Atlavox M1 Meshtastic Radio | Off-grid texting

Buy an Atlavox M1 here: atlavox.com/pr...
Meshtastic is a FREE, open-source project that uses small LoRa radios to send text messages and data, without needing cell service or internet. The radio pairs to your phone, and using the free Meshtastic app you can send encrypted texts, location coordinates, and more across your decentralized Meshtastic network. No license or subscription required. meshtastic.org...
The Atlavox M1 is a radio body I designed around the popular RAK WisBlock platform (meshtastic.org.... It is modular, and it is one of the most power efficient Meshtastic-compatible radios. The M1 will last several days with its built-in rechargeable 2000mAh battery.
You can buy a fully assembled radio, ready to go right out of the box, or you can buy an enclosure and build your own radio with your own WisBlock and battery.
Atlavox M1 Assembly Instructions: atlavox.com/pa...
RAK WisBlock Meshtastic Starter Kit: atlavox.com/pr...
Required battery: geni.us/bKmOH (AFFILIATE LINK)
WisMesh Pocket: geni.us/WisMes... (AFFILIATE LINK)
00:00 Intro
00:39 Why WisBlock?
01:10 Setup
01:29 Empty Enclosure
02:04 Minimal Hardware
04:55 Meshtastic Starter Kit
05:59 GPS
07:09 SMA
07:59 Identification
09:14 Power Switch
10:27 Stable
10:47 Heat Resistant
11:51 Grip
12:31 No Display
14:03 WisMesh Pocket
#meshtastic #wisblock #offgrid

[@Meshtastic]

Liked and subscribed! Well done. We have our eye on you. :)

[@scuba5k]

Once I saw on your website you printed the whole case in PETG I made my purchase. Thank you.

[@Atlavox]

Yeah both the top and bottom are now printed in PETG!

[@patrickgriffin4670]

These are exactly what i was looking for. Perfect for hiking and camping with my boys. Great work!! I ordered 3 :)

[@chrisb2418]

I saw this on Reddit over the weekend and was waiting for the video! Really appreciate how you thought of everything and explained why things were designed a particular way. Just ordered one! Thank you!

[@waylonk2453]

Man, this is amazing. Thanks for walking us through your design choices too--the battery retention geometry is next level. Thanks for giving the radio a proper SMA female post for flexible antenna options. The identifier cubes are a really sweet detail as well! I see the Atlavox as a competitor to the Beartooth radios. They're overpriced so there's real room for a more affortable, better product to flex into. What you've done here is exciting, and I'll be following the project.

[@joemorris6]

What does Beartooth offer feature wise that this doesn't? Is it just talking that's missing?

[@MacKayz117]

Great design! Looks like a mini jerry can

[@Atlavox]

Haha, I love that. It does indeed.

[@MacKayz117]

@@Atlavox I assumed that was your plan lol

[@Liberty4Ever]

Very nice design. I like the choices you made. I had a different application. I designed a much larger PETG enclosure that mounts on a pole on top of the house, with a 8.5 dBi antenna hidden down inside the PVC mounting pole. There's a solar panel on top but it looks a bit like a bird house. There's a WisBlock inside with three 18650 lithium batteries. My brother, sister and I live a few miles apart so we can text when the SHTF.

[@AlexTurpin]

As an international customer I would definitely go for an option to buy the "design", e.g. the STL and part list / some assembly instructions maybe! I suppose things like the power switch and your sunken screw mounts would make that harder, but just a thought!

[@Atlavox]

I'm going to be opening international sales slowly once I learn the export and customs requirements. Each country is different, and it's kind of overwhelming. I plan on offering the enclosure just to simplify shipping and inventory so I don't have to stock different versions of WisBlocks.

[@IpadAccount-pk9ts]

@@Atlavox if you do international, could you include the option of 868 radios ?

[@QuebecoisSti]

same here especially the $USD is so high for most currency like Canada at the moment

[@bodstrup]

Super job with the case - and I applaud the choice of board - the Heltec board is more or less a one day unit even on a 18650 battery. Do not expect too much sales into EU - the taxes are huge..😢 Regards Mike

[@revadan]

That longer antenna is a hit and miss.. make sure u check each SWR .. hams are very picky with antennas.. 😊

[@garycobb6281]

I just ordered mine today can’t wait

[@dansklrvids7303]

Looks good - ordered! Looking forward to seeing the solar back in stock.

[@ajdu5390]

These seem really great! The naming feature is great. Sure beats the printed labels I use!

[@goombakiwi]

A to F = 6 1 to 6= 6 6x6 = 36 combinations. 1 to 6 = 6 A to F = 6 6x6 = 36 combinations 36+ 36 = 72 combinations😁

[@Atlavox]

Well shit… you’re absolutely right

[@LyleJTheriot]

I think if you leave one of the blocks out you can have a single-digit identifier and consider blanks “0” to achieve 144 unique

[@IndependentNewsMedia]

Nice overview video, God bless.

[@luciansalajan949]

Great design! I would suggest that the power button should be more protected... In this design, it is prone to accidently be switched off if the device is hanging from the top... It is just a suggestion

[@RavenwoodAcres]

Amazing design!

[@INHCIO]

Just ordered 2 to go with my 2 S4s, need to swag some of your AV stickers for the window of my truck, Maybe a Meshtastic sticker too, charge me a buck or 4. Love your work.

[@Atlavox]

I threw a couple stickers in there for ya ;) I gotta order more, actually!

[@INHCIO]

@@Atlavox You rock sir.

[@adk5746]

I’m almost ready to buy. Been following for a while. I need it to have keyboard.

[@Atlavox]

This one is designed to pair with your cell phone, so you'd just use type messages on your phone. If you want a self-contained radio with on-board keyboard, you should look at the Lilygo T-Deck

[@maurolimaok]

Nicely done.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

You just sold me on it.

[@richardkennedy815]

The energy saving feature would be GREAT! I have already run into problems with my first T Beam Supreme...they apparently EAT batteries. I love the unit, except for the battery issue...and that critical for my application

[@Atlavox]

I've got a T-Beam too. Great radio, just bad on battery life. I have it set up as my stationary house node. It's great cause it has WiFi, so I can access it from anywhere in my house on the local network

[@richardkennedy815]

@@Atlavox Yeah, I'm afraid that is the route I will be taking also. The M1 looks to be what I am looking for. I like the idea of having the T Beam here at the house all the time, plus something like the Atlavox on my person or tac vest. These will actually be back up to a similar setup, but using a Panasonic FZ-X1 to my dual band HT anyway. I will set up my wife's phone to dual connect using the T beam at the house, and one on her person also.

[@lesterlauritzen]

Awesome design. I only wish there were more designs that have the antenna port recessed down so that the antenna isn't sticking out so far, so that the antenna runs the length of the radio. Like some of the heltec v3 cases on etsy.

[@RandomDude989]

What kind of charge controller is there? Any protections from over charging? Protections from draining the battery too low?

[@garylanders1470]

I would like to see it in a weather tight configuration. Maybe not submersion proof but at least rain proof. I'm sure that covert deployment in trees is what many will do to create a network.

[@Atlavox]

I'm really apprehensive about trying to make any sort of waterproof 3D printed case. I just don't think it's possible without some sort of coating. For a personal radio like this, why not just keep it in a bag or under a poncho if you're going to be in the rain? It's not like you ever really need to look at the radio, you'll be interacting with it through your phone. If you're looking for a node to deploy remotely, I'll be launching my solar node again in about a month or so. That is waterproof and is more appropriate for putting in a tree.

[@Porty1119]

@@Atlavox It's likely possible with some materials. If I were to order any I'd think about an epoxy coating on the interior; I've had good results sealing SLS nylon printed parts that way.

[@phillipnunya6793]

​@Atlavox I have absolutely no experience with this stuff, but I think all you would need to do is mimic the gasket system from a pelican case. Should be simple to print that. Just pop in a gasket and done. As for screws, make them all located on the outer side of the gasket and not into the case cavity. Anything else, like the antenna port, just needs silicone sealant.

[@AuxArcClimbing]

I found an olive green PETG recently. It's not matte, unfortunately, but I can fix that with a rattlecan of matte dusting.

[@Atlavox]

I switched over to PETG for the top cover too.

[@NexGen-3D]

@Altavox Take a look at the T114 from Heltec, that is based on the NRF and is like night and day difference to the V3.

[@IpadAccount-pk9ts]

Love your build and wish i got that instead of my lillygo t-beam setup. I absolutely hate the lillygo’s buttons and lack of a real on/off button. Also great way to ID the radio. My only thought is that lipo’s are dangerous - i would love to see you use a 21700 or the like.

[@barcodenut]

How do you tell the health of the battery if there is no screen on the M1?

[@Atlavox]

You interface with the radio through your cell phone, which connects to the radio via Bluetooth. It'll tell you the battery level and everything else you need to know.

[@jhlewis10]

For $42 it should have a gasket kit with it for water intrusion. I mean nice design but a $1 worth of filament, and STL's all over the place.

[@Atlavox]

With 3D printing, you're not really going to get anything that's waterproof without some sort of coating. Even if you can get it tight enough to avoid droplets of water, it's going to hold moisture between the layer lines. So I just didn't feel like I should even bother trying. Considering this isn't the type of radio you need to hold in your hand to talk into or even look at (you'll be looking at your phone instead), I'm not sure why you wouldn't just place the radio in a backpack or under a poncho if you're going to be in the rain. idk, not really a big deal from my perspective. But if that's something you need, I've seen a few people making some pretty cool-looking enclosures out of aluminum you might want to check out. As far as costs, the custom circuit board, switch, cable, JST Header, hardware, iPEX cable, foam padding, and labor involved with soldering and setting the thread inserts are part of the costs too. But if you've got your own 3D printer and see a different design you prefer, go for it! I'd love to see more nodes being deployed.

[@Tyguy266]

What 3D Priter do you use? i have the K1 Max and ive been printing for about 3 years now. love your cubes. got my sub. Ham Radio and 3D Printing hell yaaa. Much love from BC Canada

[@Atlavox]

I got a Bambu X1C, it's an amazing 3D printer. I've been printing since 2012, started out with a self-build mendel. The Bambu takes it to a whole other level, it's great.

[@Tyguy266]

@Atlavox ya that's a great choice. I started with CR10 smart and an ender v2 neo lol not bad starters and to be honest the v2 neo prints smoother then my k1 max lol. Love the content buddy and looking forward to watching more

[@The3DPrintingWarrant]

Do you plan on selling the STL files so we can print them independently and get different colors? Great video

[@Atlavox]

I wasn’t planning on it only because of the custom switch assembly required, the specific length ipex cable, and the threaded inserts. Would you still want to print your own if maybe I offered those components as a kit?

[@blairM363]

Wonderful design, wish you had put 4 identification cubes to match the short name. Nevertheless this is awesome.

[@Atlavox]

I had considered it. But the idea is your first two characters would be your “personal ID” that are the same between all your devices, and you just use the last two for distinguishing each radio. So I didn’t feel it was necessary to have all four. It reduces complexity. I wish I had explained that in the video.

[@blairM363]

@@Atlavox you explained it fine. Besides you would be supplying lots of dice instead of cases if you had. Thanks I ordered two cases with an antenna each.

[@chingibson8315]

I just emailed you regarding M1 shipping times for a class... but side note, where did you get the Meshtastic Lego block t-shirt? I need on!😂 ChinzUp

[@Atlavox]

I don't think I got your email. [e-mail]? The shirt was sent to me by RAK :) They sent me some parts to play with, I'll be doing a video on them soon.

[@Raymond23rdOBC]

cool

[@gshockhodinky]

👍 Nice

[@djmorodaraye4313]

No case print file?wish somone would design a case where the antenna whent up the side like the cool heltec 1s

[@Atlavox]

The print file wouldn't be very useful because it requires the custom switch I fabricate anyways. Plus you need a dual-filament-capable 3D printer to print the dice, and a tool to thermally set the threaded inserts, it just isn't something that is easily printed.

[@Voyajer.]

​@@Atlavox​multi material can be done with any printer with proper slicer configuration and using a soldering iron for the threaded inserts is common. As for the switch, with an STL file available one could modify the mesh to fit whatever they have on hand for a switch (step file preferred though obviously). If you just don't want it available that's a separate matter, though being able to print replacement shells if it gets damaged is probably the main appeal.

[@jb76489]

Very cool! How water resistant is it?

[@weberito]

bro...

[@Strepherd]

Hi ! Please make it available to delivery in europe (france), at least the case if you don't want to sell 868mhz wisblocks

[@Atlavox]

I will be looking into international shipping this week

[@RobertLeeTeacher]

How is the range on it?

[@richardkennedy815]

Does anyone make a flexible 915 antenna? Mounted on a tac vest...I wonder about durability.

[@JuggernautJo]

Is ATaK compatibility available preloaded?

[@joemorris6]

Would be nice

[@XavierGarnet]

great design can you share your printable design

[@TheBenny1683]

What's the battery life like?

[@Dontcopit]

Will it work with ATAK ?

[@Atlavox]

Yes it will. meshtastic.org/docs/software/integrations/integrations-atak-plugin/

[@ruim8590]

pardon my ignorance. what is the point of this?

[@Iscott071270]

It mean you can text with others All others who have one extend your range in a mesh pushing your text further range in a priority to reach out further until you get to one connected to the internet then you can jump 100’s of miles. If cell service goes down you can still communicate all on the open use no license 900 megahertz radio band that we all used in the ‘90s to go wireless on our landline phones. Still available I think. Think fun Think emergency comms Think connected in the wilderness with no cell service Think tactical military con and controol awareness for airsoft mock military ops Think search and rescue coms Think disaster relief teams connected Think gps where are you where am I

[@markniemi3924]

Off-grid encrypted messenger what good is that!

[@pabss3193]

How long the battery lasts?

[@ostrov11]

... man, you printed a case and are selling it?

[@Uplateondatube]

What gps module do I need ?

[@Atlavox]

As stated, below, yeah, I'd recommend the RAK12500 store.rakwireless.com/products/wisblock-gnss-location-module-rak12500

[@mathiasjedlicka9800]

Abs would be nice and an water tight seal

[@cxsey8587]

Wish it was water resistant

[@PortugalCarp]

Lovely idea, but go and look at the NEW NRF52 from Heltec, the Mesh Node T114. Radio, screen, GPS, Antenna and case all for $41.70!

[@Uplateondatube]

😢

[@Atlavox]

Awesome! Heltec making a NRF52 radio now! This might be a great candidate for my next design.

[@fabiomariotti_ps]

I could not find a single full video on how to use it. A use case. It is all about casing and devices, but not a real life example of a communication and it's setup with a granny (for example :) ).

[@fabiomariotti_ps]

Can I have one? :)

[@Tom_Neverwinter]

until they fix the node propagation issue

[@gabethomas4000]

@atlavox In the introduction you sell your radio as something with features that no other radios have, and that seems intellectually dishonest. It's a Rak in a 3d printed case in a sea amongst raks in printed cases. The only thing it really has going for it is the case and frame design, that's a nice design and a fresh take. I feel like if you could add some IPV6 level water resistance, maybe throw a gasket or seal into the print and add some more screws to keep it secured, you'd get more bites.

[@Atlavox]

The unique features this case has are: 1. The physical ID cubes which allows for radio identification without power or a screen. 2. Unique battery retainment design which allows for a 2-piece case while having the top completely untethered from the base for easy servicing/upgrading. 3. Custom PCB battery switch which allows for a user to build their own radio without needing to solder or wire anything. How is that dishonest? Most people don't even bother with the thermal-set threaded inserts either, so that's pretty unique too.

[@MrD0od]

Nice job! ;D

[@Atlavox]

Thanks! 😄

[@johnmofa]

It is nice but the case can use night glow?

[@bluenetmarketing]

How do I charge the battery?

[@Atlavox]

It's got a USB-C port on the bottom for charging. You just need to make sure the battery switch is turned on, so the charge controller can connect to the battery.

[@bluenetmarketing]

@@Atlavox Thanks, and good point about the power switch.