meshO

meshO is a radio control solution for orienteering. The meshO radios receive punches from controls and send them back to the event computers via a mesh radio network.

The radio punches can be used to:

provide commentary while competitors complete their course, and
know at any point in time who has started and who has finished, for improved safety at all events.

meshO creates a reliable, sub 1Ghz, self healing radio network independent of cellular and with no ongoing costs. The system is designed to be simple to use and integrates with existing orienteering event software.

scheme

The system consists of these devices:

meshO Prime Creates the mesh radio network, connects to your event computer and receives punches from the network.
meshO Control Listens for punches at controls (including Start and Finish) and relays this through the network to meshO Prime. meshO Control can be used with either BSF7, BSF8 and BSF11 units for SIAC punches, or with BSF8-SRR units for both manual punches and SIAC punches.
meshO Boost Expands, extends and boosts the mesh network. Recommended to be attached to a mast to provide better radio signal.
meshO Analysis Connects to the mesh network and finds all devices accessible on the network, including signal strength and all connections between each node. Use this to analyse your network connections to help decide where to add another meshO Boost, for example.

Each meshO device on the network also extends the network coverage and relays communications between neighbouring units. A meshO Control that can not communicate with meshO Prime directly will connect to the nearest other meshO device on the network to complete the route.

meshO is flexible enough to start with a single meshO Control placed next to the finish to enhance safety, and extensible to complete coverage of event areas with up to 128 controls for next level commentary, event atmosphere and safety.

Why meshO?

Affordable - each meshO Control is only $299 AUD
Range - using the 900 Mhz radio frequency, meshO has amazing range through the bush!
Compact & light - at just approx. 75mm x 105mm (excluding flange) and weighing just 218g the radio device is small, light and easy to carry.
Small antenna - a flexible and light antenna of just 175mm doesn’t need to be detached, making carrying and storing the radios easy.
Power efficient - all radios include a battery that will provide power for over 24 hours.
Easy to charge - magnetically attaching USB cables makes it simple to recharges. An optional transport/recharging case has slots for up to 20 meshO Controls.
Waterproof - the radios are waterproof; the antenna includes double rubber seals, the lid has a rubber gasket, and the magnetic charger socket is waterproof.
Network diagnosis - the kit includes meshO Analysis that discovers all devices in the network and reports signal strength for each connection.
Repairable - each radio is repairable with replaceable battery and antenna. The cases can be opened easily and all connections can be unplugged.
Simple to operate - a magnetic switch turns the radios on and off; plug meshO Prime in to your event computer and straight away start receiving radio punches. The whole kit comes pre-configured and ready to use.
Convenient - base plates (included in the kit) can be permanently attached to control stands, allowing the radios to quickly and simply attach.
Compatible - has been tested with MeOS, OE12 and O-Lynx. Let us know if you’d like to use meshO with other event software and we’ll do our best to get it working.

project updates

team

Tate Needham
Michael Reed
Fedor Iskhakov
Davin Fifield
Justin Stafford
Matt Purcell
team photo
github

support

meshO live is currently in development and has received a grant from Moira Whiteside Trust