach the module

 

Changelog
  • Version 1 - How to Install RAK5005-O Baseboard
    • Date Published: 10/01/2024
  • Version 2 - How to Install RAK19007 Base Board
    • Date Published: 01/15/2026


 

Updated