You can order bare PCBs directly from factory, check at end of page

Check new super simple messengers based on All in one Heltec TRACKER as main brain. Same firmware, same simplicity just another switches with Meshtastic support.

• TrackSenger
• MechSenger

Or older PICOmputer 28 ESP32S3 + RFM95 LoRa

• Armachat
• PicoKeyboard

I am a backer and supporter of the Meshtastic project.

WARNINNG HIGH EXPERIMENTAL, DEVICE UNDER DEVELOPMENT, NOT PROFESSIONAL END PRODUCT

           This device have SUPPORT FOR MESHTASTIC or Armachat,
           two different projects on same HARDWARE

Hardware Features:

• Main brain is ESP32S3, required for MESHTASTIC
• Even though the device was originally designed for Raspberry PICO (that's why I have PICO in name), now I do not recommend its use due to the latest support obtained from Meshtastic community
• 2.8" IPS Color LCD 320x240
• 36 buttons QWERTY keyboard
• High quality Tactile Keyboard Switch DIPTRONIC 100gF (1N) soft feel, near mechanical keyboard
• RFM95 LoRa radio module
• Armachat main software in circuitpython, fully open and transparent
• USB-C battery charging for 18650 (battery not included)
• 115mm x 95mm x 18mm dimensions with internal battery

Latest SW features -> two way, compare Armachat vs Meshtastic, you can change in future, need some software skills but no soldering required :)

      RADIO IS NOT CERTIFIED !

ARMACHAT features

• Simple circuitpython code
• This variant work also on Raspberry Pi PICO
• Armachat firmware setup is not interactive, edit /lib/config.py
• operation is simple, type message and press enter to send, wait for send, wait for delivery confirmation
• list messages in memory
• enable disable AES256 encryption
• delivery confirmation
• one letter is command, longer text is message, if you need send only one letter give etc extra Space
• because communication protocol is not compatible with other devices you need more units than one

Armachat Commands:

• [H] - HELP
• [E]edit - modify selected message
• [M]Memory - count send received messages
• [L]List - on/off details in message
• [R]Radio - print radio information
• [C]crypto - on/off encryption
• [D]Debug - on/off debug messages
• [G]ping - start continuously sending incrementing number, for range test

Meshtastic features

• I think you know Meshtastic ... I can not provide software support for this firmware, this development is out of my control
• This device is something like well known Meshtastic gateway + standalone communicator it is like larger display and keyboard.
• SW features all as you known, unit work like gateway connected via BT to phone app
• you can send messages from phone or keyboard
• display show only last received message, no history is implemented
• simple delivery confirmation for last message (you can see delivery only in app)
• wifi & BT
• all configuration you must set on mobile app
• not required to have two units chek on video Meshtastic test with phone
• more communicators interaction Standalone operations

• for details feel free ask

   Read please !!!!!!, You can order by your choice
  

• PCB SET White only, Bare PCB boards no components included, soldering and ordering components skills required

• Assembled working unit by selected frequency

FIRMWARE:

• Meshtastic - Assembled working unit with Meshtastic firmware
• Armachat - Assembled working unit with Armachat firmware

Switching between firmwares

• go to bootloader mode: short solder jumper on Bpi board and shortly press reset button
• Meshtastic go to web flasher
• Armachat install circuitpython from Installer Copy files from Armachat-circuitpython

Required components for bare PCB self assembly

Optional components (bottom battery board)

SOURCE CODE for CircuitPython Armachat

• Raspberry Pi PICO Circuitpython
• Main code and libraries

Some important pages about ARMACHAT and places with fresh news !

• My youtube - Super fresh NEWS
• facebook.com/groups/armachat - Facebook group
• patreon.com/bobricius - You can help with any amount to keep my alive
• twitter.com/bobricius - Follow fresh news
• instagram.com/bobricius76/ - Follow fresh pictures

Distance (Max power, Spread Factor 12)

• 700m unit on garden desk
• 1500m unit in window, about 4m above ground
• 4300m unit in attic window, 10m above ground - not reliable

Direct PCB order from factory

• MOTHERBOARD
• Top cover for black/gold variant
• Top cover for white/black variant (recommended)
• Left/right side you need double count !
• Down side
• Top side
• Bottom cover with charger

FAQ:

Why ENIG gold finish is not available ?

• After couple of months I found some ugly corrosion on all board, also by different manufacturers. This finish is of course available if you order board from factory.

Why black solder mas is not available ?

• On this finish is are very visible fingerprints and scratches. This finish is of course available if you order board from factory.

Why separated charge module ?

• I wanted higher flexibility and easy to repair, module is cheap and can be easy replaced.

Armachat or Meshtastic?

• I think Armachat easier for self experimenting, you need two devices, better standalone mode. Meshtastic is robust platform with many features but for all you need phone, no message history in device. In this days yu can easier switching between.

bpi-PicoW-S3 or Raspberry pico?

• For Meshtastic only bpi-PicoW-S3, Armachat work on both boards, Retro computers emulator only on RaspberryPICO