I wanted to start a conversation about creating a reference device.
This could be a Meshtastic branded device with features defined by the group that is the “guaranteed to work” type device that would sort be the consumer hardware.
Things I like for this:
-Waterproof/rugged case with rubber over mold (desert tan?)
-candy bar type format, or maybe round
-epaper display
-antenna connector with a molded included antenna
-takes 2 cr123s or something like an 18650. Wide power inputs accepted? maybe just the 18650 so you can charge it.
-gps with good antenna
-usb-c
-lanyard ring
-solar?
The RAK4631 platform seems to be really promising. Small form factor, charging (even solar) onboard, low power bluetooth. Only thing missing is a custom baseboard and a custom waterproof case. Their WisBlock concept is great but a bit expensive. I don’t know if you can buy the RAK4630 trx module by itself, this would eliminate the fine pitch connector which is hard to solder by hand. Maybe it would be better to buy a nrf breakout board and a separate trx module?
I am currently using meshtastic with two t-beams, their form factor is quite clunky but the WiFi feature is pretty handy. My only gripe is the bluetooth power saving mode, you have to remember to wake the device, and then it can take quite some time until you are able to send a message. Not very user friendly, especially for the not so tech savvy folks. This is where the nrf platforms really shines, bluetooth can be permanently enabled since it’s very low power. Also the solar feature could be pretty nice for meshtatic-throwie-repeaters with solar cells.
Maybe it would also be nice to add an i2c magnetometer to the list for direction finding and a little bit more sophisticated navigation features (custom waypoints perhaps? to make it more stand-alone in case of flat cell phone battery).
The OLED-readablity in direct sunlight is somewhat abysmal, but epapers need some kind of active illumination for in the dark.
Just my 2 cents
I am techy enough that I don’t have a problem with the standard hardware that people use. I can 3dprint cases and stuff like that. But some of the people I want to integrate with aren’t that way. I would love to have an option to pick up a couple radios for people who aren’t techy to use for short excursions. Hunting and hiking. I think the gotenna platform really shines in this regard because of how sleek the hardware is. It has plenty of other problems and I would prefer to use meshtastic so don’t get me wrong about gotenna.
Important features from my perspective:
-Tough, “weatherproof” case (rain and snow)
Lanyard or caribiner loop for attaching to pack
-USBC to charge
-Easily removable 18650 battery for fast universal swaps
-Reliable GPS
-Multi-day battery life with moderate use (I mostly use samsung 30q 18650 which are 3000mah)
-Simple pair and message setup, Ideally no sleep (nrf to accomplish this I asssume)
Other features like solar just seem to convolute the simple nature. Since it can be usb charged it can be recharged off a powerbank for extended operation.
Some of the problems that I see are the case and the pricepoint. You’d have to injection mold the case to get the rugged, water resistant or waterproof seals. That means quite a bit of upfront production cost. Can this be produced and sold with a decent profit for $60-80?
Thats the issue I’m having as well - you can’t operationalize when the hardware is so random.
I like the idea of supporting hardware thats strange for strange use cases - but the core functionality should be delivered by a device thats always gonna work, shrink wrapped and ready to go, and gets tested for full function every release.
ESP32C3 would be a good option for the microcontroller because it has wifi, BLE, (as I understand it) uses the same core as the BL602 that is being ported currently, has lower power consumption than the original ESP32 and seems to be easier/cheaper to buy than the NRF52.
Very true. That said I like the RAK build quality (i’m having range issues right now but not sure if thats me or them).
I have SEVERAL dead LilyGo devices from poor build quality. Bad USB micro ports, other strange issues.
Other than range every RAK device I have used has been perfect.
I think another thing I’m not doing a good job of describing is my thoughts are that this not be a hobby grade device - it be a full integrated product ready to go. Battery, antenna, case, comes in a box already loaded with 100% functional firmware.
No assembly required, no quirks, reliable and stable outcome.
Performance is quite a bit worse than the existing ESP32, RISC is cool but I don’t think ESP32C3 is the answer for Meshtastic, low power / sleep is just not in the same class as the nrf52
Fully integrated product where you open it, charge and pair would definitely have a higher price point. Maybe $100-120? Much more than that and I don’t know what kind of market you’d have.
That being said I fully support this project! Not sure what I can do to help but I support it.
I did order the e-paper and 3 button add on for RAK to play with, but why all the e-ink interest, seems really bad on the T-ECHO.
Better device building / setup documentation would totally help those who are making their own or selling devices be more consistent.
Starting with the use cases seems to make sense
Portable - Battery Powered
Temporary Waterproof Router Node
Powered Easy to Access Base Station
Solar Powered Node
Powered Hard to Access Base Station
I am pretty happy with Heltec and Lora32 as powered base station devices for ~ $40
I like the RAK devices for Solar powered router nodes, I have used TBeams for most of these things too and really am tired of their sleep behavior for a portable unit.
the first thing I would like to see is a physical keyboard added to the t-beam via a cable, for example it could be a CardKB from M5stack.
ready-made device based on
M5Stack Core2 ESP32 IoT Development Kit
COM.LoRaWAN Module 915MHz (ASR6501) with antenna
COM.LoRaWAN Module 868MHz (ASR6501)
GPS Module with Internal & External Antenna (u-blox NEO-M8N)
M5STACK Faces II Bottom Board
keyboard
M5Paper ESP32 Development Kit V1.1 (960X540, 4.7" eInk display, 235 ppi)
LoRaWAN UNIT 868MHz (ASR6501) with Antenna
LoRaWAN UNIT 470MHz (ASR6501) with Antenna
LoRaWAN UNIT 915MHz (ASR6501) with Antenna
