LoRa Mesh solutions, such as Meshtastic and MeshCore, facilitate off-grid messaging, GPS tracking, and, in certain instances, audio communication. These innovations serve to enhance connectivity in emergencies, whether for work, leisure activities in the wilderness, or simply for reliable communication beyond the reach of cellular networks.
Nevertheless, the adoption rate remains subdued. Potential users face the barrier of purchasing a terminal that costs approximately the same as an entry-level smartphone, while many fail to see its utility beyond emergency scenarios.
The integration of LoRa Mesh technology into Android smartphones presents a compelling solution to reduce costs. This approach leverages the existing battery, housing, and components, necessitating only the addition of a LoRa module and an antenna.
pecFive has successfully implemented this concept in the SpecFive Spectre Pro 4G LTE smartphone, which includes a LoRa module. This rugged device operates on Android 12 and is preloaded with applications including Meshtastic, Mesh Tic Tac Toe, CheckTastic, and Mesh Chess.
Specifications of the SpecFive Spectre Pro:
- SoC – Unspecified quad-core processor
- System Memory – 4GB RAM
- Storage – 64GB flash, with a microSD card slot (pending confirmation)
- Display – 3.5-inch screen featuring an 854×480 resolution (FWVGA)
- Cameras
- 5MP rear camera
- 2MP front-facing camera
- Connectivity
- 4G LTE with Dual SIM Dual Standby (supports two Nano SIM cards) or one Nano card in conjunction with a memory card (presumably MicroSD)
- 2GB prepaid SIM included for the Hybrid model
- LoRa Mesh – nRF52 MCU + SX1262 LoRa transceiver + LoRa antenna
- Batteries
- 1,950 mAh for the smartphone
- 250 mAh for the LoRa module
- Dimensions – 112 x 55 x 30 mm
- Weight – 135 grams
- Case Material – PETG-carbon fiber reinforced
The SpecFive Spectre Pro comes equipped with a USB-C charging cable and a user manual for the Base model, while the Hybrid version includes a 2GB prepaid data SIM card. The design facilitates the flexibility of using 4G LTE and LoRa Mesh, enabling users to alternate between the two or utilize both in tandem.
Despite the attractive proposition of a smartphone imbued with LoRa Mesh capabilities, several reservations cloud the appeal of the Spectre Pro. Notably, the device’s specifications verge on the mundane.
Furthermore, the absence of operational videos or images raises concerns regarding its reliability. It appears that SpecFive opted for a more rudimentary approach by simply affixing a LoRa Mesh component onto the rear of the smartphone.
This results in two distinct devices, each with its own processors, memory, and battery, ostensibly duct-taped together and communicating via Bluetooth. This design choice is rather disappointing. The ruggedness of the smartphone is underscored by its carbon-fiber casing.
SpecFive retails the Spectre Pro LoRa Mesh Android smartphone at $199.99 for the Base model and $269.99 for the Hybrid model, both available on Amazon and its online store. Additional details can be found in the press release.
Source link: Cnx-software.com.
