This badge focuses on LoRa and wireless communication in general, as there are also WiFi and Bluetooth Low Energy included in the ESP32-C3 module.
It's a relatively bare bone design, with pretty much just the minimum elements to run a Meshtastic node or similar device.
Even though there is an antenna on the PCB for LoRa (868MHz) it's unfortunately not connected as the LoRa module is the variant that has a connector (uf.L/IPEX), so an external antenna is provided in the kit, that is designed to match with the connector on the module. The external antenna has selfadhesive backing, but don't mount it to the PCB, as most of the PCB is covered with copper, which will heavily decrese the performance, so if you want to stick it to something, better use a plastic case or similar.
The badge comes preinstalled with Meshtastic firmware, that you can hook up to and configure using the Mestastic app on your phone (Android or iOS). The two apps are slightly different, but does have more or less the same overall features.
If you want to use Meshtastic for a longer period, it's recommended to power the badge via USB-C (simple 5V, eg. power bank or power adapter).
In addition to the LoRa module, there are 5 RGB LEDs on the side, a qwiic/StemmaQT connector and a footprint for a SAO v1.69bis connector for expansions, mostly for alternative firmwares.
In the case folder is a desing, done in OpenSCAD, for a half or back case, that snaps on to the PCB and covers the back part with the battery holders, antenna and LEDs.
There are two versions, one fully closed, and one with a cutout for mounting it on a wall using a screw.
Both should print on most FDM printers without the need for support, with the back side facing down on the build plate.
Feel free to submit a PR adding on to this list with your project that runs on the badge.
- Initial Meshtastic firmware (Flasher tool)
- project name and link to more info
To open the project, you will need to install a recent release version or one of the nightly builds, KiCad v8 or earlier won't open this design. The schematic as a PDF is included for reference.
The hardware design of the main branch of this repository is released under the following license:
- the "Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License" (CC BY-SA 4.0) full text of this license is included in the LICENSE file and a copy can also be found at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/