STS Collective OpenMANET Heltec Node – Compact Off-Grid Mesh Communications
The STS Collective OpenMANET Heltec Node is a compact, self-contained mesh networking device built for off-grid communication, privacy-focused networking, and rapid deployment scenarios. Powered by Wi-Fi HaLow (802.11ah) in the 915 MHz band and preloaded with OpenMANET firmware, this unit enables you to create a long-range, infrastructure-free network anywhere.
Designed around the Heltec HT-HD01 V2 platform, this device is lightweight, efficient, and ideal for portable or distributed deployments where simplicity and reliability matter most.
Core Capabilities
📡 Long-Range HaLow Connectivity
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Operates in the 915 MHz band (US) for extended range
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Morse Micro MM6108 HaLow radio
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Improved signal penetration through buildings, terrain, and foliage
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External SMA antenna for flexible positioning
🔗 Self-Forming Mesh Network
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Uses BATMAN-V (batman-adv) mesh routing
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Nodes automatically connect and route traffic across multiple hops
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Flat mesh network: 10.41.0.0/16
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Expand coverage by simply adding more nodes
🔒 Private, Infrastructure-Free Networking
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No reliance on cellular, ISPs, or centralized systems
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Fully local communication between connected devices
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Ideal for off-grid, privacy-conscious, or disconnected environments
🌐 Local Access for Devices
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Built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi access point (AP mode)
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Ethernet connectivity (100 Mbps)
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Automatic DHCP for connected clients
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mDNS support for easy device access (example: manet01.local)
Hardware Overview
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Platform: Heltec HT-HD01 V2
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CPU: MediaTek MT7628AN (580 MHz)
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RAM: 128MB DDR2
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Storage: 32MB SPI NOR
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HaLow Radio: Morse Micro MM6108
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Wi-Fi: 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n (AP mode only)
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Ethernet: 1x 100 Mbps port
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Power: USB-C (5V)
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Antenna: External SMA (sub-GHz)
Pre-Flashed with OpenMANET Firmware
This unit comes with OpenMANET firmware pre-installed, built on:
No flashing or build process required.
Use Cases
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Off-grid communications
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Emergency and disaster response
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Rural or remote networking
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Field teams and portable deployments
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Airsoft / milsim coordination
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Lightweight mesh expansions
Important Notes
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Designed for lightweight, low-power deployments
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Ethernet is 100 Mbps (not gigabit)
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Web interface performance may be slower due to hardware limitations
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2.4 GHz Wi-Fi operates in access point mode only
Setup & Documentation
For setup instructions and advanced configuration:
👉 https://openmanet.github.io/docs/
STS Collective Notes
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Professionally prepared with OpenMANET firmware pre-installed
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Built for simple, reliable, and independent networking
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No subscriptions, no cloud dependency, no external requirements
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Scales easily by adding additional nodes