M5Stack has unveiled the Cardputer Mesh Kit, a compact Meshtastic communication terminal based on the ESP32-S3-powered Cardputer-Adv controller and a new LoRa expansion module, CapLoRa-1262. This kit enhances the original Cardputer with modular features, featuring a 56-key keyboard and 1.14-inch LCD for UI, alongside a Semtech SX1262 transceiver and AT6668 GNSS module for off-grid text messaging and GPS tracking without cellular reliance.
Cardputer Mesh Kit specifications:
Core Controller (Cardputer-Adv):
– Wireless MCU module: M5Stack M5Stamp S3A
– SoC: Espressif Systems ESP32-S3FN8
– CPU: Dual-core 32-bit Xtensa LX7 microcontroller up to 240MHz; RISC-V ULP co-processor
– Memory: 512KB SRAM
– Storage: 8MB flash
– Wireless: 2.4GHz WiFi 4, Bluetooth 5.0 BLE + Mesh
– 2.4GHz 3D antenna
– USB: 1x USB Type-C port
– Expansion connectors for SPI, I2C, UART, ADC, and more
Other Features:
– Storage: MicroSD card socket
– Display: 1.14-inch IPS LCD, 240×135 resolution
– Audio: 1W speaker, NS4150B amplifier, MEMS microphone, 3.5mm audio output jack
– User input: 56-key keyboard (4x 14-key matrix)
– Sensor: BMI270 6-axis motion sensor
– Expansion: 4-pin Grove connector, 14-pin expansion bus
– Misc: Reset button, user button, On/Off switch, IR transmitter, built-in magnet, LEGO compatibility, lanyard hole
– Power Supply: 1750mAh Li-ion battery with charging and regulation via USB-C
Communication Module (Cap LoRa-1262):
– LoRa Radio: Semtech SX1262
– Frequency: 868MHz to 923MHz
– Sensitivity: -147 dBm
– Transmit Power: +22 dBm
– Modulation: LoRa, FSK, GFSK, MSK, OOK
– Antenna: External SMA antenna
– GNSS: ATGM336H-6N
– Systems: GPS, BeiDou, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS
– Accuracy: 1.5m
– Sensitivity: -162dBm
– Antenna: Built-in ceramic antenna
Expansion: 2x 4-pin Grove ports, 14-pin expansion bus
Mechanical: 84 x 54 x 34.8mm
Mounting: LEGO-compatible with magnetic back
Pre-flashed with Meshtastic firmware, the kit supports custom development with Arduino IDE, ESP-IDF, or UiFlow2, with libraries provided for RadioLib and TinyGPSPlus. The Meshtastic Web Flasher allows for easy firmware updates. Competing products include the Trail Mat communicator, LILYGO T-LoRa Pager, and LILYGO T-Deck Pro.
The Cardputer Mesh Kit is available for $48.00 on the M5Stack store and soon on AliExpress. The package includes the Cardputer-Adv, LoRa/GNSS module, antenna, and necessary screws. The Cap LoRa-1262 can also be purchased separately for $14.50. More documentation is available on the official website.