M.A.D. Gear Meshtastic Node - Walkie Textie V2

OFF-GRID TEXTING IN A COVERT CONTAINER

**If you select the "Chassis" configuration, you will only get the 3D printed insert. This is only recommended for advanced users. Kit and Assembled configurations come with everything except an empty nicotine container**

This Meshtastic device was created out of necessity. In mid 2024, we had a bunch of Meshtastic boards and nothing to put them in. Fortunately, my (former) nicotine addiction provided us with an opportunity to house our superfluous Meshtastic units. After displaying this project on our Instagram and YouTube, many said they’d like to try one out for themselves, so here they are!

Transparency: By buying this product, you are supporting our continued RDT&E (Research, Design, Testing, and Evaluation). The total cost to make a single unit on your own would be $44.08 at the time of this listing without the internal chassis. You could do it cheaper on your own, but buying our product supports our efforts, so we encourage you to do so. Purchasing in bulk and having a 3D printer obviously scales the cost down, and I believe that is important to acknowledge.

Parts List:

• 1 - Empty nicotine pouch container (no nicotine products are being sold here, just the empty case as a housing. You will need to source your own empty container) ON! AND ZYN AVAILABLE NOW, ROGUE COMING SOON
• 1 - 19003 RAK Meshtastic Starter Kit (Including the base board, the radio module, the Bluetooth antenna, and 902-928MHz antenna)
  • Included in Kit and Assembled devices only
• 1 - 3.7V 250mAh Lipo Battery w/ JST 2.0 Connector (reversed polarity)
  • Included in Kit and Assembled devices only
• 1 - Custom 3D printed chassis which holds it all together - Designed and printed by M.A.D. Gear LLC
  • Included in the Kit, Assembled unit, and the Chassis option

Performance Expectations:

• Battery Life: Our testing shows that you can get 12 useful hours out of the device before it needs to be recharged, all depending on how much you are using the radio.
• Range: This will depend on many factors, like height of the node, terrain, buildings, density of greenery, etc. On average, these devices can get around half a mile of range, but results will vary depending on the situation.
• Connectivity: This device operates in the 902-928MHz range under 1W, and it can only connect with other Meshtastic devices. In order to use this device, you will either need one of these AND another Meshtastic device, or you will need TWO of these devices. You will need an End User Device (cellphone, PC, etc.) which can connect to this device via Bluetooth in order to use it. You will also need the Meshtastic App if you're using your phone. (iPhone App) (Android App)

Variations:

• Assembled (Easy): The fully assembled unit comes ready to use. The device will require a quick charge and some set-up in the app, but that's it! Simply drop it into your empty nicotine container, and you're ready to rock. Starting in March of 2025, we will be shipping the assembled units without the empty nicotine container. You will simply need to put the device in your own empty container. This will help us reduce material sourcing complexity and get more units shipped faster!
• Kit (Intermediate): No drilling or soldering required. The kit comes with all the parts you need to get started, but will require assembly. Assembly instructions can be found on our YouTube. No tools required. Starting in March of 2025, the kit will also no longer ship with an empty container
• Chassis (Advanced): This only includes the internal chassis which we designed to fit inside of an empty nicotine container. This will allow you to source the COTS (commercial off the shelf) materials your self. The kit assembly instructions will still apply. This does NOT come with the Meshtastic Starter Kit or battery, but you can easily source these parts yourself.