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ARMAWATCH & ARMACHAT - long range radio messengers

Freedom of communication without borders, operators, networks, fees !
Your own network, your own rules !
Long range radio communicators

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It is very extremely simple and low component count / cost device.
I called is as armageddon communicator but I think it can not survive any disaster,
I take in focus use only one easy solder MCU and I chose SAMD21E18 in
TQFP32 package (same size as popular Atmega328)

But with many new features as:
-crystal free USB
-Mass storage USB bootloader
-256Kb flash, 32kb RAM
-2xSPI, 1xUART, 1xI2C
-48MHz
-Low power

I making it for fun and learning communication, It is super hi tech walkie talkie,
No special manufacturing tools required, all is made with PCB technology,
Front panel also cary Backlight LEDs for keyboard = it is no waste of PCB electricity functions

Everyday question > "distance"
no direct view, some small hills, some houses in village.

(Max power, Spread Factor 12)
-700m unit on garden desk
-1500m unit in window, about 4m above ground
-4300m unit in attic window, 10m above ground

AWARDS

  • Armachat is Winner of PCBWay 3rd PCB Design Contest 2nd place BEST DESIGN ! 
  • Hackaday Prize Community Vote (Bootstrap Award)

THANKS

Articles about project:

Searching sponsors, patrons https://www.patreon.com/bobricius

Experience freedom of communication without borders
operators
networks
fees !!!
Create your own network, your own rules !!!

Summer update, Armawatch, new smaller Armachat and keyboard backlight:

Official Hackaday prize OPERATION VIDEO preview:


ARMAWATCH

ARMACHAT


Hardware features UPDATED !!!:

  • Only single chip SAMD21E18, more easy to solder in TQFP32
  • QWERTY keyboard - 30 keys (5x6 matrix)
  • 18650 li-on battery
  • LCD on HW SPI:
    - FUSION: 1.8 TFT LCD display 128x160 ST7735 or 240x240 IPS ST7789
  • RFM95 long range radio module - 3 freq. by your country - IRQ / wake up
  • Beeper
  • Battery charging
  • DS3131 RTC with CR1220 battery backup, optional not used now
  • GPS support, optional not used now
  • Environmental sensors possibility, optional not used now
  • native HW USB for next features like, modem, sniffer ....
  • EXPANSION port I2C, UART (GPS, RTC, Environmental sensors)

Working software features:

  • Send message ... compose and send message to specified recipient or broadcast 
  • Receive message ... message is received on background and stored in memory.
  • Message editor ... write message about +/- 80 characters long ...
    80 is now best readable on full display ....
  • Message memory ... all send/received messages are stored in memory
  • Display memory ... display memory content
  • Config ... user radio configuration spread factor / power
  • check message delivery confirmation
  • contact list display with auto updated names from remote units
  • BEST working feature - resend undelivered messages if delivery fail, message is stored with "undelivered" attribute. Every station at power on broadcast "Ready receive status", then if any near station receive this broadcast and have undelivered message automatically try send this messages,  if then receive confirmation mark messages in memory as DELIVERED :)
    All this features uses only 20% flash memory !!!
    there is lot free space for next updates

 TODO software features:

  • add message encryption
  • Message forward between devices to extend range  (meshhttps://www.meshtastic.org/
    (Addressing, protocol and packet structure is already implemented)
  • add some USB link features like work as usb modem, send receive/message from PC terminal
  • GPS position parse

Some screenshots:

STEM Learning:

What you can learn on this board?

  • modern architecture based on M0 arduino zero compatible, with lot memory and native USB
  • QWERTY keyboard matrix reading
  • complex input/output HID processing read keyboard data,
  • create and display graphics, save data to flash, send results over radio or usb
  • radio communication with world best, most advanced long range radio technology
  • work with I2C sensors or process GPS data
  • learn lot about network architecture, packets, communication, addresing, delivery confirmation
  • RTC clock and alarms
  • power management, sleep, wake by alarm, wake on receive

( all this things I learning now on this project)

Production and marketing plans:

Hardware is very simple and easy to solder by hand (in pocket version with SAMD21E18), low active component count make it very attractive as learn to solder kit. Unfortunately SAMD21 come without bootloader, this is little problem because SAMD need special tools to burn bootloaders, I have no experience how much is complicated burn bootloader in factory on bare unsoldered chip. I suggesting sell this as semi populated board > PCBA all active components except buttons and radio module (Unsoldered radio module give small...

Read more »

armachatfusion-panel-2-laser2.dxf

Front panel for laser cutter, square buttons. IPS mini display

AutoCAD DXF - 1.02 MB - 10/04/2020 at 21:05

Download

armachatfusion-panel-2.zip

Front panel board gerbes

x-zip-compressed - 127.18 kB - 10/04/2020 at 21:04

Download

schematic.png

Armachat schematic

Portable Network Graphics (PNG) - 68.45 kB - 10/04/2020 at 21:03

Preview
Download

test.UF2

Firmware - new interface, protocol preview

uf2 - 512.00 kB - 10/04/2020 at 20:59

Download

first.UF2

Firmware - working, communication software

uf2 - 512.00 kB - 10/04/2020 at 20:59

Download

View all 6 files

  • 1 × RFM95 Radio module with Long range LoRa radio modulation
  • 1 × SAMD21E18 Arduino ZERO compatible MCU in supercool TQFP32 package
  • 1 × DS3231 - optional, not used now Clock and Timer ICs / Real-Time Clocks - Optional
  • 1 × AP2114H-3.3TRG1 regulator 3.3V Power Management ICs / Linear Voltage Regulators and LDOs
  • 1 × MCP73831 Power Management ICs / Power Supply Support

View all 18 components

  • PCB enclosure

    bobricius06/02/2021 at 05:46 0 comments

  • Armachat - Cyberdeck style preview

    bobricius10/04/2020 at 20:51 0 comments


  • New user interface, new meshtastic compatible protocol

    bobricius09/20/2020 at 11:13 0 comments

    Cleaning code ... unifying user interface, rewriting communication, power saving

    Something what is finished now

    • Switching to white background, maybe it is bad step, but why wasting light
      you can change black/white theme in setup
    • New font something middle between old small/big combination
    • User name is auto updated in contact lists on all remote units. 
    • Addressing and protocol adapted for future #meshtastic support.
    • Soon you can send message to #meshtastic network, they nodes forward this message  to another Armachat unit, but you can not read this message on Meshtastic app :(
    • Also working on adaptation Meshtastic mesh routing protocol for armachat (Full interconnection is little hard, but maybe in far future I want this)

    Power management

    I am searching way how to reduce consumption but I found only one way ... reduce backlit

    • MCU 20mA
    • LoRa 10mA
    • Backlit 30mA

    Total 60mA, if I switch-off lora, there is no receiving wake up.
    If MCU go to sleep, display freeze.
    Lowering backlight (no switch-off just to 10%)
    I can go to 30mA with full runtime a little readable display

    Next you can compare user interface (Black unit - OLD. Green unit - NEW UI)

    MAIN SCREEN

    ADDRESS BOOK

    TEXT EDITOR

    SETUP


  • Next distance test ... little above 4km

    bobricius09/13/2020 at 19:28 0 comments

    Today I make small bike trip to next village.
    New distance test ... above 4km.

    • 865,2Mhz 
    • LoRa SpreadFactor 12 
    • 3 dbi antenna 
    •  one unit in attic window, second in hand.
    •  No direct view, some small hills and houses

    Not reliable, I need some walking and search.

    Poll for protocol finished, Meshtastic is winner ;) Yesterday I started protocol adaptation. I am not sure if I can fully implement routing in to Armachat device but I want negotiate with Meshtastic authors about injecting packet to Meshtastic network and then forward with they nodes.

    For now I am very satisfied.  I think connection to  2km is very reliable.

    I can imagine solution with only one simple repeating node above hill or church and cover large area with lot of users.

  • Mesh protocol Meshtastic or Disaster.radio ???

    bobricius09/11/2020 at 06:11 2 comments

    I created poll about future mesh protocol implemntation.

    YOU CAN VOTE HERE>>> https://twitter.com/bobricius/status/1302689102970662913

  • Gold/Green boards with keyboard backlight

    bobricius09/07/2020 at 22:27 0 comments

    #Armachat last version with perfect 30LED keyboard backlight (10mA 0.03W). 

    PCB made in @aislerhq 
    I think I am on edge of perfection.

    Is GOLD/GREEN cool ?

  • Armachat - Distance test

    bobricius07/30/2020 at 20:11 0 comments

    Finally I get time to make small distance test, no direct view, between houses in village.
    700-1500m ... maybe more, standard RFM95 20dB output, spread factor 12, 2dB antenna

    • Unit on garden desk
    • Unit in window, about 4m above ground

  • Cyberdeck style concept.

    bobricius07/03/2020 at 10:47 2 comments

    It is waterproof box for memory cards.
    I need design separated keyboard and main board.
    Of course it is still not doomsday resistant. just for fun ;)

  • RFM95PW - High Power radio module and IPS display

    bobricius06/29/2020 at 21:10 0 comments

    Descriptions of RF LoRa Transceiver Module RFM95PW:

    RFM98PW/RFM95PW RF LoRa Transceiver module series’ design is based on the high performance LoRaTM modulation technique RF98/RF96 chip, It operate at 169/433/470MHz (RFM98PW)  and 868/915MHz(RFM95PW) ISM band , The low receive sensitivity(–136dBm) coupled with Enhanced +30dBm output power ensures extended range and improved link performance.

    240x240 IPS display and square buttons :)

    You can also use bigger TFT display.

    RFM95PW under module is footprint for clasic RFM95, also on board is optionall DS3231 with backup battery.

  • Received new boards

    bobricius06/03/2020 at 22:33 0 comments

    NEWS:

    • Routing new board with higher power module RFM95 design is almost ready for factory.
    • Board is little smaller as previous version (-10mm) 62mm x 77mm
    • Accepting both RFM95 and RFM95PW lora modules
    • Maybe is wearable with realy comfort keyboard and bigger display ( Armawatch killer ??? ).

View all 12 project logs

  • 1
    ​Assembly:
    • there is nothing special, I build 20 prototypes, with hand soldering, without issues

    I am not saying best, they are just my steps :

    • Solder CPU, and all active/passive components
  • 2
    Setup Arduino IDE and bootloader
    • I am using Atmel-ICE, I have no idea about another way how to program bootloader now!

    Arduino > Preferences : Additional boards manager URLs
    ADD https://www.mattairtech.com/software/arduino/beta/package_MattairTech_index.json

    Arduino > Tools > Boards manager : MattairTech MT-D21E (rev B)
    Arduino > Tools > Clock > Source : INTERNAL_OSCILLATOR
    Arduino >Tools > Serial config : ONE_UART_ONE_WIRE_TWO_SPI

    Connect GND, VCC, SWC, SWD, Reset to ATMEL-ICE

    Arduino > Tools > Programmer : ATMEL-ICE
    Arduino > Tools > BURN BOOTLOADER

    • Now you can upload sketches with USB

    Or second option:

    From Atmel Studio write special ARMABOT.bin then you can easy upload firmwares drag&drop

  • 3
    Upload first firmware
    • Connect Armachat to computer via USB
    • double press RESET button for bootloader activation
    • display start flashing (breathing)
    • copy first.uf2 to freshly displayed mass storage drive
    • wait for writing
    • press RESET again

    If you hear BEEP firmware is running

View all 6 instructions

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Discussions

arclite7 wrote 02/23/2024 at 09:56 point

I see a similar product but running MESHTASTIC, Named: EDERICIUS apparently by PMI.TECHNOLOGY referred to via YouTube by author "Ham  Radio Unlimited", Title: "Meshtastic Devices - Ham Radio Devices - S2E8". Is this your device, updated as you recently suggested to support MESHTASTIC? I cannot find this device online by name neither can I find "PMI.TECHNOLOGY" printed on the front case referred to by the author as the producer/manufacturer?

  Are you sure? yes | no

bobricius wrote 02/23/2024 at 22:51 point

It is mine, you bad read labels ;) Project is Picomputer, meshtastic taget is Picomputer S3, instead PICO use ESP32S3

  Are you sure? yes | no

aaaaaa wrote 02/04/2024 at 21:18 point

Meybe add SSB https://ssbc.github.io/scuttlebutt-protocol-guide/

  Are you sure? yes | no

Tachion wrote 11/16/2022 at 17:20 point

link for You https://unsigned.io/articles/2022_06_27_The_Future_of_RNode.html

  Are you sure? yes | no

nerdu wrote 10/29/2022 at 20:30 point

ARMACHAT is working project? Is possible buy working device?

I live near Ukraina and need this device now. 

  Are you sure? yes | no

sujalkhera2005 wrote 05/31/2022 at 07:41 point

is there a video assembly for this?

I am good with design, not electronics, so thinking of making a robust case for it

  Are you sure? yes | no

Sandwich wrote 04/06/2022 at 17:13 point

Parts list appears to be very incomplete and inaccurate. For example, parts list on Tindie states 10R 0603, but on the board I can only find pads for a 100R. No mention of USB-C Female Port on parts list. Also, parts list should include standoffs, screws (size/length), etc. If anyone could help in this area, for the Armachat Compact, so I don't have to guess and bust out the dremel when all else fails, I will hug you. 

Edit: Found 10R pads immediately after posting this, silk screen wasn't perfect. 

  Are you sure? yes | no

haldorasgirson wrote 11/02/2021 at 02:07 point

Bought 5 sets of PCBs from PCBWay. I also second the request for a BOM. Even if the source you have bought parts from in the past is out of stock, knowing what parts are needed would be a huge help. A Digikey PN would be the bomb.

  Are you sure? yes | no

SAKANA617 wrote 09/12/2021 at 17:52 point

This is so cool! I want to make one myself but I don't know what I need to solder on the PCB.If can, where can I can the BOM ?

  Are you sure? yes | no

Nathaniel Nifong wrote 04/29/2021 at 01:30 point

Bobricus,
Thank you so much for sending me two extra boards! I am building armachat fusion now.
But your list of parts is way off!

List of differences I ran into on armachat Fusion

5 - 4k7 resistors missing from list (I guess quantity from your silkscreen, but unclear)
1 - 10k resistor missing from list
4 - 4.7 uF capacitors missing from list
1 - 100 uF capacitor missing form list
list does not specify package shape of power switch
Reset button missing from list (and need package shape)
led missing from list
List specified 0803 Capacitor 1uF but solder pads appear to be for smaller 0603
Please specify board thickness for getting correct SMA receptacle
list does not specify package shape of speaker

I am just a software guy still new to building electronics, and if I guess this many details I'm bound to get some wrong ;) 

  Are you sure? yes | no

tyler wrote 04/20/2021 at 21:22 point

What if I wanted to connect to this network without the official hardware, what do I do?

  Are you sure? yes | no

jadenp777 wrote 03/31/2021 at 17:13 point

This would be awesome in a franklin dictionary case

  Are you sure? yes | no

TecHunter wrote 03/02/2021 at 10:04 point

great work, do you think a version with just a long press button, a gps, a bip, battery, maybe movement charger and a radio to send the coordinates could be easy to make small?

  Are you sure? yes | no

Hsingai Tigris Altaica wrote 02/24/2021 at 18:35 point

I would like to see this combined with the open source/hardware Numworks graphing calculator https://www.numworks.com/ to make a graphing calc that's also a doomsday communicator.

  Are you sure? yes | no

www.DIY.ua wrote 02/15/2021 at 07:39 point

ArmaChat in a clamshell body is a very good idea, but IMHO the way it is now it lacks some important features:
- rubber sealant for leakproofing
- attachment for a belt / bracelet for wearing on the wrist
- display with electronic ink and switchable backlight
- protected ports for charging

THX

  Are you sure? yes | no

bobricius wrote 02/15/2021 at 07:47 point

All is under development.

  Are you sure? yes | no

www.DIY.ua wrote 02/15/2021 at 08:18 point

Superior. What about recess on the upper surface for quartz watch and compass? To click in something cheap, compact, and lightweight, like this:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001728753791.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.287f4fd9F2CKKB&algo_pvid=75300291-acef-4baa-ba52-552d8ba42453&algo_expid=75300291-acef-4baa-ba52-552d8ba42453-23&btsid=2100bde716133757150421215ef581&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32805723736.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.480f49b26DYwgT&algo_pvid=313e0e4b-06f4-49c1-b677-bb674f3155e2&algo_expid=313e0e4b-06f4-49c1-b677-bb674f3155e2-35&btsid=2100bde716133760122815318ef581&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

Sure, its not a vital point but it could be a pleasant feature for hikers. IMHO
Thank you

  Are you sure? yes | no

x x wrote 02/13/2021 at 11:03 point

I love this a lot! The form factor reminds me a lot of the old pocket computers Casio made in the past. It would be an interesting platform for all sorts of projects, and it probably would not be too hard to add bluetooth or wifi either to open up even more possibilities.

One suggestion though: It would be really awesome if you'd offer a complete DIY kit with all components (at a reasonable markup) as well, since it is quite dounting to source them individually, and probably require multiple vendors, multiple shipping costs.

I perfectly understand why the prebuilt is quite a bit more expensive because it requires lots of effort and time to assemble and test, but some middle ground would be cool for people that don't have that big of a hobby budget.

  Are you sure? yes | no

Frank wrote 02/02/2021 at 03:02 point

This is fantastic! Is there any chance on getting a detailed parts list? I looked at the bill of materials from PCB Way, but I could really use part numbers since there are many versions of the same element.

  Are you sure? yes | no

stillkingz wrote 01/08/2021 at 03:43 point

Sorry but kinda new to ICE programming. How do i connect the atmel ice to the board (which connector? looks like the pins on the board are tiny...any tip? Thanks and great project, if get them to work i will post a picture....

  Are you sure? yes | no

Seth wrote 10/15/2020 at 17:15 point

What's the make and part number of the SMA connector? All the parts I have found have 4 pins and don't look like any would line up with the footprint on this project.

  Are you sure? yes | no

bobricius wrote 10/15/2020 at 20:47 point

  Are you sure? yes | no

kwapiszon wrote 10/12/2020 at 13:39 point

Please write Your opinion https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=11772&

You have morre to tell.

  Are you sure? yes | no

[deleted]

[this comment has been deleted]

bobricius wrote 09/04/2020 at 06:53 point

G18 is no longer supported.

  Are you sure? yes | no

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