Build Your Own Blackout Comms
Getting Started with Lilygo Devices
We offer our own in-house designed & built hardware, but you can get a private secure mesh cluster up and running with nothing more than a couple of Lilygo T-Deck devices! You can also experiment with more mesh communicators, links, antennas, LoRa amps, and more.
1. Get Some Devices
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Get 2 or more communicators, which can be any combination of T-Deck, T-Deck Plus, or Pager.
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T-Deck Plus is available on Amazon, AliExpress, or Rokland for ~$90. Pager is available on Rokland.
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Be sure to get 915 version if in the US. Otherwise, check here to find out what frequencies are OK.​
2. Add Compatible SD Cards
Not required, but recommended for T-Deck+ and Pagers. A good option from Amazon is this PNY card.​
Each device in your cluster needs Blackout Comms firmware. After that, you’ll need to onboard them to your new cluster.
4. Add Links (Optional)
These can extend your cluster and double as GPS trackers. T-Beam Supreme is a good option and is available on Amazon, AliExpress, and Rokland. You will also need to purchase an 18650 flat-ended rechargeable battery (Amazon, AliExpress).​
Install the Blackout Comms Link firmware, and the device should reboot and be ready to onboard immediately.
Enclosures are also available on Etsy, or print your own.
Many other options for links are available. Check the
firmware page for more options.
Full DIY - Build & Customize
These builds are more challenging, but I try to make them as easy as possible. A custom PCB (you can get from me or PCBWay) has instructions printed on it. Basically, solder the components into place and drop into a 3D printed case.
Other Supported Devices
There are some great and inexpensive options for building your own devices. If you buy from us, everything is fully assembled, flashed with Blackout Comms, licensed and ready to run. If you build it yourself, we can't help if you run into hardware issues.
Communicator Hardware Options
Compatible SD cards are highly recommended for communicators, for easy backup and longevity.
Custom T-Deck
The absolute best, but quite a DIY project
Link / Node Hardware Options
Currently the T-Beam Supreme and Heltec e290 are the recommended options for DIY. T-Beam Supreme only requires adding a battery and enclosure, while the e290 has more options and a much better display (but requires additional components & soldering).
Lilygo T-Beam Supreme
Easiest option - good performance
Heltec Vision Master e290
Excellent - top performer
Lilygo T3S3 ePaper
Nice screen - MQTT not supported
