Lilygo T-Deck and Meshtastic - Encrypted Comms

[@S2Underground]

This is awesome, thanks!

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Thanks man! I appreciate all you do and watch your channel regularly. I'm looking forward to participating in GhostNet!

[@S2Underground]

@@The_Comms_Channel Nice! I hope to figure out a way to implement Meshtastic into the plan as well. Meshtastic is such a powerful tool it deserves to be included in not just emergency plans, but also for everyday use

[@The_Comms_Channel]

@@S2Underground Absolutely! I'll rack my brain a bit and see what I can come up with. I'll send an email your way with some ideas.

[@plzzz]

Every prepper need this along with the node and lora router.

[@Hazik_YouTube]

Kinda useless without file transfer capabilities. Just use a walkie-talkie lol.

[@totallylegityoutubeperson4170]

There are a lot of practical uses for being able to send text messages. ​@@Hazik_KZbin

[@FlatEarthDisciple]

These are amazing. I've been lusting after this type of device for years. I really, really hope they take off soon. They have the potential to create a whole new alternative to mainstream cell phones. They SHOULD become a whole new alternative to cell phones.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

That would be awesome! LoRa isn't really suited for voice calls, but text/data is what's used the most on current cell phone networks anyways.

[@memyselfandi8544]

I was thinking the same. This technology can evolve many directions at once. Satellite, HD, social media, military, etc.

[@fernandoblazin]

how about a phone flashed with a custom rom, like LineageOS will that be able to do the trick

[@scottbradford192]

It will never. Ever happen. Sorry. This is a toy for nerds. Nothing more

[@fernandoblazin]

@@scottbradford192 nerd life forever

[@PreparedOverlander]

I have 6 of these now, 4 LILYGO® TTGO Meshtastic T-Beam and 2 Meshtastic T-Echo. I plan to use these around my neighborhood and when I go camping/overlanding. We can use text messages instead of the radio, which I use now. If you live in an area that is prone to power outages, these may come in handy for neighbors to chat and check in on each other if the cell phones dont work.

[@briankendall1978]

Thanks for taking the time to get this device and do the review. The moment i saw this device I was extremely interested in it. I am sure, in time, this device will become very polished and useful, but it is quite new.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Sure thing! I'm sure it will become more usable before too long.

[@PreparedOverlander]

I recently did a test to see how these would work paired with other digital devices besides a cell phone. I have a Fire tablet that I put the Google app store on, then downloaded Meshtastic to this device, it works great. I also paired a board to my Samsung tablet and very same results, works great. If you dont have a cell phone, you will want to download off-line maps or you cant use the GPS feature as it wont show you on any map, just a background with squares.

[@nuwanda923]

I was thinking about an e-ink screen too. They are great for reading text. And as this device is just for sending and receiving text, this shall be the best solution. Better even if it had lateral lights for illuminating the screen as in a kindle paperwhite.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

e-ink would be the way to go for something like this. Maps might be a bit rough on e-ink, but sending/receiving text are the most important thing though.

[@InVinoVeritas.]

The LilyGo Echo does use an e-ink screen.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

@@InVinoVeritas. True! I'll have a video out on that soon!

[@bradkaral1188]

@@InVinoVeritas. Yes, but it has a small screen and no keyboard. Apples vs. oranges.

[@RavenwoodAcres]

I just purchased one and am excited to start playing around with it. Thanks for the video!

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Sure thing! It's a cool device with a lot of potential!

[@Francois_Dupont]

also if you are worried about the cellphones, than you should also consider that GPS is likely the first thing to go if something happend. GPS can easily be jammed, or at worst be completely destroyed if a country decide to start the kessler effect in space.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Very true!

[@phil2082]

S2 Underground's video today claims the government likely has a switch that simply encrypts everything, making it military use only

[@Francois_Dupont]

@@phil2082 i didnt think about simply shutting it off/encrypting, but you are 100% right! other country could theoretically use the Kessler effect since that would pretty much block all of space for everybody and doesnt require the "kill switch". the thing is that if NATO disable their GPS constellation, the the Russian and Chinese system would still works. i am pretty sure most GPS receivers out there are able to use all the system simultaneously. the only problem would be what would the receiver do when some if not most of the received signals are garbage? it wont know what to use. the only fix would be a GPS receiver that enables you to choose what kind of satelite to use.

[@SynthOSphere]

Have a look at what’s happening in Ukraine for a hint…

[@TheRealEtaoinShrdlu]

Why does this matter? This is a cool tool for civil comms, not a tactical warfighter tool for crackpot LARPers and their weord fantasies.

[@Lets-follow-HIM]

Thanks I’ve been waiting on a review of meshtastic on the t-deck. Looks like it’s close but not quite there yet. I can’t program, but these are amazing

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Sure thing! It will hopefully be there soon!

[@thatzaliasguy]

that trackball alone reduces longevity over a simple directional pad. over a short time, that trackball is going to become packed with dust when outdoors or operating in the field for extended time, making quick menu navigation a PITA to utilize, slowing down efficient usage.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Fair point

[@wwjdtd1]

One of those ThinkPad nubs would probably have been better.

[@FkTheGov]

My Blackberry 8330 never had any issues with the trackball.

[@JohnDoe-zg6fn]

Just noticed you are at 2.9k subs. Bruh it felt like yesterday when you were at 300. Im glad to be one of the og's of the channel. Keep up the good work brother you will be at 100k soon enough.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Thanks man! I appreciate the OG's 👊

[@markirish7599]

17.3k subs as of February 12th 2024. I've just subbed 👍

[@JohnDoe-zg6fn]

@@markirish7599 Wow. In 3 months he has gotten that many subs! This channel will keep growing.

[@HotelHero]

I see a lot of comments bashing the esp32 and its apparent they don't realize the magnitude of options this chip allows hardware to run. For example you can have the esp32 send deauth signals disconnecting anything connected to any WiFi you designate (even drones etc). It also allows for marauder software which can capture and replay signals out of the air or capture WiFi packet data that can be run thru a rat to find out passwords after 4 handshakes. Esp32 is the big boy chip.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

I'm aware of all of the above capabilities of ESP32. This is a video about running Meshtastic on it, so I'm not sure what this comment has to do with my video. Why on earth would you run WiFi packet captures into a RAT?( assuming you mean Remote Access Trojan)

[@HotelHero]

@@The_Comms_Channel Lol forgot about the lingo outside my circles is different. Ratting is what we call the process of automating hashcat > tls decodes > sending it securely. I believe my autocorrect just put it in all caps.. Its relavent to your video because you were suggesting the non-ESP32 models were superior which in a battery sense they are so your not wrong but other than that they are a massively more versatile chip (esp32). I for example have meshtastic sideloaded on a few "audrino" boards they at boot can be set to load a different firmware for different applications like the deauth/card skimmer detectors/etc. Im actually dabbling in something for the T watch but storage limitations are a thing. Good video overral sir.

[@revmatch6r]

Thanks! Please keep doing wxactly what youre doing 🙏Looking forward to more

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Will do! Thanks for the support!

[@SynthOSphere]

Sold OUT !! not surprised. This thing gonna sell like hot cakes with all that’s coming , politically speaking… First company that comes up with one with a case, better trackball, and better interface, etc. Will make big bucks, One problem is: a lot of these are made in China, and, well… China’s government isn’t too keen on seeing these getting produced. They love their anti-privacy stuff…

[@Lord_zeel]

GPS or not, I would think the RTC on the ESP32 it uses should okay at keeping the time accurate once it's been set correctly.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Possibly, but there's no way to set the time at the moment.

[@zachreyhelmberger894]

Great stuff!!! Recently got into learning about LoRa!

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Appreciate it! Definitely cool technology!

[@whatsgreataboutchina1375]

it s a nice, small device. the concerns about the smart phones are very valid. i would need tablett or alike anyhow for ft8 alike, choose a tablet, a small one, without SIM card slot/no 3G, LTE, .. functionallity. or unpower it (mechanically), or dummy load the antenna port.

[@hhkk6155]

Like a DIY tablet using iPad screen and raspberry pi/orange pi for brains 😎

[@DeaneGary]

Thanks!

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Thank you so much for the support!

[@SynthOSphere]

ALSO : The day that a company integrates crypto payments into these will be the dawn of a new era. True 100% democracy will be possible !! Best weapons against tyranny!

[@flat-earther]

🤦‍♂ democracy is tyranny

[@tjjavery]

Can we get an update video? Awesome stuff

[@sfsk10neminem29]

How about the UI for lilygo tdecks? Ever think of doing a video on it?

[@philm695]

Nice job!!

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Thanks Phil!

[@Videos-ml1ny]

New to this, but where could I get a case for the T-deck? also, your amazon affiliate link for batteries shows options for 1000mAh, 1100, 2000, 3000 and 10000 mAh. What do you recommend? How long they last? Can they be recharged with solar? Thanks in advance for your help, great info.

[@jmz8086]

If you don't already have a t-deck they sell the "t-deck plus", which comes with a nice case on it and a battery etc. I just ordered one from the lilygo website.

[@l0r3zz]

Thanks!

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Sure thing! Thank you for the support!

[@bjoernschumacher5852]

what about the pinephone with linux and the LoRa backcover? wouldnt this be much better?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

That would be cool, but it doesn't use supported hardware.

[@userzero]

Which antenna are you running? Do you have a video from going from unboxing to the screens your on?

[@LoneWolf0648]

this thing is so close to being perfect

[@newFaction64]

Yeah the ESP32 is unfortunately very power hungry, wish they’d go NRF52 route.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Agree! Just needs e-ink and NRF52 as newFaction mentioned.

[@kaasmeester5903]

The Meshtastic software doesn't yet take much advantage of the device's capabilities though, such as easier navigation though the screens, storing messages on an SD card, and so on. It's not quite functional enough for a true standalone device.

[@jmz8086]

the tdeck is awesome, the keyboard actually IS from a blackberry I believe

[@monte4891]

My left and right scroll to pick recipient don't work. Is it a setting that I am missing? Latest firmware as of 6-28-24. I can only send messages on longfast unless I use my phone.

[@BobBob-il2ku]

What about adding the card KB (keyboard) to the basic t-beams I see some people doing would make a cool video especially if you can find a case Digi-Key Part Number 2221-U035-B-ND

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Didn't know that was a thing. I'll have a look into that!

[@Robert-cd5zr]

Do any of these have a vibrate or audible message alert or do you have to just manually check?

[@knightshousegames]

This feels so close to something useful.... It would be nice if there was an easy, seamless way to just hook up this sort of device to a laptop or something rather than a cell phone. Especially if you could just plug it in, SDR style and not even worry about Bluetooth

[@The_Comms_Channel]

You can use this via USB cable and use the Web browser client instead of Bluetooth to a phone. I'll be covering this in a future video so stay tuned!

[@knightshousegames]

@@The_Comms_Channel Oooh, web browser client? That sounds like it might be platform agnostic and I can use it in Linux I'm looking forward to seeing that

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Yep! Just need a Chromium based browser. They're also working on a native Linux version of Meshtastic as well.

[@newFaction64]

In my opinion Lilygo products are concept products that aren’t fully fleshed out. The fact it’s using an ESP32 is a no-go given battery usage is 10x higher than NRF52 based Meshtastic devices. You can build much better solutions with RAK brand products, Lilygos only advantage is they are already assembled.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

True. WisBlocks have definitely been my favorite platform.

[@elmergloo3259]

That’s my biggest complaint about the T-Beam is the battery life. It uses an 18650 which is huge for modern electronics. Yet the T-Beam will drain the battery completely in less than a day in standby. What’s the battery life on the T-Deck using a 1000mAh battery?

[@EvilGPT]

@@elmergloo3259not good

[@Toei-Rei]

I love their ESP32 boards as they're pretty solid development boards with all the stuff on it already.

[@memyselfandi8544]

True, but you know what? This technology is the future. It has a pathway to replace cellular networks. People want out of big tech and big brother. This is brilliant and can go in many directions at once. HD, satellite, UI, IoT, solar, social media, AI, mobile, etc.

[@chevy4x466]

What type of range with this los system in a suburban area?

[@cuddlybear4524]

Does anyone have any idea what the vcc/gnd/tx/rx connection may be used for?

[@philbe3095]

Has anyone dealt successfully with the dreaded "Critical Fault #3" on their T-Deck? Had mine up and running great for a day, then this. (it was never powered up without an antenna btw)

[@hhkk6155]

GPS for time is also a weak point, because if phones are down, there's a big probability that gps will be down too. So a simple RTC for time is better

[@ozarksurvivalsupply]

I’m currently having issues where my tdeck does not recognize other devices. They will show up with the message but just gives question marks for the recipient and other devices do not recognize the messages sent to them from the tdeck. Any ideas? Using the latest stable firmware from the meshtastic website

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Not sure on that one. I would check in Discord to see if anyone else has run into this.

[@millbean13]

Did you have to flash the firmware onto these initially? I bought two of them. One from Amazon and the other I think I got directly from Rokland. They both have a different language in the sub text on each button that looks like some Indian or Devanagari language or something and neither came with Meshtastic I think. When turning on it comes up with a random screensaver picture and then it’ll go to a screen where it has 3 tabs for testing Rx, Tx, and the keyboard. Am I doing something wrong or do I just have to flash the firmware to it myself? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

They come with a default test firmware. You'll want to flash the Meshtastic firmware on them.

[@CatRacer1A2A]

Im super interested in this, but only being able to see the last message ruins it for me.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

I hear you. It should change in version 3.0

[@TjaudioNet]

Have you been able to send messages to different groups on tdeck? I only have broadcast and individuals available to send messages to when I track ball left and right.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Looks like you're not able to at this time, but I saw a request to fix this on their GitHub. Hopefully soon.

[@TjaudioNet]

@@The_Comms_Channel thanks!!

[@The_Comms_Channel]

@@TjaudioNetSure thing!

[@ThePatriotPirate]

Is there no back to this device? It looks complete but then in an other video of yours I’m watching it shows it with no back so I’m confused.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

That is correct. You will need to 3D print a case if you have one. There are some places that sell 3D printed cases as well.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

I do find it odd that they don't have a case for it though.

[@7fatcowsfarm378]

what kind of range can you expect from something like this? is there an external antenna option?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

These are line of sight, so it really depends on the terrain in your area. You can get an IPEX to SMA connector to hook up an external antenna. You would need to print/get a case with an SMA port on it.

[@7fatcowsfarm378]

@@The_Comms_Channel That makes sense. I guess I'm just looking for a general idea of what to expect. I'm assuming it's going to be similar to the other meshtastic options if the antenna is similar? If that's accurate, I would expect the only range advantage you can get is if you mount some of the smaller units up high on a pole or in a tree, etc. (I'm in a very flat area with tall trees)

[@The_Comms_Channel]

@@7fatcowsfarm378 This will be very similar to other Meshtastic devices as far as range goes. The biggest benefit of this one is you can use it stand alone without needing a cell phone paired to it.

[@jmmorgenstern7005]

Is one problem with mesh testic? It doesn't have voice communications only text and an emergency like A. Let's see you're hurt your hands. You're falling out your arms are your hands? Then hello I don't think they'll be able to text. I think voice communication is permanent of the here so they've 4. Much testing is just another gadget that claims to have emergency functionality but actually really doesn't because it doesn't have. One key feature that is a voice communications.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Voice communication is not a prerequisite for emergency communications. There's even many 911 call centers that allow you to send them text messages. Even before that they were set up with TTY/TDD for people with speech impairments. Your hurt hands scenario doesn't make sense either. If your hands are too hurt to text, then how will you use your hands to use the PTT button on the radio?

[@rnkustomz]

Will others be able to message me randomly? I’m still trying to understand this.

[@ThePatriotPirate]

Can you use two T-decks to talk to one another and just not use a cell phone?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Yep, that is possible.

[@kierancarter3693]

lilly go would be amazing if they set it up with a damn case and or battery as well

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Definitely a bit odd there's no case.

[@GH0ST369]

How many bite encryption? Can't get it outside the US😢

[@The_Comms_Channel]

AES256 Here is more info on their encryption page meshtastic.org/docs/overview/encryption

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Where are you located?

[@GH0ST369]

@@The_Comms_Channel Canada

[@Francois_Dupont]

@@GH0ST369 aliexpress. 70$ CAD shipped

[@Francois_Dupont]

@@GH0ST369 item 1005005692235592

[@ghjgjgjttytttt]

watched many videos about this still have no Idea what's this can you shortly tell me what that do actually im IT student this when u watch this device kinda make no sense idk prove me wrong lime what that do that can be better than othersm devices?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

What this device does depends on what firmware you flash to it. In my case it's running Meshtastic which is an off-grid communications platform.

[@J-manoo7]

Do I nee the antenna they send with it

[@The_Comms_Channel]

It's definitely important to have an antenna connected to it so you don't burn up the radio, but I would recommend upgrading the antenna to something better.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

I've done a video on antennas that may be helpful. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGfaZYSqjqppgpo

[@J-manoo7]

@@The_Comms_Channel I really appreciate that bit of info, I’m new to it all so I’m not so sure we’re to Sauter

[@ikuona]

Should be easy to jam this network if needed

[@DirtyPlumbus]

Where do we get the code?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

That process is here meshtastic.org/docs/getting-started/flashing-firmware/esp32/ I'll be doing a video on the process as well soon. Have you gotten your hands on one?

[@DirtyPlumbus]

@@The_Comms_Channel thank you. Yes, it finally came in yesterday. Took a while to get ahold of. All I've done so far is hook up a battery, dig out an SD card for it, vacuform a temporary shell for it and use the Flipper Zero to verify it is actually transmitting when it says it is. Looks like I can get a shell printed from PCBWay for under $10. I'll probably do that as well.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

@@DirtyPlumbus Nice! Good use of the Flipper Zero too. It's such a handy tool to have. I should have the video out today. Good to know about PCBWay. I know not everyone has access to a 3D Printer, so that's a good idea.

[@DirtyPlumbus]

@@The_Comms_Channel the stl files for a case are included in the github repository. I actually have a 3d printer, I'd have to reload all my software to use it right now though. Sometimes it's just easier, quicker and cheaper to outsource. New users may even get $5.00 off their first order, so it's definitely a good option to know about.

[@Blueyzachary]

I wanna make a T9 keyboard for it. I’ve implemented T9 in C++ before, but idk how to get started with making something for meshtastic

[@The_Comms_Channel]

That would be great and would allot for an even smaller form factor. Wish I knew more coding so I could contribute to the project. I only know a bit of Python at the moment

[@AllanLaal]

looks like a Unihertz Titan

[@ALifeLivedFully]

the Lilygo/Meshtastic devices are great, but i have never heard anyone claim they are encrypted and don't see anything on the link in the bio or on the Meshtastic website about using encryption. what makes you say they are encrypted? what kind of encryption do they use?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Meshtastic uses AES256 encryption

[@NJtek]

Peel off the plastic it's a touch screen you can swipe

[@seymourpro6097]

Just because you don't overhear other calls doesn't mean it's secure! The board is populated in China, the operating system is "from the web" there is nothing to prove that the NSA isn't the design authority for this (or the Chinese equivalent, or MI6 the Europeans or the Russians). I'd love to have one of the "Blackberry" alikes and I'm perfectly willing to host a solar powered node for general use local to me. HOWEVER there is no chance that in a real, WW3 scale, SHTF situation any state agency will allow covert wireless communications for the masses, without serveilling every call and caller. 80 years ago in WW2 the Germans occupying Paris could df and locate a covert transmitter within 2 minutes, also code breaking improved in leaps and bounds til only one-time-pads were secure enough codes, and remember that computers have improved since then!!

[@RMLISHA123]

this is out of context but, can it run doom

[@spitfeueranna]

TBS Crossfire which controls FPV quadcopters operates on 915Mghz. I can see how a proliferation of all this mestastic instant message random rubbish is going to start interferring with people trying to control their quadcopters in the sky.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Nothing is just on 915MHz. There's an entire range available from 902-928MHz. Plenty of room for everyone.

[@dythshroomstamper]

(Deleted) because it was a stupid question

[@The_Comms_Channel]

There are no stupid questions here my friend.

[@dythshroomstamper]

@The_Comms_Channel there is when all I had to do was continue watching video lol. Btw I have already learned more in a few of your videos about meshtastic than the 20 or so I watched from other creators. You do great work.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Hahaha, I'm glad the video answered your question! I appreciate you saying that! The information is scattered all over the place and mostly just covers T-Beams. I'm glad you're finding the channel helpful!

[@narniaphuket]

still no explanation on the different types of channels (longslow, longfast, etc)

[@TalmidAndy]

I keep reading/hearing all of the prepper theories about using these devices in an 'emergency' or 'SHTF situation'.. they are not going to survive such an event and the few that might have little to no real world safety of life or mission critical use.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

How would they not survive such an event?

[@TalmidAndy]

@@The_Comms_Channel let's consider the most common events in the US.. tornado, hurricane, flood, wildfire, ice storm. They can barely survive rough handling let alone the least of these events. Then consider the fact that no agency or ngo is going to be monitoring or even looking for these signals - not even hams working with them who will be looking for them as they will already have far too much to do. Then we get in to conspiracy theory and end of civilization fantasy in which survival would be far more important than this kind of communication or equipment. These are an interesting concept and experiment but nothing more - yet. They could be more but realistic expectations and standards would need to be applied before they could be considered a mission critical or safety of life device by any stretch of the imagination.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

So you're saying a ham radio can survive being in a tornado or wildfire? They wouldn't either and would be deployed after the fact. The same for Meshtastic. No one is saying focus on communications first in an end of civilization scenario, but it would definitely be a force multiplier after the essentials are taken care of.

[@TalmidAndy]

@@The_Comms_Channel as a matter of fact I can say that as my equipment has survived tornadoes and hurricanes with some of it having been submerged in water and still working. I have also been deployed in humanitarian relief using a wide variety of comes equipment all of which has been more than rugged enough. I stand by my statement that this is a good concept and experiment but to become a truly useful tool in mission critical or safety of life scenarios It is going to have to be far more rugged, far more reliable, and at the stage that agencies and NGOs are going to take it seriously. Other technologies have fallen by the wayside while others have been developed and adopted. Right now this is a toy at best but could be more.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

The Meshtastic devices can and in fact have already been built into ruggedized enclosures that would survive just as well.

[@TheRealEtaoinShrdlu]

Lolz, you do know that you can opt out of all the tracking on your phone!? If you are paranoid, edicate yourself, otherwise you will always be beholden to whoever makes the hardware/software. And stop doing illefal things and all will be fine.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

😂

[@mikeholden707]

Thanks!

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Thanks for the support!

[@davidhubbell9643]

Thanks!

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Thank you so much for the support!