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rsCardputer

rsCardputer is the firmware family for the M5Stack Cardputer Adv with the Cap LoRa-1262 add-on. It replaces the older standalone Cardputer firmware and adds a launcher that can boot either mode from the same install:

  • Standalone — on-device Ratspeak/LXMF messaging over LoRa, with local identity, contacts, messages, radio settings, Wi-Fi options, GPS time sync, and SD-card storage support.
  • RNode — a host-controlled RNode-style radio for Ratspeak, Sideband, or another Reticulum client over BLE or USB serial.

Use the full rsCardputer image when you want to switch modes on-device. Split Standalone and RNode images are also published for recovery, testing, or M5Launcher users who already boot apps from SD.

Hardware​

The supported device is M5Stack's Cardputer Adv: an ESP32-S3 handheld with a 240 by 135 display, micro keyboard, internal battery, microSD support, and the separate Cap LoRa-1262 SX1262 radio module.

rsCardputer vs Ratdeck​

Both are standalone Reticulum/LXMF handhelds when used in their native messaging modes.

  • Ratdeck has the larger screen, full keyboard, integrated radio, and more memory headroom.
  • rsCardputer is smaller and modular, with the LoRa radio supplied by the M5Stack cap. It can also reboot into RNode mode when you want the Cardputer to behave like a radio peripheral for another client.

Flash it​

The fastest path is the web flasher. Hold G0 while plugging the Cardputer Adv into USB to enter download mode, pick Cardputer Adv, and flash.

For recovery mode, serial verification, and post-flash checks, see Flashing Firmware.

Modes​

The full image boots to a small launcher. Choose Standalone for local messaging on the Cardputer itself, or RNode to pair/connect it to a host client.

Standalone first boot asks for timezone and display name, then generates a local Reticulum identity. RNode mode self-provisions its RNode configuration and firmware hash on first boot.

LoRa presets​

Eight presets cover the useful range from short, fast local links to slower long-haul links. Standalone mode exposes them under Settings -> Radio. RNode mode accepts normal RNode radio profile changes from the host client.

For the full preset table and tuning guidance, see LoRa Radio Interfaces.

Build from source​

git clone https://github.com/ratspeak/rsCardputer
cd rsCardputer
pip install platformio
make prep-cardputer_adv
make package
make flash port=/dev/cu.usbmodem3101

Release artifacts include the full launcher image, split Standalone and RNode web-flasher zips, and M5Launcher app binaries.

License​

The rsCardputer launcher, Standalone mode, partition tables, and packaging tools are AGPL-3.0-or-later. The bundled upstream-derived RNode firmware is GPL-3.0.