How To Add SOS Button To Your Meshtastic Device

In this guide, we'll walk you through adding an SOS button to your existing ESP32 Lora Meshtastic Node. This guide will work also for any ESP32-based device with some modifications.

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Hardware

Now let's get started with the hardware you need:

• 1x Tactile Push Button Switch - AliExpress Price: 0.55 USD - We went with a cheap set of 25pcs but you can replace it with a fancy button if you wish. You can also get 10pcs for much cheaper.
• 2x Female to Female Pin Connector AliExpress Price: 0.42USD

Assembly

The hardware is all ready and set now to the wiring. For this, we will follow the following Schematics.

Tactile Push Button Switch - DIY ESP32 Meshtastic Node

• Button Leg 1-> GPIO 15
• Button Leg 2-> GND

Once all the wiring is completed. Double-check your connections and ensure they match the suggested layout before proceeding to the next steps.

Meshtastic Settings

On the Sensor Device

1. Open Meshtastic App (IOS for this guide)
2. Go to the Settings page
3. In the module configuration section go to Detection Sensor
4. Toggle the switch to enable Enable
5. Give the sensor/button a name, We named it SOS.
6. Set GPIO PIN to monitor to PIN 15
7. Lastly, press Save

On the Client Device

1. Open Meshtastic App (IOS for this guide)
2. Go to the Settings page
3. In the module configuration section go to Detection Sensor
4. Toggle the switch to enable Enable
5. Right under the toggle select Client this time.
6. Lastly, press Save

Once this is set up, you'll receive messages on the public channel whenever the button is pressed. Consider customizing the limit in the settings if you wish to have the button transmitting more frequently. Saturating the network could potentially lead to issues with sending and receiving data. Check out our Channel Utilization post for more information

Understanding and Optimizing Channel Utilization in Meshtastic Devices

Channel utilization is the key to efficient communication. Whether you’re engaged in long-range communication, participating in a Helium network, or using other compatible devices like LoRaWAN, monitoring and optimizing channel utilization is crucial for a healthy network.

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In conclusion, this comprehensive guide ensures seamless integration of an SOS Button into your ESP32 Lora or any other ESP32-based Meshtastic Node, extending its capabilities. The instructions provided are for ESP32, yet you can also apply to any other ESP32-based board like Heltec V3 Lora, TTGo, or T-Beam device with minor adjustments. Remember to be mindful of network usage to optimize data transmission. This guide not only enhances your device with a SOS button but also opens up possibilities for incorporating other functionalities. Happy tinkering!