Meshtastic 64 – A meshtastic radio for the Commodore 64
2 days ago
- #Commodore64
- #meshtastic
- #retrocomputing
- Designed and built a meshtastic radio for the Commodore 64, released at VCF Midwest show.
- Meshtastic is an open-source, decentralized, peer-to-peer text messaging network for long-range communication.
- Used Heltec LoRa V3 modules for the project, focusing on serial communication in TEXT_MODE.
- Developed a BASIC program for the Commodore 64, converting between ASCII and PETSCII for text messaging.
- Included PETSCII graphics support with an editor, storage slots, and SAVE/LOAD functionality.
- Designed a custom PCB with a display window, USB-C access, and internal battery space.
- Faced challenges with mirrored PCB connections but resolved them in the second design iteration.
- Built 19 units for the VCFMW show, where the meshtastic 64 performed well under heavy network traffic.
- The modules feature a built-in rechargeable battery, allowing independent operation from the C64.
- Positive reception at the show, with plans to share the BASIC program code for others to use.