Mesh Detect

This device allows users to scan for drones, cameras, and other non-surveillance devices while sending alerts to your channel by Meshtastic.

IntermediateFull instructions provided1 hour640

Things used in this project

Hardware components

Seeed Studio SeedStudio Xiao esp32

Heltec Lora V3

PCBWay Mesh

Software apps and online services

Meshtastic

Hand tools and fabrication machines

Soldering iron (generic)

Story

Mesh-Detect

Device detection and alerting over Meshtastic

Overview

Mesh-Detect is an innovative hardware platform designed for enthusiasts and professionals to add new detection methodologies to a mesh network such as Meshtastic. Leveraging the versatile ESP32 platform, this board provides real-time detection of wireless devices through multiple scanning methods including Bluetooth OUI sniffing, WiFi scanning, and even drone identification.

Hardware

The Mesh-Detect board (manufactured by PCBWay) is available on Tindie store.

Its compact design and powerful features make it perfect for portable mesh network monitoring and analysis. Special thanks to Luke Switzer for the Mesh-Detect flasher, which simplifies programming the board with your chosen firmware.

Firmware Options

1. ESP32 OUI Sniffer:

- This firmware alerts you when specific Organizationally Unique Identifiers (OUIs) are detected by the built-in Bluetooth scanner. It can be easily flashed via the Arduino IDE.

Mesh-Detect Unpopulated firmware: You will need to change the oui "00:11:22" to your desired OUI/OUIs of choice. https://github.com/colonelpanichacks/esp32-oui-sniffer/tree/Xiao-esp32-c3-serial

MeshDetect Privacy Firmware:

https://github.com/lukeswitz/esp32-oui-sniffer/blob/Xiao-esp32-c3-serial/meshdetect%20_privacy.ino

(Preloaded with preset OUIs for enhanced privacy.)

2. Deepwoods Device Detection:

- This firmware scans both WiFi and Bluetooth signals to establish a baseline of known devices and alerts you when a new device appears — a useful tool for solo camping.

https://github.com/lukeswitz/deepwoods_device_detection/blob/Xiao-esp-32-c3/esp32c3_device_fingerprint.ino

*Thank you Luke Switzer for your work on the firmwares!*

3. WiFi Drone ID Detection:

- Designed for drone identification, this firmware sends detailed detection messages that include device ID, signal strength (RSSI), MAC address, operator ID, location, and more.

https://github.com/lukeswitz/T-Halow/tree/wifi_rid_mesh/firmware/firmware_Xiao_c3_Mesh_RID_Scanner_WiFi

Configuration Guide

Setting Up Your Mesh Node:

To integrate the Mesh-Detect board into your mesh network, follow these configuration steps:

1. Soldering/Wiring.

A. If you have a Mesh-Detect board. You must solder both microcontrollers to the Mesh-Detect Board in the configuration outlined in the following photos.

B. If you do not have Mesh-Detect board, wiring is as follows.

Wire pin D5 rx on the Xiao board to 20 tx on Heltec board
Wire pin D4 tx on the Xiao board to 19 rx on Heltec board.

2. Firmware/Software settings

A. Serial Mode Setup:

Enable serial mode on the PCB mesh device.
Set the baud rate to 115200.
Use text message mode.
Configure RX/TX pins to 19 and 20 respectively.

B. Channel Synchronization:

- Ensure that both your Heltec device and receiver node are operating on the same channel to facilitate proper communication.

For detailed configuration instructions, refer to the Official Mesh Node Documentation:

https://meshtastic.org/docs/configuration/module/serial/

Please Note:This project requires another Meshtastic device on the same channel to receive messages from this device. Mesh-Detect is meant to be a sensor that sends messages to other nodes within a preferred channel.