Hi @ndarkness, do not give up 
I have two nodes like this: 868MHz RN2483 LoRa(TM) Technology Mote and managed to get them to talk to each other as described in the link @sergiosena provided earlier (setting all parameters etc.).
I decided to take small steps and started with a simple setup connecting both nodes to my Windows PC. Both were recognised as serial ports (in my case COM6 & COM7). I then used a serial monitor/terminal application (like Tera Term) and initially entered all commands per hand. I know, not optimal but served the purpose and I know that the nodes can talk to each other. 
Now my plan is to write scripts/programs to automate the stuff so thanks to all for some ideas in this thread.
I cross my fingers for your tests to success.