Important Detail!

This is a "bundle" offering. The price is for two Pocket Enigma devices plus the Enigma Development Adapter.

The discounts for ordering quantities include a single Enigma Development Adapter. For example, an order quantity of 3 is six devices plus one development adapter.

OK, so what is it?

The Pocket Enigma is a full functioning electronic Enigma machine, capable of encoded and decoding modern and WWII style Enigma messages. It has a built-in 2.4GHz transceiver which makes it great for sending encoded messages over short distances (for example within the same room). It can also be a fun part of online role playing games!

It measures 4.625in * 3.5in * 0.875in and weighs 4.5 oz and is powered by four AAA batteries (not included).

The Pocket Enigma comes fully assembled with an LCD screen, mini keyboard, and a 2.4GHz RF transceiver - all in an injection molded case.

The hardware started life as the SMART Response XE classroom device (see details below).

The Pocket Enigma is most fun when you have more than one - which is why this product comes in pairs! It also comes with the Enigma Development Adapter - a fully assembled interface PCB with an SPI connector - in case you ever want to reprogram the hardware!

Be sure to check out the website where there is full user documentation, screenshots, videos, and project news!

The back story

The Pocket Enigma was originally conceived as plot element for the upcoming novella, "The Adventures of Sara Cladlow: Sara and the Forgotten Diary". The more the story evolved, the more interesting the Pocket Enigma became.

There already existed a hardware solution in the form of the SMART Response XE classroom device - a small battery powered device with a display, keyboard, and an RF transceiver. It was the perfect match for a fun encrypted messaging device!

With the hardware sorted, the next task was the software. The Pocket Enigma is built on top of two open source projects: the SRXEcore and the Enigma API.

The Enigma Development Adapter was created to simplify programming the Pocket Enigma hardware. It is so useful, it's included in the bundle!

This adapter has a small 'bed of nails' (long PoGo pins) which connect to contact pads exposed when the battery cover of the Pocket Enigma is removed. With the Enigma Development Adapter, it is easy to program the hardware using any standard SPI programmer. It also has break-out pins and LEDs (the SRXEcore has extra API functions for taking advantage of these pins and LEDs).

Wireless messages

The most fun part of the Pocket Enigma is sending and receiving encoded messages wirelessly. Just like the original Enigma machines used in WWII, a message is only decoded if the receiving Pocket Enigma is configured with the right settings!

There are lots of possibilities for the Pocket Enigma like making up games where teams send messages to each other while keeping their messages secret from their opponents. The Pocket Enigma may also be used to encode and decode messages from online role playing games, chat rooms, Discord, and other shared online services.

The hardware was commercially designed for use by grade level children in the classroom so it is built tough. It's not indestructible but it's robust and fun to take on-the-go.

The included Enigma Development Adapter means - if you every stop using the Pocket Enigma - you can develop your own projects for the hardware. (But we really don't know why you would every want to do that! :wink:

Up-Cycled Hardware

The Pocket Enigma hardware is upcycled from SMART Response XE classroom devices. These devices are not new. Some devices have a number written on the bottom. Please see photos for representative condition of the devices. Before programming and shipping, the hardware for every Pocket Enigma is tested to insure the screen is fully functioning, every key on the keyboard and menus work, and the the RF transceiver sends and received data.