V3 Setup Guide for Austere Environments

  1. Remove unit from packaging.
  2. Remove the plastic from the unit.
  3. Set aside baggie with two case set screws.
  4. Remove two installed set screws.
  5. NOTE: Two sets of screws are installed for transportation. The two additional screws in the baggie are for final closure and installation.
  6. WARNING: When lifting top solar panel assembly, be careful to not damage connectors to solar panel, as it will prevent the solar panel from charging the internal battery.
  7. On the right-hand side, there is a small switch pictured below in Figure 1. Move the switch position from off to on.
  8. NOTE: During this period of time, the BLE of the device is on and active. Scan with your EUD to locate the device.
  9. Now you must place the V3 into paring mode by pressing the function button twice.
  10. NOTE: Default BLE code is 12345 or 123456
  11. Once paired to the device, Open Meshtastic and select your V3 from the last tab.
  12. Select the menu button in the top right corner. It should appear as three vertical dots. 
  13. Select radio configuration.
  14. Select Device
  15. Select the Roll drop-down menu Select TAK, TAK Tracker
  16. Select Rebroadcast mode drop down menu Select ALL, ALL SKIP DECODING, or LOCAL ONLY, with the default being ALL.
  17. Once you have your settings set, select Send. This will update the device.
  18. Back out to the main screen and move to the 4th TAB, which has a square and a gear symbol in the middle.
  19. Once there, select the region and select the US.
  20. NOTE: Often times, updating device settings will power cycle the device. You may need to reconnect as the device is designed to be a repeater, not an EUD.
  21. The device is now set and ready to receive channel settings and encryption for team use.
  22. WARNING: The default channel and Key is loaded into all Meshtastic devices. Ensure you generate your own KEY and Channel to prevent any security concerns.

 

  1. NOTE: Additional channels can be added from the Meshtastic App by selecting the 4th tab that displays a “circle with a signal icon” by selecting the pencil icon and adding additional channels from that menu. Ensure you scroll down and select send to update the MUD with additional channels.

 

  1. NOTE: Each device has its own settings. Settings are not saved to EUD.

 

  1. V3 can now be closed and secured with the four fasteners provided.

 

  1. NOTE: Ensure no loose or missing hardware is present, as it will cause moisture to get into the enclosure and impact the performance and longevity of the device.
  2. Note: Use provided super glue to seal any openings as needed. Any bonding material can be used to seal damages as needed.

 

  1. Note: Painting the device is also recommended to blend in the user environment.

 

  1. Note: Always check for loose or missing hardware before deployment.

 

  1. Note: V3 will appear on ATAK as a node corresponding to the device name found in Meshtastic.

 

For OPSEC reasons, coordinate any and all requests with the POC for upgrades, prototype units, and custom firmware for austere use.  “Custom Firmware” is mesh firmware that supports encrypted GPS decryption and standalone non-Meshtastic backend. This “Custom Firmare” is still in beta.

TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS AND EMPLOYMENT.

Select locations for your V3 placements After channels have been added across all of the V3’s you plan to employ as a network, the solar panel will charge the device. The V3’s have a 2000mAh battery installed. If there is sunlight, they will power and charge the battery. In the event of a lower solar cycle for prolonged periods of time, it can loose power. Special units are also being developed that can be charged and deployed along with the aid of solar. At the moment, the hardware is not yet ready. But should be ready to deploy as of AUG2024. Feel free to reach out to your POC for more instructions on how to swap or upgrade your units.

 

How can you help us?

As always, the future development of these devices is based on end user feedback. Please document the device employment to better assist us in making improvements of the entire ecosystem. Any pictures of the devices will be scrubbed for any identifying features as well as landmarks that can be identified by our team before they are used for any purpose. In short, we love seeing the devices “in the wild”.

 

If you are reading this, our team of veterans wishes you godspeed, a swift victory and the warm embrace of your loved ones when the war is over.