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

Bilb0 · Feb 1, 2024

kungfuparrot said:
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.

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

kungfuparrot · Feb 2, 2024

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?

Bilb0 · Feb 2, 2024

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?

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.

Gunfighter14e2 · Feb 2, 2024

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

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.

Bilb0 · Feb 3, 2024

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.

CloudTops99 · Mar 10, 2024

I’m definitely interested!

Bilb0 · Mar 10, 2024

CloudTops99 said:
I’m definitely interested!

Should be getting an order of boards in this month, and I can get some up shortly after.

mettee · Jul 4, 2024

Any updates.

Bilb0 · Jul 12, 2024

mettee said:
Any updates.

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.

Sixfivesavage · Jul 12, 2024

Can the tracking be turned off.....like for real off, or can this be ordered without that feature?

Bilb0 · Jul 12, 2024

Sixfivesavage said:
Can the tracking be turned off.....like for real off, or can this be ordered without that feature?

Yes it can be turned off through the firmware settings on the user interface menu which disables the power to the gps or ordered without the GPS as well.

redbullitt · Jul 12, 2024

I'll be in for 4 when you get them operational. Would love 18650 battery capability.

taliv · Jul 12, 2024

Assuming this works with other meshtastic nodes I’m in too

Bilb0 · Jul 12, 2024

redbullitt said:
I'll be in for 4 when you get them operational. Would love 18650 battery capability.

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.

J_D · Jul 13, 2024

I’m not really clear on the use case for this?

Makinchips208 · Jul 13, 2024

J_D said:
I’m not really clear on the use case for this?

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.

J_D · Jul 13, 2024

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.

I’d read “Money Men” by Dan McCrum. I would never need something like this.

Makinchips208 · Jul 13, 2024

J_D said:
I’d read “Money Men” by Dan McCrum. I would never need something like this.

That’s fine. Then these aren’t for you.

mettee · Jul 14, 2024

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.

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.

Bilb0 · Jul 14, 2024

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.

mettee · Jul 14, 2024

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.

Bilb0 · Jul 14, 2024

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.

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.

Bilb0 · Aug 3, 2024

18650 Battery compartment done. Will have no wires connecting the front and back of case that holds the 18650s. Magnetic Pogo pin connecters for the win. Also beefed up what's going to hold the Battery tray until the case.

Now has physical hardware on and off button for gps.

mettee · Aug 3, 2024

Absolutely sick dude

Bilb0 · Aug 12, 2024

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.

Brym427 · Aug 12, 2024

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 8478373 View attachment 8478374 View attachment 8478375 View attachment 8478378

Sick!!!!

Bilb0 · Aug 20, 2024

Gave the comms case an esthetic edge, and shaved 30% off the front cover to make it more slim.

db2000 · Aug 20, 2024

Fuck yeah. Keep up the good work.
So far, I’m just over here like….

Bilb0 · Aug 20, 2024

db2000 said:
Fuck yeah. Keep up the good work.
So far, I’m just over here like….
View attachment 8484431

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.

mettee · Aug 21, 2024

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.

Bilb0 · Aug 22, 2024

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.

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.

Bilb0 · Aug 22, 2024

I'm currently working on a way to make the glass mil spec standard "MIL-STD 810G".

Bilb0 · Aug 29, 2024

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

redbullitt · Aug 29, 2024

Awesome. I'll be in for units with 18650 parts and radios once they are up.

Good luck moving!

Bilb0 · Aug 29, 2024

redbullitt said:
Awesome. I'll be in for units with 18650 parts and radios once they are up.

Good luck moving!

Thank you! And sounds good

USMC_03XX · Aug 30, 2024

I’ll take the remaining 4

Bilb0 · Sep 20, 2024

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.

Let me know your thoughts

Brym427 · Sep 20, 2024

Thats freaking awesome

Bilb0 · Sep 20, 2024

Brym427 said:
Thats freaking awesome

Thank you

Bilb0 · Sep 22, 2024

Had to make wire managment slots bit larger for 18650 battery tray to fit tight. Everything bolts down secure with heavy duty brass inserts. Zero slop. Printing black color atm

Brym427 · Sep 22, 2024

Bilb0 said:
Had to make wire managment slots bit larger for 18650 battery tray to fit tight. Everything bolts down secure with heavy duty brass inserts. Zero slop. Printing black color atm

View attachment 8507879 View attachment 8507883

Since these are a cell phone already, will they be able to have a walkie talkie feature like the blackberrys?

Bilb0 · Sep 22, 2024

Brym427 said:
Since these are a cell phone already, will they be able to have a walkie talkie feature like the blackberrys?

Yeah, since I figured out the voltage drop issue with these new units; I'll apply that to the blackberry uhf/vhf radio setup to get them finished; then do the same to these as a future upgrade

Bilb0 · Sep 22, 2024

Brym427 said:
Since these are a cell phone already, will they be able to have a walkie talkie feature like the blackberrys?

You can put a internet based sim card in them and use them normal via ATAK using that push to talk feature too; while life is still normal but have the Lora etc features as backup if the grid goes down.

Put a manual on and off tactical switch on it for the Lora chip.

elwarpo · Sep 25, 2024

Will there be a hardware seitch to disable cell and gos?

Bilb0 · Sep 25, 2024

elwarpo said:
Will there be a hardware seitch to disable cell and gos?

I can do a future mod where the gps is permeantly disabled on the cell and the GPS is on the Lora board only. Then a switch can disable the GPS on the Lora board if necessary.

There is a toggle in the user interface on the drop down screen that turns both of these on and off. This isn't a carrier based operating system so when you toggle them off they are actually off/disabled.

You can also do a mock location where your true location is hidden.

Bilb0 · Sep 25, 2024

Will also include the shorty 2" RAK Lora antenna with these as well.

Bilb0 · Sep 26, 2024

Atak off-grid test with LoRa encrypted comms, device vitals, and GPS.

Bilb0 · Sep 29, 2024

Had a nice 11 mile device to device , no repeater, zero hops.

Highway started curving behind a line of trees or elevation leveled off; otherwise would have had a 21 mile straight shot.

Will be fun to find a higher point of elevation to get above the tree line or toss up a drone.

Screenshot_20240928_223636_Google Earth.jpg

Screenshot_20240928_223551_Google Earth.jpg

Screenshot_20240928_223515_Google Earth.jpg

Bilb0 · Oct 2, 2024

Update: After fufilling requests; I only have one pair (Two devices) of the LG smartphone mesh versions remaining. Forr those whom are interested shoot me a message

Ill begin to make more shortly and will post updates at that time.

Thx

Bilb0 · Oct 31, 2024

Almost finished with the mesh stand alone version. It can be controlled by any device via bluetooth; with ATAK or meshtastic. Can be used without them since the touch screen on backside.

All very high end certified Ip67-68 connectors. This is not designed with cheap chinese parts or circuit boards. Nor cheap metals or coatings that interfere with frequency. High end circuit boards only.

Mil spec Amphenol Socaplex 5v USB ratcheting connectors for smart device connection /charging.

6x 18650 battery swap/ removable by thumb screws. Can run off 2-3 if you need to use them for weapons lights etc. Built in GPS. Etc. Will post more details when I finish up in a day or two.

Kept the dimensions in same range as Silvus and mpu5. So fits nicely in pouches. Main body is 4" tall, with top 6". Battery is roughly 4"

Comes with Tactical Gooseneck antenna.

Finishing up power bank/battery that bolts to bottom. Future upgrades: twist on flywheel battery conversion and 2.4ghz voice over Lora upgrade in the near future.

I have yet to price the cost of parts; to know how much these will be sold for. I could throw a $400 price on a build with cheap chinese parts.

But this build is far from that.

I'll check back with final pics and stats in a day or two. Few tweaks left to do.

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