A pocket-sized, keyboard-first companion interface for MeshCore. Read messages, chat privately and explore repeaters — all from your original M5Stack Cardputer.
✓ Field-tested with Heltec V3 and XIAO Wio MeshCore BLE companions.
Companion setup required: Configure your radio first using the official MeshCore app. NodePad cannot configure the Companion yet; it connects to an already configured MeshCore BLE Companion.
Independent community project. Not affiliated with M5Stack or MeshCore.
NodePad runs on the Cardputer; a separate MeshCore Companion BLE radio provides the LoRa link.
Compose public channel messages and direct messages with real keys.
Browse heard repeaters, request path discovery and view link information when available.
Select a MeshCore BLE Companion, enter its PIN and reconnect without a phone.
No renders: these photos show the real v2.2.6 interface on the original M5Stack Cardputer.
No Arduino IDE needed for installation. Use a USB-C data cable and a desktop browser with Web Serial support (Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge recommended). Brave may work if Web Serial is enabled.
Firmware for original M5Stack Cardputer · ESP32-S3
The installer will ask permission to access your selected USB serial device.
NodePad uses Bluetooth Low Energy to talk to a separate, already configured MeshCore Companion BLE radio, which handles LoRa. Configure that radio with the official MeshCore app first. NodePad currently does not configure Companion firmware, radio/network parameters or channels. This flow is for NodePad v2.2.6 Beta.
Using the official MeshCore app, set up your Companion BLE radio and its required mesh/radio settings before using NodePad. Tested devices include Heltec V3 and XIAO Wio. Then disconnect the official app, leave the radio on and continue. Repeater or USB-only builds are not supported.
After boot, NodePad searches for Companions. On SELECT COMPANION, use W / S to highlight yours and Enter to select. The screen may connect automatically if a saved Companion is found.
On PAIRING PIN, type the six-digit PIN configured on that Companion, then press Enter. The prefilled value is only a suggestion, not a universal PIN. After a successful connection, NodePad remembers the PIN locally for that radio.
Once paired and initialized, the main menu appears. Check for BLE SECURE and MESH ONLINE on screen, then explore public/private chats, nodes, adverts and repeater tools. Actual LoRa connectivity still depends on your network coverage.
On SELECT COMPANION, press R to rescan. If your device is missing, confirm it runs Companion BLE firmware and is not already connected to another app. To switch radios later, open System → Enter. For more, read Troubleshooting ↗.