SenseCAP Indicator: ESP32-S3 and RP2040-Powered LoRa and IoT Touchscreen Device

The SenseCAP Indicator is a versatile 4-inch capacitive touchscreen device for IoT connectivity and Meshtastic applications. Powered by Espressif Systems’ ESP32-S3 and Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontrollers, this device combines robust wireless capabilities with expandable functionality. It supports Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n), Bluetooth 5.0 LE, and LoRa connectivity via the Semtech SX1262 chip. Additional features include Grove connectors for expansion and a microSD card slot supporting up to 32GB of external storage.

Preloaded with Meshtastic firmware, the SenseCAP Indicator is ready to serve as a desktop or car node in Meshtastic LoRa mesh networks. With a firmware update, it can also be repurposed as a LoRaWAN Single-Channel Gateway. The device’s standout feature is a 3.95-inch RGB touchscreen with a sharp 480×480 resolution, offering a larger and more interactive display compared to most Meshtastic solutions available.

SenseCAP Indicator specifications:

• Microcontrollers:
  • ESP32-S3: Dual-core Xtensa LX7 microprocessor (up to 240MHz), 8MB Flash.
  • RP2040: Dual-core Cortex-M0+ (default 48MHz, up to 133MHz), 2MB Flash.
• Storage: MicroSD card slot supports up to 32GB for external storage
• Wireless Connectivity:
  • LoRaWAN:
    • Chip: Semtech SX1262
    • Frequency: 862–930 MHz
    • Output Power: Up to +22 dBm
    • Sensitivity: Down to -148 dBm
    • Modulations: LoRa, (G)FSK, Long Range FHSS
  • Wi-Fi: 802.11b/g/n, 2.4 GHz.
  • Bluetooth 5.0 LE.
  • Antenna: SMA connector for 2dBi 868-915MHz antenna.
• Display: 3.95-inch capacitive RGB touchscreen with 480×480 resolution.
• Ports & Expansion:
  • USB: 2x USB 2.0 Type-C (power and console).
  • Grove connectors: 2x 4-pin ports (ADC and I2C).
• Other Features:
  • Buttons: 1x user button, 1x RP2040 boot button.
  • Buzzer: MLT-8530 support (2700Hz resonant frequency, under development).
• Power: 5V DC, 1A.
• Dimensions: 97 x 93 x 18 mm.
• Certifications: CE / FCC

The SenseCAP Indicator excels as a Meshtastic device, facilitating off-grid, open-source LoRa mesh networks for long-range, low-power communication. Users can pair the device with their smartphones via the Meshtastic app for messaging, signal monitoring, and location sharing. Its capability to operate as a single-channel LoRaWAN gateway expands its use cases further. A detailed setup guide and additional resources are available on its official wiki page.

The device ships with a 1M USB-C cable and a 2dBi SMA antenna. Priced at $47.90, the SenseCAP Indicator is expected to start shipping on December 30, 2024.

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