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Vivian Van Zyl @UC9F4Nr4_a6d407qVRjDCAMQ@youtube.com

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Your go-to destination for in-depth reviews and hands-on dem


Welcoem to posts!!

in the future - u will be able to do some more stuff here,,,!! like pat catgirl- i mean um yeah... for now u can only see others's posts :c

Vivian Van Zyl
Posted 1 day ago

Just posted a video about my experience with Meshtastic Antennas... Check it out, and don't be this guy.

https://youtu.be/pRP-XdpXbxo

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Vivian Van Zyl
Posted 2 days ago

Iā€™m about to publish the final video in our series, where we connect the ESP32-C6 to Meshtastic to send out messages over a mesh network! šŸŽ‰ This has been an amazing journey putting together an affordable, efficient, and versatile solution for creating mesh-connected devices.

In this series, Iā€™ll demonstrate how the ESP32-C6 is set up with an API server that makes everything super simple and powerful. The ESP32-C6 accepts messages through a straightforward API (that you can easily interact with!) and then seamlessly handles sending those messages to Meshtastic via a serial connection.

This setup opens up tons of possibilities! šŸš¦ Whether youā€™re building a custom notification system, a remote messaging solution, or simply experimenting with mesh networks, this project will show you how to create a bridge between devices and long-range LoRa communication using Meshtastic.

Hereā€™s what to expect in this final video:
šŸ“” A walk-through of the full setup and hardware connections.
šŸ–„ļø A breakdown of the API server functionality on the ESP32-C6.
šŸ“– Step-by-step instructions to send messages using Meshtastic.
šŸ”§ Troubleshooting tips and tricks if you hit any snags.

This integration highlights the versatility of the ESP32-C6, especially now with its Thread, LoRa, and WiFi capabilities. Combining it with Meshtastic creates a powerful, low-cost option for communication in areas without cellular access, all while being open-source and customizable.

If youā€™re as excited about the future of mesh networks as I am, make sure to tune in when the video drops! Let me know in the comments what youā€™re planning to build with this techā€”I always love hearing your creative ideas.

Blog Post: www.lorameshdevices.com/blog/meshtastic/esp32-c6-mā€¦

Stay tuned, and happy tinkering! šŸ› ļøāœØ

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Vivian Van Zyl
Posted 1 week ago

Check out the MESHSENSE video I just posted ... Interesting Meshtastic Software !

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Vivian Van Zyl
Posted 1 week ago

Will be posting Part 2 of the CircuitPython API server video. Part 3 of the video coming up connects the device to Meshtastic.

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Vivian Van Zyl
Posted 2 weeks ago

šŸš€ Exciting New Video Series Alert! šŸŽ„

Weā€™re diving into the powerful ESP32-C6 microcontroller in an upcoming video series, and trust usā€”you wonā€™t want to miss it! Whether you're new to microcontrollers or an experienced tinkerer, this series walks you through using CircuitPython to unlock new possibilities. Letā€™s break it down:

šŸ”§ Part 1:
In the first video of the seriesā€”coming soonā€”weā€™ll start simple and accessible. Youā€™ll learn how to program your ESP32-C6 microcontroller using CircuitPython to blink an LED. This is the classic microcontroller "hello world," but with a fresh new twist using CircuitPython for those who prefer intuitive, beginner-friendly coding. Whether itā€™s your first time using CircuitPython or youā€™ve already worked with it, this will ensure youā€™re set up for the more advanced projects coming later.

šŸŒ Part 2:
Once weā€™ve got the LED blinking, weā€™ll kick things up a notch! The second video will cover creating an API endpoint on the ESP32-C6 microcontroller. This means your microcontroller will become a tiny web server, allowing external devices (like your phone, computer, or other IoT gadgets) to send commands to control the LED. Imagine the possibilitiesā€”remote control, automation, or even integrating it into larger IoT ecosystems. Everything will be explained step-by-step, so even if APIs sound daunting, weā€™ve got you covered.

šŸ“” Part 3:
The final chapter in this series is where all the magic comes together. In Part 3, weā€™ll take everything weā€™ve implemented so far and connect it to Meshtastic, an exciting platform for long-range mesh communication using LoRa. This opens up a world of opportunities for projects like off-grid messaging, IoT networks in remote areas, or just experimenting with mesh communication. You'll see how to bridge the ESP32-C6ā€™s capabilities with Meshtastic to create something truly innovative.

This series is designed to be hands-on, practical, and beginner-friendly while also offering enough depth to keep more advanced makers engaged. Whether you're here to build your skills, experiment with IoT, or explore Meshtastic, thereā€™s something for everyone.

šŸ’” What to Do Before the First Video Drops:
1ļøāƒ£ Make sure you have an ESP32-C6 microcontroller ready to follow along!
2ļøāƒ£ Install CircuitPython (weā€™ll also guide you through it in the video).
3ļøāƒ£ Check out our previous content for related projects to warm up!


Links:

XIAO ESP32C6 3PCS Pack - www.lorameshdevices.com/xiao-esp32c6-3pcs-pack-2-4ā€¦
Basic Electronics Kit - www.lorameshdevices.com/electronics-component-fun-ā€¦
Soldering Iron - www.lorameshdevices.com/soldering-iron-kit-80w-110ā€¦

šŸŒŸ Pro Tip: If youā€™re already familiar with CircuitPython or Meshtastic, jump into the comments to share your experiences and tips for the community. We're building this together and can't wait to see what you create!

Stay tuned for the first video, where weā€™ll light things upā€”literally! šŸ’”

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Vivian Van Zyl
Posted 2 weeks ago

The front cover for the Heltec Vision Master T190 is nearly complete! Just need to work on the case and back cover, and weā€™ll be ready to film the next video. Stay tuned!

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Vivian Van Zyl
Posted 2 weeks ago

About to post a video showing the use of Meshtastic HAT's on a Raspberry Pi. Interesting stuff !

Explore DIY Meshtastic with Raspberry Pi HATs. How to set up LoRa hats on various Raspberry Pi models, including the compact Zero W. We compare Waveshare and open-source HAT options, demonstrating installation, configuration, and practical applications.

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Vivian Van Zyl
Posted 3 weeks ago

This week I will try the Heltec Vision Master T190 .. Will be interesting to build a 3D case and add some interesting sensors to it!

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Vivian Van Zyl
Posted 3 weeks ago

Hi again !

Well this arrived today and I will be adding it to my home Meshtastic node if all goes well...

It's a BME680, described as "The BME680 is a versatile digital sensor that combines four environmental measurements into one device: it detects gas, humidity, pressure, and temperature. Utilizing well-established sensing principles, the BME680 effectively identifies volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from various sources, including paints and adhesives. This low-power sensor can be connected using either SPI or I2C interfaces, making it a flexible option for various applications."

Meshtastic supports this sensor, so it will be interesting to see how it works with my home node. I would be able to measure my office temp and humidity and air quality! Iv'e used the BME280 in the past, it is the same as the BME680 except it does not have the Gas/Air Quality sensor, so that will be cool.

Be on the lookout for my next video sometime next week!

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Vivian Van Zyl
Posted 4 weeks ago

Exciting News: New Meshtastic Home Node Build!

Hey everyone!

Iā€™m thrilled to share that Iā€™m currently working on a new Meshtastic home node that I plan to place right next to my computer. For those who may not be familiar, Meshtastic is an open-source project that allows for long-range, off-grid communication using LoRa (Long Range) technology. Itā€™s an amazing tool for connecting with friends, family, or even fellow enthusiasts in areas where traditional networking might not be reliable.

Building this home node isnā€™t just about practicality; itā€™s also a fun and engaging project that dives into the world of DIY electronics. Iā€™m using a combination of components, including an ESP32 microcontroller and a LoRa module, to create a node equipped to handle communication tasks efficiently. One of the great things about Meshtastic is how customizable it is, allowing users to tweak settings, add features, and even create unique user interfaces.

In my upcoming video, which will be released in the next few days, Iā€™ll take you through the entire process: from selecting the right components and assembling them, to configuring the software for optimal performance. Iā€™ll also share some tips and tricks I've learned throughout the process, as well as any hurdles I encounter along the way. Whether youā€™re a complete beginner or have some experience with electronics, I hope you find this project inspiring!

Iā€™m also looking forward to hearing from you! Are there specific features youā€™d like to see in this home node? Maybe you have your own experiences with Meshtastic that youā€™d like to share? I encourage you to leave your thoughts in the comments below, and Iā€™ll do my best to incorporate your feedback into the video.

Stay tuned, and get ready to embark on this exciting new journey with me. I canā€™t wait to share my progress and the final result with all of you!

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