FAQ

PostBoxPing is a small, weatherproof sensor that mounts inside your mailbox. When the mailbox door opens (indicating mail delivery), it sends a wireless signal using LoRaWAN technology to a gateway in your home, which then sends a push notification to your phone. The entire process takes less than 5 seconds.

Yes. The PostBoxPing sensor communicates via LoRaWAN, which requires a gateway to relay the signal to the internet. If you already have a LoRaWAN gateway (or there is community coverage in your area via The Things Network), you only need the sensor. If not, choose our Complete Bundle which includes a RAK7268 WisGate Edge Lite 2 gateway.

PostBoxPing Sensor ($89): The mailbox sensor device only. Best if you already have a LoRaWAN gateway or community coverage.

Complete Bundle ($288): Includes both the PostBoxPing sensor AND a RAK7268 WisGate Edge Lite 2 gateway. Everything you need to get started with no existing infrastructure required. You save $10 compared to buying separately.

LoRaWAN can reach up to 10km in ideal line-of-sight conditions. In typical suburban environments with buildings and trees, expect 2-5km range. Even in dense urban areas, 1-2km is common. This far exceeds WiFi (50m) or Bluetooth (10m).

The sensor uses a standard 18650 lithium battery (3000mAh, 3.7V) and is designed for 12+ months of typical use. The device spends over 99.9% of its time in ultra-low-power sleep mode (under 10 microamps). It only wakes briefly to transmit when mail is detected.

It uses a standard 18650 lithium-ion rechargeable battery. Replacement is simple: open the battery compartment on the back, swap the cell, and close it. No tools required. We recommend any reputable 18650 cell rated at 2600mAh or higher (Samsung, Sony/Murata, LG, Panasonic).

PostBoxPing supports EU868, US915, AU915, and AS923 frequency plans. Select the correct variant for your region at checkout. EU868 for Europe/Middle East/Africa, US915 for North America, AU915 for Australia/New Zealand, AS923 for Asia-Pacific.

Yes. The PostBoxPing sensor is rated IP65, meaning it is protected against dust and water jets from any direction. It is designed to withstand rain, snow, humidity, and temperature extremes from -20 degrees C to +60 degrees C.

No. That is the whole point of LoRaWAN: the sensor communicates wirelessly over long range without WiFi, Bluetooth, or cellular. Only the gateway (inside your home) needs an internet connection via WiFi or Ethernet cable.

Setup takes about 15 minutes: (1) Register your gateway on The Things Network (TTN) and plug it in at home. (2) Register your PostBoxPing sensor on TTN. (3) Mount the sensor and magnet inside your mailbox using the included adhesive pads. (4) Download the PostBoxPing app, link your TTN account, and you are done. Full step-by-step instructions are included in the box.

No. PostBoxPing is a one-time purchase. The Things Network community tier is free. The app is free. There are no subscriptions, no cloud fees, and no hidden costs. The only recurring cost is replacing the 18650 battery approximately once per year (under $5).

We ship worldwide. Standard shipping typically takes 5-10 business days depending on your location. Tracking is included with every order.

Sensor Only: PostBoxPing sensor, 18650 battery (pre-installed), magnetic door contact, adhesive mounting pads, quick-start guide.

Complete Bundle: Everything above, plus RAK7268 WisGate Edge Lite 2 gateway, LoRa antenna, Ethernet cable, USB-C power adapter, and gateway setup guide.

We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If PostBoxPing does not work for your setup, return it for a full refund. Contact us at [email protected] and we will help troubleshoot first. Most issues are resolved with a quick adjustment.