The team
The company
meshO is an Australian company, backed by Orienteering Australia, developing a real-time radio punching and GPS tracking system tailored specifically for orienteering events using sub-GHz mesh radios. The system has been successfully deployed at numerous state and national competitions across Australia and is now commercially available.
The key technical innovation is meshO’s sub-GHz mesh radio network, which transmits data—including punches and live GPS positions—across courses without relying on mobile phone coverage or Wi-Fi infrastructure. Sub-GHz frequencies offer superior penetration through vegetation and orienteering terrain compared to 2.4GHz, while being less susceptible to interference. This makes the system ideally suited for remote locations and challenging terrain where connectivity is typically problematic. The radios are compact, waterproof, lightweight, and highly portable with short antennas and rechargeable batteries providing over 24 hours of operation.
By manufacturing devices at commercial scale with low costs, we’re making real-time tracking technology accessible for both club-level events and major competitions. Eliminating cellular service requirements allows us to bring real-time tracking and enhanced safety features to the broader orienteering community. We see significant potential benefits for safety and event management, as well as spectator engagement, athlete development, and post-race analysis. Interoperability is a core design principle—we’ve tested extensively with SportIdent SIAC and SRR systems, and integrated with event software including MeOS, SI Timing, and OE.
The next development phase leverages the mesh network for live athlete tracking through a small wearable device with built-in GPS. This device joins the mesh network and transmits location data through the network to the event computer, which then forwards the tracking data to Livelox and other live tracking platforms. We have working prototypes currently undergoing field testing, with anticipated release in early 2026.
Key meshO Innovations
Sub-GHz radio frequency Provides reliable long-range communications, low power usage, excellent terrain penetration, and smaller antennas for greater portability. Previous solutions have used 2.4GHz radio frequencies which have proved to be unreliable especially in challenging terrain.
Scalable, Custom PCB Design Purpose built for mass production with integrated components, reducing BOM and improving robustness compared to hobbyist projects.
Fault-Tolerant Firmware with RTOS RTOS-based custom firmware ensures real-time performance, fault recovery, and concurrency, which is absent in hobbyist systems.
Advanced Battery & Power Management Integrated charging, monitoring, and low-power operation for extended use in the terrain. The hardware and software integration allows the four onboard radios to be shut down to further reduce power consumption, as well as remote power down and switchless design.
Custom Radio for SRR Communications Enables compatibility with SportIdent controls while cutting the BOM cost in half, which significantly reduces the cost barrier for clubs to use radios.
Onboard Global Positioning Module Provides precise positioning for radios in real time to help event organisers check locations of controls as well as diagnosing the mesh radio network.
Large-Scale Event Deployment Designed to support hundreds of simultaneous competitors with robust networking.
Event Software Integration Compatible with many orienteering event software solutions, ensuring smooth adoption for clubs rather then requiring a change of event software.
