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Meshtastic Designer: A New Interactive Way to Design Custom Meshtastic Devices

Turning an IoT idea into a reality often involves tackling a series of practical challenges. Designers and innovators face questions like: Which components will work seamlessly together? How do you ensure compatibility while meeting the functional needs of your project? And, perhaps most importantly, what will the final solution look like?

At RAKwireless, we’ve heard these frustrations from our customers. While modular platforms like WisBlock have revolutionized IoT by offering endless possibilities for customization, the process of assembling a fully functional solution remains complex. The process involves more than just snapping parts together—it requires ensuring that every component, from sensors to enclosures, fits both the design vision and the practical demands of real-world applications.

This challenge hinders innovation, making it harder for businesses and individuals to maximize the benefits of IoT. That’s why we created Meshtastic Designer, a powerful online tool designed to eliminate guesswork and empower users to confidently build IoT solutions that meet their requirements. Meshtastic Designer goes beyond being a product configuration tool; it is an end-to-end platform that empowers users to design, customize, and manufacture IoT solutions tailored to their needs.

Overview of the RAKwireless Meshtastic Designer


Simplifying the Specification Process 

RAKwireless set out to tackle the complexities of IoT design by creating an intuitive, end-to-end online solution that simplifies the specification process. With Meshtastic Designer, customers can:

  • Select and configure WisBlock components that align with their IoT requirements, ensuring compatibility and functionality.
  • Streamline the transition from concept to production, reducing friction and enabling faster time-to-market.
  • Visualize the final solution to streamline the production of any custom enclosures that meet technical requirements—like precise cutouts for connectors—and achieve a professional result.

To bring this vision to life, we partnered with Infinitive, experts in cloud software for mass customization in manufacturing. Their ability to directly link online configurators with CAD data and automate the creation of production-ready designs aligned perfectly. From implementing and automating compatibility rules to reducing the complexity of selecting components, Infinitive’s technology laid the groundwork for transforming IoT design into a more accessible, less daunting process.

Meshtastic Designer is the result - a tool designed to bring clarity to IoT design, empowering users to focus on innovation rather than technical hurdles.



Why Start with Meshtastic?

WisBlock’s potential is vast, with applications ranging from environmental monitoring to long-range communication. However, to effectively address the diverse needs of our customers, we needed to focus on a specific, tangible use case first.

The Meshtastic community became a natural starting point. Meshtastic, initially a messaging platform, has evolved into a powerful tool for sending data, enabling applications like remote sensor management, environmental monitoring, and innovative communication networks. The flexibility of WisBlock modules within the Meshtastic ecosystem has already inspired countless creative projects. One popular example is the ability to build Meshtastic solar node setups, ideal for off-grid deployments and environmental monitoring.

However, the challenge remained: how do we enable users to design and optimize their projects with confidence while avoiding the risks of incompatibility or functional compromises?



How Meshtastic Designer Works

1. Guided Customization Process

Users are guided step-by-step to ensure their designs are functional and compatible:

  • Module Selection: Choose from a curated range of WisBlock modules to build your custom Meshtastic node for a variety of use cases. For instance, if you’re building a long-range communication device, the platform suggests relevant components and highlights any incompatibilities (e.g., sensors not compatible with selected slots).

Select WisBlock modules, get compatibility checks, and build functional, tailored devices.
Select WisBlock modules, get compatibility checks, and build functional, tailored devices.

  • Configuration Guidance: If a selected module doesn’t fit or function correctly, the platform prevents errors by offering clear guidance. For example, a 3-axis acceleration sensor may appear in the list but remain unselectable if it conflicts with the chosen slot.

2. Add an Enclosure

Users can add enclosures to suit their project needs:

  • Selecting an Enclosure: At this stage, users can select an enclosure that matches the base board they are using, choose from available colors, and finalize an enclosure design that complements their WisBlock modules.

Match your WisBlock base board, pick colors, and finalize a design that suits your project's needs.
Match your WisBlock base board, pick colors, and finalize a design that suits your project's needs.

3. Interactive 3D Viewer

Visualizing and refining designs is effortless with a real-time 3D interface:

  • Manipulate and inspect your design with tools like transparency, cross-sectional views, and exploded diagrams.
  • Gain confidence knowing your design is accurate and manufacturable before finalizing.

Rotate, inspect with transparency, cross-sections, and verify accuracy before finalizing

4. Share and Export Configurations

  • Sharing Designs: Users can share designs with colleagues and community members using links and QR codes.
  • Exporting Completed Designs: At this stage, users can export their configured designs for further steps such as enclosure design and layout planning.

5. E-Commerce Integration

Meshtastic Designer integrates directly into the RAKwireless website:

  • Customize your order during the purchasing process.
  • Save progress and return anytime to continue your design.



The Future: Expanding Beyond Meshtastic

While Meshtastic Designer is currently dedicated to empowering the Meshtastic ecosystem, it represents just the beginning of our vision. Imagine a future where the same intuitive and seamless design experience extends to the entire WisBlock collection—allowing users to develop and implement any IoT solution they envision.

Our ultimate goal is to build a WisBlock Designer that expands on selection and visualization with more advanced features:

  • Custom Enclosure Modifications: Picture being able to automate the placement of precise holes, slots, or even freeform geometry for your enclosures, perfectly matched to your IoT design.
  • Manufacturing Integration: From design to delivery, your product could transition smoothly to production with manufacturing-ready data (e.g., G-Code) that integrates directly with CNC machines and robotic systems.



A Vision for IoT Customization

Imagine designing your IoT solution online, visualizing it in 3D, and having it manufactured and delivered—all without leaving the platform. Meshtastic Designer starts to bring this vision to life for the Meshtastic community, empowering innovators to create tailored IoT solutions with ease and confidence.

But we’re not stopping here. As we continue to refine and expand the platform, our commitment to making IoT easy remains steadfast. From modular designs to seamless manufacturing, Meshtastic Designer marks a significant step forward in IoT customization and innovation.



Ready to Get Started?

Explore Meshtastic Designer today and discover how it can transform your IoT projects. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a business, Meshtastic Designer makes customization and production simple, efficient, and accessible.