Communicator Badge firmware

This firmware replaces the stock lvgl_micropython build on the Hackaday 2024 Supercon Communicator badge (ESP32-S3, NV3007 TFT, SX1262 LoRa, TCA8418 keyboard). It is written in C against ESP-IDF.

What it does

The badge joins a Meshtastic mesh and exchanges text messages with other badges, Meshtastic devices, and the Meshtastic phone app over LoRa. The on-air format follows the real Meshtastic wire protocol, so packets interoperate with stock devices.

Messages can run on several channels at once. A radar view plots nearby nodes by range and bearing, and when WiFi is on a web UI configures the badge, backs up its settings, and flashes firmware over the air.

The interface uses one font, a single amber accent on a dark background, and monochrome icons. A status sidebar runs down the left edge, a function-key bar spans the bottom, and the app launcher is a horizontally scrolling strip of icon tiles.

Peripherals are interrupt driven. The keyboard and radio wake the CPU on demand instead of the busy-poll loops the MicroPython build needed, and the CPU scales its frequency to save power.

Where to go next

Install the toolchain on the Install ESP-IDF page, then build and flash the firmware. If you want to understand how it fits together, read the architecture overview.

The protocol and layout logic is covered by a host test suite that runs on a PC with no hardware. See Host tests.