Hardware Guide
The sensor hardware
behind the network.
Every sensor node has a LoRa radio and acts as both a sensing unit and a relay. No cell signal required — the mesh carries the data.
Base Radio
The Mesh Radio
The base radio runs Meshtastic firmware — open source, configurable via phone app in minutes. Both work out of the box with no firmware compilation required.
Pre-Assembled
LILYGO T-Echo
- LoRa + GPS
- NRF52 low-power chip
- Grove I2C expansion
- Battery-ready
- Meshtastic firmware
Pre-Assembled
LILYGO T-Beam Supreme
- LoRa + GPS
- Optional cellular
- Standard Meshtastic device
- Larger form factor
Environmental Sensors
What the Nodes Sense
The BME688's gas sensing detects combustion in the air before visible smoke appears. All plug into the Grove port — no soldering.
BME688
$35-50
Measures
Temp, humidity, pressure, gas
Role
Primary detection - gas sensing picks up combustion before smoke is visible.
BME680
$25-40
Measures
Temp, humidity, pressure, gas
Role
Alternative - lower cost with similar capability.
BME280
$8-12
Measures
Temperature, humidity, pressure
Role
Secondary layer - plugs into Grove port, no soldering.
Power System
Solar + Battery
Every node runs completely off-grid. The battery autonomy target is 2-3 days without sunlight. In Utah's climate, manageable with a modest panel.
Sample — Node Cost Breakdown
Solar-powered sensor unit in weatherproof enclosure