Heltec F&T System
MeshCore-based Multi-Function Firmware
The Heltec F&T system is a MeshCore-based firmware. It has a user-friendly UI and integrated practical functions such as finding friends, directions, recording track paths, and sharing locations.
SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE
In addition to having basic meshcore communication capabilities (BLE + LoRa), the device also needs GNSS and a 9-axis IMU.
- GNSS: Provides position information;
- 9-axis IMU: Point to the target in real time;
- Display: Show information and indicate directions.
Even if the above functional modules are missing, the Heltec F&T system can still run, but the corresponding functions will not be available, thus failing to provide a perfect experience.
The Heltec F&T system includes two roles: Member and Leader.
The following functions assume all peripherals are present. For example, if your device only has GNSS but no 9-axis IMU, then you can be pointed at as a target, but you cannot point at other targets in real time.
Location Share
Enables real-time sharing of user positions for improved group awareness and coordination.
Target Navigation
Helps users locate and navigate toward specific members or destinations efficiently.
Track Recording
Enables movement history recording for route review and activity tracking.
Distance Alertst
Provides proximity-based alerts to help maintain safe and controlled distances between users or targets.
The leader needs to run on a device with a large screen and has all the features of Member.
Offline Maps with Member Dstribution Display
Supports offline maps with real-time visualization of member distribution across the network.
Function Description
Layered modular UI design optimized for visual clarity, readability, and usability.
- It integrates location sharing, target guidance, tracking, distance alerts, and offline member distribution into a unified platform.
- A state-driven model enables fast perception and access to member information.
- The system supports rapid mode switching for different operational scenarios.
The system provides trajectory logging capabilities to improve movement traceability and route analysis.
- Continuously records member movement paths based on periodic location sampling, enabling historical playback.
- Supports route reconstruction and movement analysis for better activity review and tracking.
- Recorded trajectory data can be accessed and analyzed via the DevRemote Flasher tool by connecting the device to a computer via USB.
The system provides distance alerting capabilities to improve safety monitoring and proximity awareness during group movement.
- Continuously tracks inter-member distance using real-time location updates.
- Automatically triggers warnings when members move beyond predefined safe distance thresholds.
The system defines device capabilities based on roles, supporting Member and Leader modes.
- Member Mode: integrates location sharing, target discovery, trajectory tracking, and distance alerting for real-time coordination and safety monitoring among members.
- Leader Mode extends Member Mode with offline map support and enables real-time visualization of member distribution on the map for overall situational awareness and team management.
The Heltec F&T firmware is still in its early stages. If you encounter any bugs that need reporting or would like any features added, you can provide feedback in this topic.
Devices
The system currently supports two types of terminal devices: the WiFi LoRa 32 V4-R8 Expansion Kit and the Mesh Node T1.
WiFi LoRa 32 V4-R8 Expansion Kit
Features a large touchscreen display for Leader Mode, enabling offline map visualization and real-time team situational awareness.
Mesh Node T1
A compact, lightweight device for Member Mode, enabling position sharing, target guidance, and basic team communication in field operations..
How to Flash F&T Firmware?
DevRemote is a firmware flashing and management tool designed for our devices. It supports one-click deployment of F&T system firmware and is also compatible with mainstream open-source LoRa Mesh firmware such as Meshtastic and MeshCore, enabling unified device recognition, flashing, and firmware upgrade management.
