ChatterBox SAMD51 Mesh Node Firmware

Looking for T-Deck Firmware?

Where are you located?

The ChatterBox custom SAMD51 platform is currently only available for use within the USA.

Node: 1.7.4 (03/21/2025)
Comm: 1.7.4 (03/18/2025)

Mesh Node Firmware
Using ChatterBox
Demo Videos
Assembling Devices

Note: The ChatterBox mesh node firmware is a licensed product, but the node firmware is currently free for download.

By downloading this firmware, you are agreeing to the terms, agreeing to abide by all laws and regulations while using this firmware, and agreeing to hold harmless the developer, Altware Development LLC. Altware Development LLC is not responsible for any data loss or other issues that might arise with with your device before, during, or after flashing. Unless you agree to those terms, don't use this tool or download our firmware.
1. This firmware is for the SAMD51 platform only (shown below). If this isn't your device, you are probably looking for our ESP32-based mesh node firmware. Currently only node firmware can be downloaded for the SAMD51 platform. The touchscreen functionality is being redesigned and communicator firmware is forthcoming.
2. Download The Firmware Unzip its contents to somewhere on your PC. You will want the CURRENT.UF2 file from it, which is the binary compiled firmware. *Your existing cluster/data will not* be erased** during this process. All that data is on your node's FRAM and remains untouched by this process.	3. Copy Firmware To Your Node Connect the Node to your PC via USB data cable (not charging cable) Power the device on Double-tap the reset button quickly (nearest the power switch) The light should start flashing different colors The device should appear as a flash drive to your PC On your PC, open the flash drive Copy the file CURRENT.UF2 over top of the existing one on the device The node should automatically reboot
4. OPTIONAL: If you want to clear your device This procedure will wipe any config / cluster / data from your device Power the device off Press and hold the boot button (furthest from the power switch) Power on the device, while still holding the boot button Continue to hold the boot button for 10 seconds Release the boot button and leave the device alone for 60 seconds or so The device should now be in onboard mode (purple light) You may now onboard this new node to your cluster

Basic Usage
	Using a Communicator Basic operation of a ChatterBox communicator
	Message Types How ChatterBox treats direct messages vs broadcasts
	Private Clusters vs Channels Your devices can exist within private clusters and/or they can utilize open (but secure) channels
	ChatterBox Remote Commands ChatterBox supports sending remote commands to other on-cluster devices
	Setting Up and Using Channels How to set up and use a new or existing channel on communicators and nodes
	Using Location How GNSS is integrated with ChatterBox and how you can make use of it
	Time Synchronization How to keep proper time on your devices. This is important!
Nodes
	Using a GPS Node Basic operation of a ChatterBox GPS node (T-Beam Supreme)
	Utilizing a Node How to position and use a node for delivery assistance, packet caching, location caching, and more
	Utilizing Multiple Nodes Using multiple nodes presents more opportunities for assuring delivery

How Messages are Delivered

Onboarding a Device

Creating a Private Cluster

Configuring a Secure / Open Channel

ChatterBox communicators and nodes can be assembled using mostly (or all) components you can purchase from Amazon, Ali Express, and other sources.

SAMD51 ChatterBox Node

This is our ChatterBox custom SAMD51 platform, which uses the lower-power SAMD51 processor, FRAM, and an RFM95 LoRa transceiver.
	Assembly Instructions
	User Guide
	Printable Enclosures

Custom Communicator

Based on T-Deck. Communicate messages and location securely.
	Assembly Instructions
	User Guide
	Printable Enclosure

GPS Node

Fully functional node with GPS based on T-Beam Supreme
	Assembly Instructions
	User Guide
	Printable Enclosure

E-Paper Mini Node

Non-GPS, low power node with E-Paper display. Based on T3S3 E-Paper.
	Assembly Instructions
	User Guide
	Printable Enclosure

Proximity/Relay GPS Node

GPS node with added mmwave proximity senser and (optionally) relay/switch function
	Assembly Instructions
	Printable Enclosure

GPS Relay Node

GPS node with relay (switch) functionality.
	Assembly Instructions
	Printable Enclosure

Solar Node

Solar powered node (non-GPS). Based on T3S3.
	User Guide
	Assembly Instructions

Proximity/Relay Paper Node

T3S3 paper node with added mmwave proximity senser and (optionally) relay/switch function
	Assembly Instructions
	Printable Enclosure

Heltec Vision e290 Paper Node

Larger paper screen, but you'll need to download an enclosure elsewhere.
	Assembly Instructions

Mini Node

Non-GPS, low power node. Based on T3S3.
	User Guide
	Assembly Instructions
	Printable Enclosure