Seeed Studio Meshtastic Devices

In the ever-evolving landscape of IoT devices, the ability to track and communicate effectively is paramount. Meshtastic, a popular mesh networking solution, offers various devices that cater to different user needs. In this blog, we’ll compare three notable Seeed Studio Meshtastic devices: the SenseCAP Card Tracker T1000-E, Wio Tracker 1110 Dev Kit, and XIAO ESP32S3. We will evaluate them based on price, range, built-in sensors, upgradability, and overall usability.

SenseCAP Card Tracker T1000-E

The SenseCAP Card Tracker T1000-E is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact and efficient device for daily use. As one of the second consumer-ready devices on the market, it stands out for its unique design, specifically targeting users who want something small and portable for tracking pets or children. Unlike the T-Echo, which resembles a radio, the T1000-E looks like a card that easily fits in your wallet or bag. Priced at around $40, it offers great value with its onboard GPS and nRF52840 chip, making it cheaper yet slightly less capable than the T-Echo. While it comes with additional sensors, such as a 3-axis accelerometer and temperature sensor, these features are not yet utilized by Meshtastic.

The device’s internal antennas do limit its communication range and prevent upgrading to external antennas due to the lack of IPEX connectors, but it still maintains impressive dust and water resistance with an IP65 rating.

Additionally, the inability to customize or add sensors limits its versatility, as users cannot access the board or pins. Overall, the T1000-E is designed to be slim and sleek, catering perfectly to users who prioritize portability and ease of use. While it may not suit those looking for extensive customization options, it offers a reliable and stylish solution.

Built-in Sensors:

• GPS: Equipped with Mediatek’s AG3335 GPS chip, it provides high-precision tracking capabilities essential for outdoor use.
• 3-Axis Accelerometer: This sensor could allow for motion detection, though it’s not yet utilized by Meshtastic, leaving potential for future enhancements.
• Temperature Sensor: Allows users to monitor environmental conditions, which could be beneficial in various applications.
• Ambient Light Sensor: This sensor is also available but currently not utilized, offering potential for further development.

Upgradability:

• Limited Customization: Unfortunately, the T1000-E lacks access to the board or pins, restricting users from adding sensors or customizing functionality. This limits its versatility as users cannot modify or upgrade it according to their specific needs.

Unique Features:

• IP65 Rating: This rating provides dust and water resistance, making it suitable for outdoor applications and ensuring durability in various weather conditions.
• Buzzer: A handy feature that alerts users to incoming messages, allowing them to stay informed without needing to check a screen.
• Design: Highly portable and easy to slip into a wallet or pocket, the T1000-E is perfect for on-the-go use. While it may not suit those looking for extensive customization options, it offers a reliable and stylish solution for everyday tracking needs.

Wio Tracker 1110 Dev Kit

The Wio Tracker 1110 Dev Kit is a versatile and well-balanced option, perfect for tinkerers and casual users alike. Its compact design makes it easy to use while still offering room for customization, which is great for those who want something reliable yet adaptable for different projects. The built-in Mediatek GPS chip delivers precise location tracking, making it a solid choice for outdoor applications. One standout feature is the screen—it’s super handy for checking messages and notifications without needing to grab your phone, especially useful when you’re in a pinch or just running tests.

With the nRF52 low power microcontroller, you get excellent battery life, making it ideal for long-term use in remote or off-grid setups. It also has an integrated BMS (Battery Management System) and battery connector, which makes it easy to power the device safely and reliably with an external battery. The four remaining Grove connectors allow for simple plug-and-play expansion, letting you add sensors or other components without any hassle.

That said, at $40, it can be a hard pill to swallow for a Meshtastic device, especially when compared to other options. Yes, you get customization with the nRF52, which is rare. While you have options like RAK, adding GPS and a screen might push its price higher. In contrast, the SenseCAP Card Tracker T1000-E comes at the same price but offers more out of the box, even though it lacks a screen. One major plus with the Wio Tracker 1110 is the IPEX connector, allowing you to add your own antenna, giving it a range advantage over the T1000-E.

Built-in Sensors:

• GPS: Integrated for precise location tracking, making it suitable for various outdoor applications.
• Screen: Unlike the T1000-E, the Wio Tracker comes with a display, providing a direct interface for viewing messages and notifications, enhancing user experience.
• 3-Axis Accelerometer: This sensor could allow for motion detection, though it’s not yet utilized by Meshtastic, leaving potential for future enhancements.
• Temperature Sensor: Allows users to monitor environmental conditions, which could be beneficial in various applications.
• Grove Connectors: The device features four remaining plug-and-play Grove connectors, allowing users to easily expand functionality by adding custom sensors and modules.

Upgradability:

• The Wio Tracker is highly expandable, enabling users to integrate custom sensors and functionalities seamlessly. The design encourages exploration, making it an attractive option for those interested in experimenting with different setups.
• Additionally, the device features an IPEX connector, allowing for the connection of custom antennas. This feature enhances its communication capabilities, making it suitable for various applications, including long-range tracking.

Unique Features:

• User-Friendly Design: The plug-and-play nature simplifies the setup process, allowing users to focus on development rather than complicated configurations. This ease of use is complemented by the extensive expansion interfaces that facilitate rapid prototyping and experimentation.
• Competitive Positioning (Maybe): While the Wio Tracker is competitive with other offerings like the Wisblock from RAK, its price point may not justify its capabilities for some users, especially those looking for advanced features at a similar price.

XIAO ESP32S3 for Meshtastic & LoRa

The XIAO ESP32S3 offers incredible value for those looking to integrate ESP32 capabilities with LoRa technology. Priced at just $9.90, it’s an unbeatable deal for DIY enthusiasts and developers aiming to create custom tracking solutions. For anyone familiar with the ESP32 ecosystem, this board is a standout, especially considering it includes LoRa and even comes with an IPEX connector and antenna right out of the box.

Its small form factor makes it ideal for compact projects, perfect for those who need a powerful but tiny module to work with. While it doesn't come with a Battery Management System (BMS), you can easily upgrade by purchasing the expansion board for just $4.50 more. This expansion board allows you to add GPS, a screen, and other sensors, as well as the BMS for hooking up a battery, although these components do not come included with the board itself.

For ESP32 lovers, this is a killer deal. Even with the additional cost of the expansion board, you're still looking at a budget-friendly solution for projects that need LoRa connectivity and tracking capabilities. It’s not only affordable but also incredibly easy to customize and scale, making it a solid choice for anyone looking to build their own Meshtastic device or other IoT applications on a tight budget.

Built-in Sensors:

• Onboard WiFi: This is a definite advantage if you plan to connect the device to MQTT or run applications such as a pax counter.

Upgradability:

• Although the base board lacks built-in sensors and battery management systems (BMS), users can purchase an expansion board for around $4.50. This expansion allows the addition of GPS, a display, and BMS for battery connection, enhancing the board's functionality significantly.
• This modularity allows users to tailor the device to their specific needs, making it a flexible solution for various applications.
• Additionally, the device features an IPEX connector, allowing for the connection of custom antennas. This feature enhances its communication capabilities, making it suitable for various applications, including long-range tracking.

Unique Features:

• Compact Form Factor: The small size is ideal for portable projects and DIY applications, allowing for integration into tight spaces and specialized designs.
• Incredible Price: At $9.90, it provides an affordable entry point into the world of IoT and tracking, making it an attractive option.

In summary, the SenseCAP Card Tracker T1000-E stands out as a reliable, consumer-ready Meshtastic device, perfect for those who want a sleek and compact design with built-in sensors, ready to go right out of the box. Its portability and ease of use make it ideal for users who don’t want to tinker too much, though the range may be limited due to its internal antennas. While the T-Echo offers a similar device with an IPEX - SMA connector for a custom antenna, the T1000-E remains a cheaper, well-designed option for everyday tracking needs.

On the other hand, the Wio Tracker 1110 Dev Kit at $40 may be a harder sell. Although it's well-suited for tinkerers who prefer plug-and-play convenience with extra Grove connectors for customization, its price point might deter some, especially given the cheaper DIY options available for building an nRF52 node. It’s a balanced choice for those who want a bit of customization without going full DIY.

Finally, the XIAO ESP32S3 for Meshtastic & LoRa offers unbeatable value. At $9.90, it’s not only cheaper than building your own node but also comes with an SMA connector, and an antenna included. While it doesn’t have a built-in BMS, the $4.50 expansion board adds the ability to connect a battery, GPS, and more sensors, making it a fantastic option for DIYers who want something affordable, flexible, and easy to upgrade. This small yet powerful board is likely to become a favorite among DIYers for custom projects.