Meshtastic is an open-source, off-grid communication project that uses LoRa (Long Range) radio technology to enable secure, long-distance messaging without the internet or cellular networks. It leverages point-to-point(P2P) and mesh communication in areas with no internet or cellular access by forming a self-sufficient network of devices. Utilizing ultra-low power hardware and license-free frequency bands, it enables long-range message transmission, making it ideal for outdoor adventures, emergency rescue, rural connectivity, and low-power IoT applications.
In this guide, we'll walk you through building your very own Meshtastic LoRa node using Module LoRa868 and ESP32-based M5Stack Core series controllers.
What You’ll Need
The easiest way to install Meshtastic firmware on your M5Stack device is with M5Burner, a simple and free intuitive firmware flashing tool developed by M5Stack.
1. Locate the Meshtastic Firmware
Open M5Burner > Select ALL from the list in the left column > Input "Meshtastic" into the search bar and choose the firmware that match your device > Click Download.
If you haven’t installed M5Burner, click here and follow the installation steps to download it to your computer.
2. Connect Your Device and Start Flashing
– Connect the main controller to your computer via USB data cable > Click Burn > Select the correct USB port and set baud rate to 1500000 > Click Start to begin flashing.
– Wait for the message "Burn successfully" > Click "Click here to return" > When the Meshtastic logo "//\" appears on the screen, disconnect the device from your computer.
Note: if flashing fails, try installing the USB driver on your computer or long-press the reset button on the main controller to enter download mode. For more information, refer to your device’s documentation page.
After the firmware successfully downloaded on the device:
– Check M5Burner firmware for pin info and set DIP switches by following Module LoRa868 v1.2 DIP Switch Guide (for Core1/Core2: long pins 2,5,7 and short pin 1 ON).
– Remove red dust cap > Install antenna > Connect the module to the device.
– Power on the device, then the Meshtastic logo "//\" will appear.
Safety Warning
Do NOT connect or power on the device without installing the antenna, as this may cause permanent hardware damage!
1. Install the Meshtastic app on Your Phone
Download the Meshtastic app from the Google Play or Download APK from GitHub(for Android) or App Store(for IOS).
2. Pair the Device
Open the Meshtastic app and follow the on-screen instructions to pair your device via Bluetooth—nearby devices will be detected automatically. The iOS and Android Meshtastic apps offer similar features but have different interfaces, so setup steps and screenshots are shown separately for each platform.
3. Configure Device Settings
After pairing, you could set the Lora region, select the appropriate region (e.g., EU 868MHz), username in the app.
When running Meshtastic, the ESP32 can't use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth simultaneously. Bluetooth is enabled by default. If you turn on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth will be disabled. To re-enable it, connect the device to your computer via USB and use the Meshtastic Web Client in Chrome to disable Wi-Fi.
Step 4: Add GPS To Your Meshtastic Node
Core1/Core2 with LoRa868 v1.2 doesn’t have built-in GPS, but you can share your smartphone’s GPS location with the device. It's useful for team members to track each other during outdoor activities.
Step 5: Send and Receive Message
With other nodes show up in the list, you're connected to the mesh and can start messaging via the Meshtastic app.
Is Meshtastic Legal?
Yes, it’s legal. Meshtastic operates on license-free frequency bands such as 433 / 470 / 868 / 915 MHz which is in full compliance with FCC regulations.
How far does Meshtastic work?
The estimated range of this Meshtastic setup is around 4 km (2.49 miles). But the range between two Meshtastic nodes varies based on antenna setup, and environmental conditions. You may try moving the device around to test the range, check the signal to ensure stable connectivity.
For those exploring what hardware ChatGPT runs on, the traditional answer involves large-scale cloud infrastructure. However, with the OpenAI API and lightweight microcontrollers like the M5Stack ESP32-based AtomS3R, it’s now possible to build a compact, connected ChatGPT AI device. Paired with the Atomic Echo Base for audio I/O, this setup enables a tiny AI voice assistant capable of real-time voice interaction via Wi-Fi.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to build your own AI-powered voice assistant using OpenAI—no coding required.
M5Stack AtomS3R
The M5Stack AtomS3R is a compact microcontroller powered by the ESP32-S3 chip, measuring just 24 × 24 mm. It supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and offline voice wake-up, making it ideal for building portable AI voice assistant and IoT applications.
Required Hardware
M5Burner is a tool that enables creators to upload firmware and allows users to flash it onto M5Stack devices. If you haven’t downloaded it before, please select the version compatible with your operating system to proceed.
| Software Version | Download Link |
|---|---|
| M5Burner_Windows | Download |
| M5Burner_MacOS | Download |
| M5Burner_Linux | Download |
1. Download the OpenAI Firmware
Double click M5Burner > Locate the OpenAI Voice Assistant for AtomS3R Firmware > Click Download.
2. Get Your OpenAI API Key
An API key is required after clicking Download. Visit OpenAI's platform > Complete registration and login > Review pricing for Realtime API and select the package > Navigate to the API Keys section and create a new key
3. Firmware Flashing
I. Input your Wi-Fi connection information and OpenAI API keys in the pop-up window > Hit Next
II. Connect your AtomS3R via USB-C > Press and hold the Reset button for ~2 seconds until the green LED turns on, then release to enter the download mode.
III. Select the correct COM port and click “Start” to start flashing.
Once completed, your device will reboot and connect to OpenAI for real-time voice interaction. You could speak directly to your assistant and receive instant responses.
If you prefer a more customizable approach to integrate the OpenAI into your project instead of downloading the prebuilt firmware from M5Burner, you could visit GitHub for the original source code.
May 9, 2025 – M5Stack, a leader in modular IoT and embedded development platforms, unveils Tab5, a next-generation 5-inch smart touch terminal powered by the advanced 400MHz ESP32-P4 dual-core RISC-V processor. Designed for industrial control, smart home hubs, edge intelligence, and IoT applications, Tab5 offers high performance, versatile interfaces, and seamless connectivity through Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 in one compact tablet. Combining multimedia capabilities with modular expandability, Tab5 empowers developers to create flexible, scalable solutions for a wide range of industries.
At the heart of Tab5 is the ESP32-P4 dual-core RISC-V processor, running at 400MHz and backed by 32MB of PSRAM and 16MB Flash, delivering robust performance for embedded applications and edge computing. While the ESP32-P4 handles processing tasks, wireless connectivity is provided by the onboard ESP32-C6-MINI-1U module, which supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. Equipped with 3D internal antennas, this module ensures high-throughput, low-latency communication across a wide range of IoT scenarios.
Tab5 features a 5-inch IPS touchscreen with a 1280×720 resolution and a GT911 capacitive multi-touch panel, providing responsive touch interaction and high-resolution visuals for an intuitive user experience. Built-in 2MP camera (1600×1200 resolution) and dual microphones with a speaker enable intelligent interactions such as facial recognition, image processing, and voice commands. The camera interface uses MIPI-CSI to enable HD video capture and edge AI tasks such as object tracking.
Additional onboard features including RESET/BOOT buttons, a BMI270 six-axis IMU for motion sensing, and a Micro SD card slot provide enhanced control, motion tracking, and local data storage—empowering developers to create multi-modal edge applications.
Tab5 is designed for flexibility and scalability with a comprehensive suite of I/O interfaces:
These interfaces ensure seamless integration with the M5Stack hardware ecosystem, enabling plug-and-play expansion through a wide range of functional modules.
Tab5 is available in two variants:
Both models support external NP-F550 lithium batteries, offering flexible deployment options for fixed installations or mobile applications.
Tab5 is engineered to address diverse application scenarios across industries. In industrial settings, it functions as an effective HMI for control panels and data visualization. Its multi-protocol wireless support makes it ideal for smart home hubs and gateways. In education and maker spaces, it supports UIFlow 2.0, Arduino IDE, ESP-IDF and PlatformIO, enabling flexibility for both beginners and advanced developers. With a built-in camera and dual microphones, it also enables AI vision and voice interaction for use cases like smart kiosks and voice-controlled terminals.
“Designed for seamless development, the Tab5 delivers innovation and usability, empowering creators to turn ideas into reality,” said Jimmy Lai, Founder and CEO of M5Stack.
Built to Expand
To further enhance Tab5’s utility, a dedicated keyboard accessory is in development — stay tuned for the full reveal. Designed for seamless integration with the M5Stack ecosystem, Tab5 supports a broad range of functional modules, offering developers the flexibility to tailor solutions across diverse application needs.
Tab5 is now available through M5Stack’s official store and global distributors. For more details, please visit www.m5stack.com.
