MeshCore Firmware Update to Version 1.17.0

The new MeshCore firmware release, version 1.17.0, introduces a range of enhancements and expanded hardware support. This update focuses on stability, power efficiency, and the integration of new hardware components, making the decentralized network more robust and versatile.

Extended Hardware Support

This version significantly broadens compatibility with a variety of new boards. These include the Heltec Tower V2, Heltec -v4-r8, Heltec t096, Seeed t1000-e, Elecrow ThinkNode M7, Lilygo T-Echo Lite, Heltec RC32, ThinkNode M9, Meshnology W12, and Seeed SenseCAP MeshTracker X1. This wide-ranging support allows for even more flexible MeshCore deployments in diverse scenarios.

Ethernet and Connectivity Enhancements

A key highlight is the native Ethernet support for the RAK4631 in Repeater, Room Server, and Companion roles. This greatly improves network integration and provides stable wired connections. Minor issues, such as Ethernet connections dropping after each CLI (Command Line Interface) command, have been resolved, simplifying operational management.

Power Management and Stability Optimizations

An external watchdog module has been added, and the internal watchdog code in the repeater was revised to enhance system stability. Improvements in power management ensure optimized battery life, particularly by fixing issues that led to high power consumption and adjusting watchdog timing during sleep mode. A memory leak in the strdup function has also been addressed, improving long-term stability.

Other Important Novelties

The update also includes the integration of LNA (Low Noise Amplifier) CLI control commands for various boards, optimized ADC (Analog-Digital-Converter) readout, and improved Channel Activity Detection (CAD) to reduce interference. Furthermore, a new ConfigSerializer for settings storage has been introduced, enabling more flexible configuration options.

CLI

set radio.rxgain on
reboot

CLI

set cad on