Designed by Altware Dev Shop in the US, the Blackout Comms is an off-grid, LoRa-based encrypted mesh communication system built around ESP32 for texting and GPS location sharing without the need for any cellular networks or internet. The device uses asymmetric encryption and digital signatures for secure communication during blackouts, emergencies, or in remote areas where connectivity is unavailable.
The device seemed a little bit pricey at first, but the complete kit includes two customized T-Deck communicators and one Altware Link/Node, all pre-configured and ready to use. Each communicator features a DFRobot GPS, Adafruit DS3231 real-time clock, 5000 mAh battery (≈48-hour runtime), external antenna, and PETG printed case, while the Link/Node integrates its own GPS, RTC, 3000 mAh+ battery, and antenna for cluster support.
The system forms a private cluster with encrypted, frequency-hopping communication, signed delivery confirmations, and distributed mesh caching. Beyond messaging and location, it also supports proximity/motion sensing and encrypted remote relay control, making it suitable for disaster preparedness, secure field communication, and resilient off-grid IoT applications.
One of the most interesting features of this device is the concept of a cluster. A cluster is a trusted group of devices that privately communicate using asymmetric encryption, unpredictable frequency hopping, and distributed caching. Messages are not just transmitted on a single path but can be split across multiple frequencies and dynamically rerouted, with each device in the cluster contributing to path optimization and packet delivery. This feature not only saves time but also increases security.
You can add any number of nodes as you like, and it’s not limited to two T-Decks and one Link/Node. You can add devices like the Lilygo T-LoRa Pagers, T-Deck Plus, and other devices like Rokland T-Deck Complete, T-Beam Supreme, LILYGO T3S3, and Heltec VisionMaster e290. The network should also have support for LILYGO T-Deck Pro, but it’s not specifically mentioned on the supported devices list. The company has announced upcoming support for a full touchscreen communicator that will be fully compatible with the ecosystem.
The devices are designed for off-grid conditions, with the T-Deck communicators powered by 5000 mAh batteries and the Link/Node using a 3000 mAh or larger pack, allowing them to run for a full day of continuous use on a single charge. They also feature PETG 3D-printed cases and matched antennas for various use cases.
The firmware powering the Blackout Comms was originally developed under the name ChatterBox in late 2023 as a personal project. Its creator designed it to provide a secure communication to keep in contact with nearby family and friends during grid outages. Over time, the system evolved to include support for motion sensors, relays, and extended mesh features while maintaining end-to-end encryption and digital signatures. As the devices are built around ESP32, installing the firmware is easy and similar to WLED projects; you can just go to the firmware section, select your device, and click download, and it will install the firmware just like that. However, note that while the firmware is free on supported devices, it’s not open-source.
The Blackout Comms can be purchased either from the Tindie store or the Chatters.io store, where prices start at $499 for the Standard and Rokland kits, and $699 for the Extreme kit. More information, including user guides, setup instructions, comparisons with Meshtastic, and much more, can be found on Chatter.io.
Debashis Das is a technical content writer and embedded engineer with over five years of experience in the industry. With expertise in Embedded C, PCB Design, and SEO optimization, he effectively blends difficult technical topics with clear communication
Support CNX Software! Donate via cryptocurrencies, become a Patron on Patreon, or purchase goods on Amazon or Aliexpress. We also use affiliate links in articles to earn commissions if you make a purchase after clicking on those links.
Fyi: Cryptography security does not protect you from keylogger nor input method logger for those who use non-Western script input. Not as if anyone is expected will disclose such activity, it’s part of the specs that are not in the specs.
The max distance between 2 lora nodes is around 2km I believe, so you would have to have nodes every 2 kms between the start and end node or messages may not even arrive. Also if this is for emergencies, then is there a way to ensure a messages has arrived ? Some kind of automated confirmation of all received messages ? If not what happens if the target node is switched off, can any meshtastic infrastructure be setup to cache or store unreceived messages etc. ? For a modern encrypted emergency messaging system, I would expect nowadays not to have to leave a device on all the time (similar to a radio/CB) just in case of message arrives, or to have to synchronize a daily ON time to make sure no messages are missed etc.
Per the article “signed delivery confirmation”
Re always on, I’m guessing that might ibe what the “distributed mesh cache” is? Holding messages pending delivery? Nots sure what else there is to cache in a text messaging network. Your just pushing the always-on requirement onto other nodes in the system though, and they will be equally power challenged in a grid down emergency.