RAKwireless Launches the Weatherproof, Standalone WisMesh TAP for Meshtastic
Connect to everyone's favorite LoRa mesh communications network with just one device — or use BLE to link to a phone or laptop.
RAKwireless has announced a new device for those looking to experiment with the Meshtastic LoRa mesh networking system: the WisMesh TAP, which includes a built-in touchscreen display, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver, three-axis accelerometer, and an IP65 weatherproof housing.
"The WisMesh TAP is our outdoor Meshtastic client with an integrated TFT screen and on-screen keyboard," RAKwireless writes of the new gadget. "It allows you to send messages over the Meshtastic network without a phone connection. It is also possible to send canned messages, which can be configured over BLE [Bluetooth Low Energy] using the Meshtastic mobile app. The WisMesh TAP includes a GNSS and motion sensor to provide location information through the Meshtastic network. It features easy setup for Meshtastic over BLE with the Meshtastic mobile app or over USB with the Meshtastic WebUI."
Based on the company's existing RAK10701 Field Tester design, the WisMesh Tap — brought to our attention by CNX Software — includes a Nordic Semiconductor nRF52840 microcontroller and Semtech SX126x-series LoRa transceiver, the exact model of which depends on whether you purchase the 800MHz or 900MHz variants. There's a built-in u-blox ZOE-M8Q GNSS receiver, plus an STMicroelectronics LIS3DH three-axis accelerometer.
The hardware is housed in an IP65 weatherproof enclosure with external LoRa antenna and physical power button, while the front is dominated by a 320×240 TFT touchscreen display. It's this that allows the WisMesh TAP to operate in standalone mode, connecting to the community-driven Meshtastic mesh network to receive messages and transmit either canned responses or custom messages typed out using an on-screen keyboard. There's a 3,200mAh battery, too, to keep everything ticking over — though RAKwireless hasn't provided an estimate of runtime beyond promising "long usage before recharging is required."
The WisMesh TAP is now available to order on the RAKwireless store at $109 plus shipping; an eight per cent discount is available with code "XUO54T".