Muzi Works, in collaboration with Elecrow, has announced the launch of the Meshtastic BASE board system—a modular hardware platform purpose-built for off-grid mesh communication. Designed around flexibility, power efficiency, and standardization, the BASE lineup includes the Base Uno, Base Duo, and an optional Super IO expansion board, providing a scalable foundation for custom LoRa-based communication devices.
This system targets outdoor adventurers, emergency communication builders, and DIY hardware developers seeking reliable, low-power mesh networking solutions compatible with Meshtastic firmware.
Core Architecture and Processing Platform
Both Base Uno and Base Duo are built around the Nordic nRF52840 microcontroller, a widely adopted SoC in Meshtastic ecosystems. Known for its ultra-low power operation and native Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) support, the nRF52840 enables seamless configuration via mobile devices while maintaining long battery life in off-grid deployments.
Key advantages of this shared architecture include:
- Proven compatibility with Meshtastic firmware
- Efficient power management for battery- and solar-powered systems
- Stable BLE connectivity for field configuration and diagnostics
Base Uno: Single-Band Sub-GHz Meshtastic Node
The Base Uno is designed as a compact, single-band Meshtastic node optimized for Sub-GHz LoRa communication. It integrates the Semtech SX1262 radio transceiver, offering excellent sensitivity and low current consumption for long-range, low-data-rate networking.
An onboard 2 MB external QSPI flash provides sufficient storage for firmware updates, routing tables, and basic data logging.
Base Uno
Base Uno Key Specifications
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| MCU | Nordic nRF52840 (ARM Cortex-M4F) |
| LoRa Radio | Semtech SX1262 |
| Frequency Bands | Sub-GHz (regional variants) |
| External Flash | 2 MB QSPI NOR Flash |
| Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) |
Base Duo: Dual-Band High-Performance Node
The Base Duo extends the platform’s capabilities with a more advanced radio subsystem based on the Semtech LR1121. This transceiver supports dual-band LoRa operation, covering both Sub-GHz and 2.4 GHz frequencies.
This dual-band capability enhances regional compatibility and enables significantly higher data rates over 2.4 GHz LoRa, making the Base Duo suitable for more demanding mesh scenarios and denser node deployments.
To accommodate extended logging and future firmware expansion, the Base Duo includes up to 8 MB of external QSPI flash.
Base Duo Key Specifications
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| MCU | Nordic nRF52840 (ARM Cortex-M4F) |
| LoRa Radio | Semtech LR1121 |
| Frequency Bands | Sub-GHz and 2.4 GHz LoRa |
| External Flash | Up to 8 MB QSPI NOR Flash |
| Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) |
Base Duo
Mechanical Design and Power Management
Both base boards share an identical mechanical footprint, measuring 42 × 32 mm and weighing approximately 10 grams, allowing easy integration into compact enclosures and portable devices.
Power management is handled by the Texas Instruments BQ25185 battery charger IC, supporting:
- Li-ion and LiFePO₄ batteries
- Solar panel input for off-grid charging
- Intelligent power-path management to prevent battery drain when external power is present
A USB Type-C interface provides up to 1 A charging current, while integrated voltage regulation and thermal protection ensure safe operation under varying environmental conditions.
Power and Mechanical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Board Dimensions | 42 × 32 mm |
| Weight | ~10 g |
| Battery Support | Li-ion, LiFePO₄ |
| Charging IC | TI BQ25185 |
| Charging Interface | USB Type-C |
| Max Charging Current | 1 A |
| Solar Input | Supported |
Expansion and Peripheral Connectivity
Expansion is a central design principle of the BASE system. Each board exposes 25 pins via standard 0.1-inch headers, providing access to:
- GPIO
- Power rails
- UART
- I²C interfaces
Additionally, a QWIIC / STEMMA QT connector enables solder-free integration of sensors, displays, and other peripherals, significantly lowering the barrier for rapid prototyping and hardware experimentation.
Super IO Expansion Board: Modular All-in-One Upgrade
To demonstrate the modular potential of the platform, Muzi Works offers the Super IO expansion board. This module attaches directly to any Base board and integrates multiple commonly requested peripherals, transforming the system into a handheld Meshtastic device.
Integrated features include:
- 1.12-inch OLED display
- GNSS module with ceramic antenna
- 9-axis IMU (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer)
- Multi-directional navigation pad
Super IO Expansion Features
| Module | Function |
|---|---|
| OLED Display | 1.12-inch monochrome screen |
| GNSS | Integrated GPS with ceramic antenna |
| IMU | 9-axis motion sensing |
| User Input | Navigation pad |
Super I/O
Firmware, Documentation, and Availability
All BASE series boards ship pre-flashed with Meshtastic firmware, enabling immediate use out of the box. Muzi Works has also committed to releasing schematics and STEP files, allowing users to design custom enclosures and hardware modifications using the standard M2 mounting pattern.
