Skip to product information
1 of 5

The Walkie Textie - Covert Meshtastic Node

The Walkie Textie - Covert Meshtastic Node

Regular price $69.00
Regular price Sale price $69.00
Sale Sold out

Buy two and the second radio is 10% off. You need two Meshtastic radios to talk, so most people start with a pair.

Configuration
Quantity

Free US shipping from Austin, TX. Empty can not included.

Text your group when cell service is down. The Walkie Textie is a Meshtastic radio built to fit inside an empty Zyn can. Pair it with your phone over Bluetooth, open the free Meshtastic app, and you can text anyone else on the mesh without cell towers, internet, or a monthly plan.

The can is not included. Assembled and Kit units come with the board, radio, antennas, battery, and our 3D printed chassis, so all you supply is an empty can. You need at least two Meshtastic radios to talk, which is why most people order a pair. A Walkie Textie also talks to any other Meshtastic radio already on your local mesh.

Pick your build

  • Assembled comes ready to use. Charge it, set it up in the app, and drop it in your can.
  • Kit includes every part and goes together by hand with no drilling, soldering, or tools. Follow the assembly video on our YouTube.
  • Chassis is the 3D printed insert only, for people who already own a RAK starter kit and battery.

What to expect

  • Battery. About 12 hours of useful run time per charge, depending on how often you transmit. Charges over USB-C.
  • Range. About half a mile on average. Height, terrain, buildings, and trees all change that, so get it up high when you can.
  • Radio. 902 to 928 MHz at under 1W, for use in the US.
  • Works with the Meshtastic app on iPhone and Android, and any other Meshtastic device.

What's inside the Assembled and Kit builds

  • RAK 19003 Meshtastic starter kit with the base board, RAK4630 radio module, Bluetooth antenna, and 915 MHz antenna
  • 3.7V 250mAh LiPo battery with a JST 2.0 connector
  • MAD Gear 3D printed chassis

Why we built it

In 2024 we had a pile of Meshtastic boards and nothing small enough to carry them in. An empty nicotine can turned out to be the right size, it rides in a pocket, and nobody looks at it twice. After we showed the first one on Instagram and YouTube, enough people asked for their own that we started making them. Every chassis is designed and printed by MAD Gear, and orders ship from Austin, Texas by USPS.

View full details

Walkie Textie questions

Do I need cell service or a data plan?

No. The Walkie Textie pairs with your phone over Bluetooth and sends texts over its own radio to other Meshtastic radios nearby. There are no cell towers, no internet and no monthly plan involved.

How far can it reach?

About half a mile on average between two radios. Height, terrain, buildings and trees all change that, so get it up high when you can. Every other Meshtastic radio on your local mesh can also relay your message farther.

How long does the battery last?

About 12 hours of useful run time per charge, depending on how often you transmit. It charges over USB-C.

How many do I need?

At least two, since a radio needs someone to talk to. Most people order a pair, and the second radio is discounted automatically in your cart. A Walkie Textie also talks to any other Meshtastic radio already on your local mesh.

Does it work with iPhone and Android?

Yes. It works with the free Meshtastic app on both, and with any other Meshtastic device.

Do I need a license to use it?

No. It runs at 902 to 928 MHz at under 1 watt, a band that does not require a license in the US.

Is the Zyn can included?

No. Assembled and Kit units include the board, radio, antennas, battery and our 3D printed chassis. All you supply is an empty can.

What is the difference between Assembled, Kit and Chassis?

Assembled comes ready to use. Kit includes every part and goes together by hand with no drilling, soldering or tools, and the assembly video is on our YouTube. Chassis is the 3D printed insert only, for people who already own a RAK starter kit and battery.

  • 5 stars: 8 (89%)
  • 4 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 1 (11%)
A
Anonymous
First time using Meshtastic

First time using Meshtastic. I ordered two of them and they are exactly what I expected. The instructions are super easy and clear

R
Ryan Cannell
ZYNTASTIC MESH GEAR

Great product,Great idea Still learning on setting up Great product for just starting out well worth the money

J
Jacob Beaty
Great product works

Great product works perfectly

A
Anonymous
J
Joseph Pieroni
Put it in a 3D printed can

Works great in 3D-printed dip-size cans, and you can fit two in a Maxpdition dip can pouch so you can carry one for you and a friend when you go to fairs and things.

Joseph,

Great idea with the 3D printed can! Thanks for the review.

-Sam

J
Jeremy Morrison
Worth the purchase

I bought this to add another layer to my communications and honestly im more thrilled than i expected. The kit was easy to assemble and get running right away. I will buy more to give out to my team.

Jeremy,

Great pics - Thanks for the review!

-Sam

A
Andrew

Exactly as described! It's perfect

R
Ron

Deceptive product description

Ron Hawkins,

We are sorry that the description was confusing for you. As requested per our recent email exchange, please let us know which part was most confusing so that we can make the description easier to understand for everyone. We can begin processing your return as soon as you'd like, just reach out!

J
Jay

Awesome little device. Personally , using it for emergencies only . Put together well as I went with assembled version. Also, just a cool design all in all. Works as it should with meshtastic app etc .

Meshtastic Beginner Course

Get a reliable Meshtastic setup without burning hours in forums and conflicting advice. This course walks you from “new device” to a working local mesh, then teaches the field habits that keep it working when things break.

One-time purchase. Instant access. Backed by a simple 14-day refund policy if it’s not a fit. See our refund policy.