Covers: I2C pin default mismatch (XPowersLib), flash workflow
(esptool vs JTAG), deep sleep PMU caution, display power gate,
GPS/RTC differences from T-Beam Supreme, and I2C bus architecture.
Three photos from disassembly session:
- PCB overview with back cover removed
- PCB closeup showing component labels
- Battery connector detail
Factory firmware reflashed to verify hardware integrity. I2C bus and
display confirmed working under LilyGo firmware. RNode firmware I2C
init needs debugging — Wire.begin succeeds but no slaves respond.
Standalone GPS beacon mode: when no KISS host is connected for 15s,
the RNode transmits position and battery telemetry over LoRa.
Two beacon paths:
- LXMF (recommended): encrypted per-packet messages with announces,
compatible with Sideband and any LXMF application. Supports IFAC
network authentication.
- Legacy JSON: plaintext or encrypted raw packets for simple collectors.
Key changes:
- GPS support for T-Beam Supreme S3 (L76K) and Heltec V4 (external)
- SX1262 radio fixes: IQ polarity, DCD preamble lockup, RX reliability
- LXMF identity management with NVS-backed Ed25519/X25519 keys
- IFAC authentication (CMD_IFAC_KEY 0x89) for private networks
- Per-channel serial isolation (USB, BLE, WiFi)
- GPS status page in OLED display rotation
- Provisioning via rnlog: provision-lxmf, provision-ifac
- Documentation in Documentation/BEACON.md