I spent this weekend building a pair of MeshCore radios. MeshCore is a decentralized mesh networking platform that uses LoRa radio hardware for secure text-based communications - no internet required. Unlike Meshtastic where every node relays traffic for every other node, MeshCore only relays through dedicated repeater nodes. This makes the network potentially more efficient and reliable - regular nodes aren't bogged down forwarding everyone else's messages.

The build was based on Heltec V3 boards. I grabbed a pair of kits from Amazon along with some better antennas, 3D printed cases for them, and used batteries I already had on hand. The whole thing came together over the weekend without too much trouble.

I've been working on a side project for a while now, and it's finally at the point where I can talk about it: Whatsit Manufacturing Co. is my small bespoke manufacturing business, specializing in custom-designed handmade products and made-to-order items.

The tagline is "fine dohickies and thingamabobs" which captures the spirit of the thing pretty well. Someone comes to me with an idea - a specialized tool, a unique gift, a one-of-a-kind solution to a problem - and I design and build it from scratch. I also have a small catalog of stock products that can be customized.