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Accessories Android Mesh/ATAK & Blackberry-esque; Off-grid encrypted messaging devices

#51
kungfuparrot said:
Oh. Well shit. I'm sorry about that. I guess I made quite a few assumptions, and somehow missed the bit about the custom firmware... I figured you were focused on trying to sell a nice hardware package for the Meshtastic project, and was answering what you could do with that today.

In retrospect talking about the CLI was very dumb. I often forget how most regular people are quite averse to terminal commands.

All that said, I would probably be interested in buying a few if it's a T-Deck with GPS added and in a nice case.
Click to expand...

All good totally understand 🙃 Just wanted to clarify so we can keep the listing and explanations as simple as possible for the end users sake

I encourage collaboration and help with like minded individuals as yourself. We just have to be on the same page from the get go so the thread stays tame and uncomplicated; confusion due to complexity can cause disinterest. Plus I don't want to hoard the for sale thread section lol.

The custom firmware is already done. There are just differences from this firmware, and I don't want to refer meshtastic too often to avoid confusion.

Meshtasic firmware is a viable option but the chat capabilities won't be as enjoyable. And we both know that's what this devices use case is 😁

I'll be placing an order for 50+ shortly and I already have 30 boxes of 3d printing filament. I'll be using a higher end Prusa printer.

3000 mah battery instead of the 500mah in these listed devices; Do to the GPS and screen consumption. The 18650 version will be slightly different but will appease those that want the removable quick swap option. I'll keep this listing updated as parts come in.

I will be posting photos of the 18650 case design and easy access battery door to make sure everyone likes the latching mechanism.

Thank you for your response; your reply was awesome 👊
 
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#52
Can you share more about your custom firmware? Is it a modified version of that other software I was talking about or something entirely new? Is it open source? Do you already have the neat "Bluetooth style pairing" implemented?
 
#53
kungfuparrot said:
Can you share more about your custom firmware? Is it a modified version of that other software I was talking about or something entirely new? Is it open source? Do you already have the neat "Bluetooth style pairing" implemented?
Click to expand...

Bluetooth style pairing for sure, the Network infrastructure, encryption workings create plenty of similarities which makes things easier since there is already a decent knowledge base on other Lora based firmwares.

The user interface; navigation menus, more advanced chat, characters like emojis, modes, won't be the same but implemented on the custom firmware.

Sending way points in chat, sharing location, and live gps proximity to other devices will be similar. Sound will be implemented. And I may integrate a vibrating paging motor if it's not too difficult with this circuit board.
 
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#54
Makinchips208 said:
But, this guy might be talking to someone hundreds or thousands of miles away.
Or maybe it’s a directional antenna and he is doing a foxhunt?

It still looks funny though. Haha
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That is either a fox & hound hunt or something is throwing trash out and it dicking up his ability to Rx or Tx. Using a AM radio its easy to track down the culprit with a yagi antenna. Once you get real close where the null is being over powered, all you do is tune the receiver off freq a little and keep tracking.
 
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#55
Update:

Tonight ive concluded the 3d printed cases will be temporary for the first month or two. Those profits will be going into CNC machining a Delrin thermoplastic case for the device. I've already spoke to the business that will be doing this.

Depending on how much it costs to have it made; Anyone who bought a device will get hooked up with the upgrade at my cost and not a penny more; if they choose to.

If you choose to send it in for the upgrade. I won't charge labor and mail it back to you free and fully insured.

I remember how much I admired the Cheely Custom gun works Delrin magwell insert on their 2011 pistol grips and how fine and precise the Machining was done. Durable enough to withstand slamming stainless mags into it countless times over. Should make for a tough sleek case.

Here are few examples of iPhone protective covers made with Delrin.

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#59
mettee said:
Any updates.
Click to expand...

Had to refund my last circuit board order til they had them back in stock due to taking forever. Ordered again when they finally did; so they should be here any day. Once I have them I'll test everything thoroughly and crank them out.

The firmware will also have Google maps displaying location (with tracking on), the map will move as you do. Blue dot will be the device and orange dots being others on the network.

At the moment I'm thinking the case will have a rubber backside for durability and polymer front, I've been 3d printing nonstop all day everyday on other items I make; so I've got the settings down nicely, for an epic turn out on the cases.

I have another idea I'll be implementing that I won't speak of, as of yet; that will give immediate long range ability no matter the environmental obstruction. It will be an option to add if desired.

I'll update again once the main boards arrive.
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#64
redbullitt said:
I'll be in for 4 when you get them operational. Would love 18650 battery capability.
Click to expand...
👍 I will make sure the back part of the case is hot swappable / plug and play with the 18650 upgrade (once it's made). And those whom have already bought units will get the hookup on this "at cost".

I'm thinking an 18650 battery tray that holds 2-3 would be ideal, don't want to get too heavy or bulky. Their about 3000 mah each in capacity.
 
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#66
J_D said:
I’m not really clear on the use case for this?
Click to expand...
Private communication with those you chose. (So long the encryption isn’t cracked. Nearly impossible)

They are Relatively short range, sort of like a handheld radio, but the “mesh network” part means this, say you have two devices that are too far apart to communicate, but then you have one or more devices in between to ‘bridge’ the gap, then in that case a communication can be automatically passed from device to device.

Not dependent on any outside sources. So long you keep batteries charged and nobody jams 900 mhz.

What you use it for could be family communications at the mountain retreat where there is no cell service, or whatever scenerio you can think of. Private espionage. 😂
 
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#67
Makinchips208 said:
Private communication with those you chose. (So long the encryption isn’t cracked. Nearly impossible)

They are Relatively short range, sort of like a handheld radio, but the “mesh network” part means this, say you have two devices that are too far apart to communicate, but then you have one or more devices in between to ‘bridge’ the gap, then in that case a communication can be automatically passed from device to device.

Not dependent on any outside sources. So long you keep batteries charged and nobody jams 900 mhz.

What you use it for could be family communications at the mountain retreat where there is no cell service, or whatever scenerio you can think of. Private espionage. 😂
Click to expand...
I’d read “Money Men” by Dan McCrum. I would never need something like this.
 
#69
Bilb0 said:
👍 I will make sure the back part of the case is hot swappable / plug and play with the 18650 upgrade (once it's made). And those whom have already bought units will get the hookup on this "at cost".

I'm thinking an 18650 battery tray that holds 2-3 would be ideal, don't want to get too heavy or bulky. Their about 3000 mah each in capacity.
Click to expand...

I was thinking something similar.

So if say, you add another 3000mah battery they would or could combine to make 3-6-9k mah. A max 4 battery pack would be killer, but have a smart function so it will operate on only a single cell.
 
#70
Yes! The quad 18650 may break the dimensional width of the main board and case width, depending on the layout chosen. I'll buy one to see the proportion, we may get lucky. Might as well have that as a possibile option.

Three for starters; A battery tray paralleling 3 x 18650s will allow that single dual or triple option; I'll have to keep the BMS specs in-check (Battery Management System) to make sure everything is all gravy 💪

One 18650 gives 12hrs with GPS on.

20+ hrs with GPS off.
 
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#71
I believe the only issue is you would need to start with cells at a similar charge state or battery voltage. I don't believe you could simply add one or two more charged cells to the pack with one that's been depleted.

Three cells ranging from 3000 mah to 3400 mah would get it close to 10k mah. If the size goes too big you make that call.
 
#72
mettee said:
I believe the only issue is you would need to start with cells at a similar charge state or battery voltage. I don't believe you could simply add one or two more charged cells to the pack with one that's been depleted.

Three cells ranging from 3000 mah to 3400 mah would get it close to 10k mah. If the size goes too big you make that call.
Click to expand...

Would be ideal to have all the batteries be the same and all of them top charged; with the same charger.

But being wired In parallel, they would all balance one another to an overall avg voltage/ah; regardless the prior voltage and if one is depleted or not. Obviously better to take out those depleted cells, if one knows.
 
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#75
Spiced the Lora encrypted comms device with a goodie I have yet to mention. This device now has an integrated uhf radio using same battery source; but completely seperate from one another. Either can be powered off separately if desired.

I took the past week to design the uhf radio case and hardware orientation which is pretty much dialed in, doing the final test prints today.

Then all I'll have to do is software finalization . I assume this can be like an off grid version of ATAK but atak uses cellular service to render the maps from a server.

This device will not need to render from servers and will have offline Google maps for the state or area your located.

I'm trying to find a different solution than having to pay $500 to access servers to download the Google maps data on 16 zoom levels for the entire United States.

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#76
Bilb0 said:
Spiced the Lora encrypted comms device with a goodie I have yet to mention. This device now has an integrated uhf radio using same battery source; but completely seperate from one another. Either can be powered off separately if desired.

I took the past week to design the uhf radio case and hardware orientation which is pretty much dialed in, doing the final test prints today.

Then all I'll have to do is software finalization . I assume this can be like an off grid version of ATAK since atak uses cellular service to render the maps from a server.

This device will not need to render from servers and will have offline Google maps for the state or area your located.

I'm trying to find a different solution than having to pay $500 to access servers to download the Google maps data on all zoom levels for the entire United States.

View attachment 8478373View attachment 8478374View attachment 8478375View attachment 8478378
Click to expand...
Sick!!!!
 
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#79
db2000 said:
Fuck yeah. Keep up the good work.
So far, I’m just over here like….
View attachment 8484431
Click to expand...
😂 Thank you. I'm definitely pulling suicide hours to get this done and over the top; simultaneously moving residences through the end of the month. It's a blast seeing things turn out the way they have.
 
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#80
Is the radio removable so that it becomes a utility tool? Or is the addition of the radio how it will be? Just curious, it seems like a Lego type connection that can house the battery pack or the radio.
 
#81
mettee said:
Is the radio removable so that it becomes a utility tool? Or is the addition of the radio how it will be? Just curious, it seems like a Lego type connection that can house the battery pack or the radio.
Click to expand...

Yes, The uhf radio w/ the 6k mah battery will be hot swappable via this latch in the photo below.

You'll be able swap it out for the 18650 battery pack, or any new "rear" accessories I come up with in the future so the entire device won't have to be purchased all over again.

The polymer I'm using to make the case is extremely tough and will not crack or break if dropped. You can throw it on the ground and it won't break. The electronics are obviously more sensitive.

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#83
Tested distance of the basic Lora/gps encrypted messaging devices yesterday. The distance is a 8-10 mile drive with unharvested cornfields, minimal trees, <300ft of elevation difference and a town in between. No relays or hops. One device to another. Communication was instantaneous, I can see why 5-10x the distance is achievable.

The basic lora devices with 6k mah battery will have encrypted messaging, GPS, offline maps 6-10 zoom entire USA, more detailed zoom levels customized per your area of interest, with live waypoint sharing and directional heading with other devices on the network.

The uhf radio version will be an upgrade once I source one more part that allows proper load sharing between the Lora device and uhf radio since they share the same battery.

I'm in the middle of moving this week but should be able to crank out 10 of the basic lora devices within this next week. Each device will run $175 shipped.

Once I finish moving and finalize the uhf radio upgrade; I'll make that available for $45. Same with the 18650 upgrade. I'll release them around the same time. The case has a front and rear panel. The upgrades will replace the rear panel. Very simple plug and play.

Pm me if you want to snag a few of the 10 devices I'll initially have available. I'll have to give those who've messaged me prior first dibs.

10 4 Available


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#87
Made a Ruggedized LG ATAK Lora mesh smartphone, has ATAK mesh network plugins and all the additional map types ( topo, satellite imagery, bing, Google, USGS etc.) Everything's pre installed and setup for off-grid use. Easy to select the area and click download. You can use it as a cell phone if you want as well.

This weekend I'll finish a few more minor additions to the rugged case design like adding a bezel around the Lora antenna hole, installing the tactical switch for the Rak Wiseblock Lora chip, getting the print angle perfected, and add the rugged texture.

The smartphone is encased in rubber within the hard polymer outter shell to make it plenty shockproof. Very tough and rugged polymer. These 18650's are cream of the crop.

When I get time I'll make the molle attachment that goes on plate carrier to clip this unit into.

I'll have more blackberry Lora versions available when the board manufacturer gets more instock by the end of the month.

Ten of these smartphone versions will be available next week sometime.

Wanted to make an all in one unit and make this tech available to those who don't want to spend $2500 on Beartooths smartphone and seperate mesh device. 5k for two lol.

I had to figure out how to put custom Android 14 firmware on these phones, was not simple. It's not a major carrier setup, definitely way more secure.

Ill prob be asking $399-499 each for hide forum members. Keeping it low key on the forums for now.

Will have black and fde available.

I'll add finalized pics within a day or two..these drafts printed for testing, not the pretty finals. Was a blast to figure out.

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Let me know your thoughts
 
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