Jenny List writes about how an undocumented feature in certain ESP32 chips allows the raw I/Q stream to be tapped before the WiFi modem, effectively turning them into software-defined radio receivers. Discovered independently by Espargos and a Reddit user, the mode supports both 2.4 and 5 GHz bands but is limited to receive-only operation.
- Only works on ESP32 variants with earlier Tensilica hardware; Bluetooth-only and non-radio P4 chips won't work
- Transmit capability appears possible but remains undocumented, with the discoverer refusing to share due to "rule 3"
- The 80 Msps 32-bit/sample data rate creates bandwidth challenges for external transfer via SDIO or UART interfaces
- Only works on ESP32 variants with earlier Tensilica hardware; Bluetooth-only and non-radio P4 chips won't work
- Transmit capability appears possible but remains undocumented, with the discoverer refusing to share due to "rule 3"
- The 80 Msps 32-bit/sample data rate creates bandwidth challenges for external transfer via SDIO or UART interfaces
The SuperBase is a $75 standalone Meshtastic device from muzi works, combining a Base Uno and Super IO board inside a 3D-printed translucent PETG case. It offers built-in GPS (dual GPS/BDS), a digital compass, a large square OLED screen, and a 1500mAh battery that lasts up to 2 days with GPS enabled. Available pre-assembled or as a DIY kit requiring soldering.
- Powered by the nRF52840 SoC and SX1262 radio, supporting both 868MHz and 915MHz via a universal stubby antenna
- Weighs 80.3g (2.8oz) with antenna; dimensions roughly 48 x 80 x 19mm
- Features a 2-mode power switch, tone buzzer for notifications, fast USB-C charging up to 1A, and onboard RTC
- Customer reviews (4.55/5 from 11 reviews) praise portability and ease of use but note the translucent case chips easily and the display shows horizontal line shadowing at max brightness
- Powered by the nRF52840 SoC and SX1262 radio, supporting both 868MHz and 915MHz via a universal stubby antenna
- Weighs 80.3g (2.8oz) with antenna; dimensions roughly 48 x 80 x 19mm
- Features a 2-mode power switch, tone buzzer for notifications, fast USB-C charging up to 1A, and onboard RTC
- Customer reviews (4.55/5 from 11 reviews) praise portability and ease of use but note the translucent case chips easily and the display shows horizontal line shadowing at max brightness
Researchers from Dartmouth College and other institutions have developed a low-cost method to manage indoor Wi-Fi coverage using 3D-printed plastic shells wrapped in aluminum foil. This project, called WiPrint, uses software algorithms to simulate radio wave propagation based on specific floor plans, allowing users to redirect signals toward desired areas while minimizing leakage outside the home or into adjacent rooms.
* Increases signal strength by up to 6 decibels in targeted zones and reduces it by as much as 10 decibels in restricted areas.
* Provides a physical layer of privacy that complements digital encryption like WPA2 or WPA3.
* The complete setup is cost-effective, costing approximately $35 to build.
* Increases signal strength by up to 6 decibels in targeted zones and reduces it by as much as 10 decibels in restricted areas.
* Provides a physical layer of privacy that complements digital encryption like WPA2 or WPA3.
* The complete setup is cost-effective, costing approximately $35 to build.
A technical overview of intercepting and decoding satellite communications, detailing hardware, software, and techniques used for signal acquisition and decryption.
The ITU‑R Recommendation P.833‑2 provides guidance on estimating radio‑wave attenuation caused by vegetation for frequencies between 30 MHz and 60 GHz. Because foliage conditions vary widely and experimental data are limited, the recommendation offers separate models for different frequency bands and path geometries. For a terrestrial link with one end inside a woodland, the extra loss is expressed using two parameters: the specific attenuation rate γ (dB / m) that describes short‑range scattering loss, and a maximum attenuation Am that caps the total excess loss due to additional mechanisms such as surface‑wave propagation and forward scattering. The excess attenuation for a path length d inside the vegetation is given by Aev = Am 1 – exp(–d γ / Am) » . This formulation allows engineers to calculate the additional loss when a transmitter or receiver is located within dense vegetation.
Information about Meshtastic, an open-source, decentralized, off-grid mesh network, and the MDARC's involvement with it, including node locations and configurations.
The Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 (V4) is an ESP32-S3-based off-grid LoRa/Meshtastic communicator with solar charging, optional GNSS, and a high 28dBm transmit power.
Meshnology offers a range of IoT and Meshtastic related products including ESP32 LoRa modules, batteries, antennas, development boards, sensors, and cases.
This project details building a system to send images in real-time from high altitude using SSTV (Slow-Scan Television) and PMR walkie-talkies. It covers hardware setup, code configuration, and launch results. Note: PMR is under ham radio license in US.
It is a 4-inch touchscreen device designed for Meshtastic®, powered by dual MCUs, the ESP32 and RP2040, and supports Wi-Fi, BLE, and LoRa®. It is an open-source, powerful IoT development platform.
