Project · draft
Twin-Lab LoRa Messenger (Build to a Shared Open Spec)
- intermediate
- 10-12 hours + a joint test session
SDG 17 · Partnerships for the Goals
Two Fab Labs agree an open packet spec, each build a node, and prove they interoperate, a small model of cooperation and technology sharing between partners (targets 17.6 and 17.16).
Safety notes
- India: use the licence-exempt 865-867 MHz band (WPC de-licensed it for low-power devices within the power limits in its notification); keep the module's default low power, use the IN865 settings, and buy modules whose seller states WPC ETA compliance. Never use 433 or 915 MHz modules.
- LiPo: use a cell with a protection circuit, check polarity before connecting to the XIAO BAT pads, never puncture, crush or short it, and stop using a swollen cell. An 18650 also works on the XIAO BAT pads: protected cell, correct polarity.
Draft and unofficial, not affiliated with Fab Academy or the United Nations. Check prices, GST and parts before you buy.
Summary
A handheld node with OLED and buttons sends short preset or typed messages over LoRa to a node built by another team or lab. Works with no internet; the shared spec and test results are published openly.
What it teaches
Write a short interface spec with a partner team (frequency plan, spreading factor, packet format, checksum), implement it independently, then run interoperability tests and fix the spec, not just the code. Document so a third lab could join.
Topics it touches, in Fab Academy-style terms:
- Networking and communications
- Embedded programming
- Electronics production
- Computer-aided design
- Project development (documentation)
Parts list
Parts cost
Some parts are not priced yet, so there's no total.
2 required parts are marked not priced yet below. Where a price is known it is shown per part, GST-inclusive as the seller listed it on 24 Oct 2026, with the GST rate unverified. Shipping is not included.
| Part | Qty | Unit | Price, GST-incl. as listed | Line cost | GST | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32C3 Wi-Fi & BLE Development Boardxiao-esp32c3 | 1 | pcs | ₹734 | ₹734 | GST unverified, typically 18% | Robocrazeread 24 Oct 2026 |
| LoRa transceiver module, 865–867 MHz (India IN865 band)lora-865mhz-inIN865 settings agreed in the spec | 1 | pcs | not priced yet | not priced yet | GST unverified | no seller yet |
| 0.96 Inch OLED Display Module SPI/I2C 4pin Blue Coloroled-096-i2cI2C 0x3C | 1 | pcs | ₹167 | ₹167 | GST unverified, typically 18% | Robocrazeread 24 Oct 2026 |
| 4-Pins DIP Momentary Square Tactile Push Button Switch 10 Pieces - 6x6x5mmbutton-tactile-6x6-x10Uses 3Pack: pack of 10 | 1 | set | ₹16 | ₹16 | GST unverified, typically 18% | Robocrazeread 24 Oct 2026 |
| LiPo cell 3.7 V ~500 mAh with protection circuit and JST leadlipo-3.7v-500mah-jst | 1 | pcs | not priced yet | not priced yet | GST unverified | no seller yet |
| 40x1 Pin 2.54mm Pitch Male Berg Stripheader-male-40x1 | 1 | pcs | ₹8 | ₹8 | GST unverified, typically 18% | Robocrazeread 24 Oct 2026 |
| Male to Female Jumper Wires (20cm) (20pcs)jumpers-f2m-20cm-20Pack: pack of 20 male-female 20cm | 1 | set | ₹28 | ₹28 | GST unverified, typically 18% | Robocrazeread 24 Oct 2026 |
| Part | Qty | Unit | Price, GST-incl. as listed | Line cost | GST | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type C USB Cable (1 metre)cable-usb-c-1mSkip if you already have a data-capable USB-C cable | 1 | pcs | ₹65 | ₹65 | GST unverified, typically 18% | Robocrazeread 24 Oct 2026 |
| Premium 1.75MM HS PLA 1 KG 3d Printer Filament - Cement grey Colourfilament-pla-1kgCase print; usually available from Fab Lab filament stock | 1 | pcs | ₹741 | ₹741 | GST unverified, typically 18% | Robocrazeread 24 Oct 2026 |
| Optional extras total, GST-inclusive as listed by the seller | ₹806 | |||||
The Part column links to the shared catalogue. Units are pcs, m, g, sheet or set, and a "set" is the seller's pack, as noted per part.
Tools you will need
- 3D printer
- Soldering iron
- Laptop with Arduino IDE (RadioLib or similar)
Build notes
Step-by-step build notes have not been written yet for this draft. The summary, the topics above and the parts list are what exists so far.
How to buy
There is no online checkout. To buy or import these parts, email info@curiosta.com and say what you need. The button opens your own email app with a draft; nothing is sent until you send it.
Prices on this site are third-party seller listings, not a Curiosta quote. Ask by email for availability, price and GST.