The SenseCAP Indicator is a 4-inch capacitive touchscreen device designed for IoT connectivity and Meshtastic applications powered by Espressif Systems ESP32-S3 and Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontrollers. It supports Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) and Bluetooth 5.0 LE connectivity, as well as LoRa using the Semtech SX1262 chip. The device also provides Grove connectors for expansion and a microSD slot supporting up to 32GB.
Preloaded with Meshtastic firmware, the SenseCap Indicator is ready to function as a Meshtastic desktop or car node and can be reconfigured into a LoRaWAN Single-Channel Gateway. It features a 3.95-inch RGB touchscreen with 480×480 resolution, which is larger than most other Meshtastic solutions we’ve covered.
Previously, we reviewed the SenseCAP Indicator D1Pro, which shares many features with the SenseCAP Indicator. However, the D1Pro integrates tVOC and CO2 sensors, along with an external Grove AHT20 TH sensor for precise temperature and humidity measurements. With real-time air quality monitoring from the built-in sensors and the added Grove AHT20 TH sensor, the D1Pro offers enhanced environmental tracking.
SenseCAP Indicator specifications:
- Microcontrollers
- Espressif Systems ESP32-S3 with dual-core 32-bit Xtensa LX7 microprocessor up to 240MHz
- Raspberry Pi RP2040, Dual Cortex M0+ cores up to 133 MHz (48MHz default)
- Storage
- 8MB Flash storage of ESP32-S3
- 2MB Flash storage of RP2040
- MicroSD card slot supports up to 32GB for external storage
- Wireless Connectivity
- LoRaWAN via Semtech SX1262
- Frequency Range – 862 MHz to 930 MHz
- Output Power – Up to +22 dBm
- Sensitivity – Down to -148 dBm
- Modulations – LoRa, (G)FSK, Long Range FHSS
- 802.11b/g/n, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth 5.0 LE
- Antenna – SMA connector for 2dBi-868-915MHZ-SMA antenna
- LoRaWAN via Semtech SX1262
- Display – 3.95-inch capacitive RGB touch screen with 480 x 480 pixels screen resolution
- USB – 2x USB 2.0 Type-C for power supply and console
- Expansion – 2x 4-pin Grove-compatible ports for ADC and I2C
- Misc
- 1x user button
- 1x internal RP2040 boot button
- MLT-8530 Buzzer support with 2700Hz resonant frequency (not developed yet)
- Power supply – Operates on 5V DC, 1A
- Dimensions – 97 x 93 x 18 mm
- Certification – CE /FCC
The SenseCAP Indicator is a Meshtastic device for creating open-source, off-grid LoRa mesh networks, enabling long-range, low-power communication. It pairs easily with your phone via the Meshtastic app for messaging, signal checks, and location sharing. Additionally, it can also function as a single-channel LoRaWAN gateway with firmware updates. For more information and a step-by-step guide to using the SenseCAP Indicator with Meshtastic, visit the official wiki page.
The packing list includes a USB-C cable (1M) and a 2dBi 868-915MHz SMA antenna, with one of each item. The SenseCAP Indicator for Meshtastic and LoRa is priced at $47.90 with deliveries scheduled to start on December 30, 2024.
Sayantan Nandy, an electronics engineer with over four years of hands-on experience in PCB design, circuit development and power electronics, is proficient in EAGLE CAD, Ki-Cad, and Altium. He has a proven track record of delivering efficient and effective systems. His expertise extends from R&D, and prototyping to production support, making him a valuable asset to any engineering team.
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