The UI Built for Off-Grid coms

Fluid UI

MeshUltra is the first firmware to truly unlock the full potential of the ESP32-S3. It pushes the hardware far beyond what most would consider possible, delivering performance and responsiveness that set a new benchmark.

While still under active development, the firmware is already highly capable and stable. In its current state, it is fully usable and, realistically, around 95% complete. Ongoing improvements will continue to refine and enhance the experience.

The messaging system supports persistent storage, either on internal memory or the SD card.

Two interface modes are available: advanced and simple. You can switch between them by double-clicking the trackball.

The Recent view displays contacts in order of activity. SD Contacts act as favourites and are automatically loaded on boot to ensure availability. The Contacts view shows all currently available contacts.

Contacts can be marked as saved, which adds them to SD Contacts. A search function is included. Activate the field, begin typing, press enter, and the list will automatically filter.

The menu bar allows quick switching between the contacts list, message window, and quick settings view.

A settings shortcut provides a quick overview of current configuration and includes the option to clear all contacts, excluding those stored on the SD card.

*The on-screen gauge is currently under review and may be removed unless a clear use case is identified.

This is not yet implemented. Contact management is currently handled within the Messages section, and this may be replaced with a repeater management application in the future.

Not yet implemented. However, holding the Enter key on any screen will capture a screenshot and save it to the SD card.

Allows notes to be stored directly on the SD card. The maximum number of saved notes is still to be defined.

Enables browsing of files stored on the SD card. Files can also be deleted, so caution is advised.

Play Tic Tac Toe over MeshCore between devices or locally against the ESP32. The ESP-NOW option is planned for removal.

Allows playback of MP3 files stored in a folder named “mp3” on the root of the SD card. This feature is still under testing and stability improvements are ongoing.

Supports up to five alarms. Additional tone options are planned.

The lock icon can be used to instantly secure the device. The mini map dynamically updates to the location of any repeater advertisement that is detected, which is a particularly powerful feature.

Selecting the battery icon displays detailed battery statistics.

The left graph, shown in purple, represents network activity including adverts, messages, and repeats.

The right graph, shown in green, represents the current noise floor.

The default lock screen password is 1234.
The default companion passcode is 123456.

Maps are what truly set MeshUltra apart from what’s currently available. This feature provides access to map data stored on the SD card, with support for custom map tiles and configurable zoom levels. You can zoom in and out using the on-screen slider, view live GPS data, toggle repeaters and contacts, and manage repeater access directly within the interface.

The system also includes a follow mode, allowing it to function as a mini satnav by automatically keeping your current location centered on the screen. To manually explore the map, simply double-click the trackball and move it to pan around.

Map data is based on OpenStreetMap, with a provided global tile set covering zoom levels 0–9. Support for generating and adding your own tiles is included, with a full tutorial coming soon.

Attribution: © OpenStreetMap contributors. Data is available under the Open Database License (ODbL).

Map files should be stored on the root of your SD card e.g. in a folder called 'maps'. In the folder 'maps' this is where you should put the 0-XX folders. So: maps/0, maps/1, maps/2, maps/3........ maps/9 and so on. You can change the directory in (Settings > Profile > Map Settings).

Display

You have full control over the display and lighting behaviour. LCD brightness can be adjusted as needed, and keyboard backlighting is supported on the T-Deck+. On the standard T-Deck, this can be toggled using Alt + B.

BLE Companion support is included and functional, although it is operating close to the limits of the hardware. Screen timeout can be configured anywhere between 5 seconds and 16 minutes 40 seconds. Auto device lock can also be enabled or disabled, with the same timing range available.

Time

Time can be synchronised in multiple ways. You can configure up to three preferred repeaters for time sync, with the option to manually trigger a sync attempt using the on-screen control.

GPS time is available and works as expected. Time can also be synchronised automatically from a connected companion device such as a phone or tablet.

For users who want persistence after power-off, there is code in place to detect a DS3231 RTC module if installed. This is currently the only way to retain time when the device is powered down.

Time zones must be set correctly for accurate time interpretation. A searchable field allows you to quickly find and select your region. Manual time and date setting is also available, although this is not persistent.

Feedback

Feedback options allow you to tailor how the device communicates with you. Message notifications can be enabled or disabled, including the floating notification style.

Sound can be set to silent or loud modes. Message tones can be configured independently for direct messages, public messages, and channel messages. Further refinement is planned, including more granular control per channel and visual indicators such as a mute icon in the status bar.

Some features such as vibration, status LED, and gestures are legacy elements carried over from earlier projects and are planned for removal in future updates.

Profile

This section manages device identity and configuration. Your MeshCore device name is displayed here, along with your device ID. Lock screen security can be configured with a custom password.

Licensing can be handled manually or by following the instructions provided through the licence portal.

Map configuration allows you to define the directory on the SD card where your map tiles are stored. For example, if your tiles are stored under SD/world/0-9, you would enter “world”. Tile size can also be configured, with 256 by 256 as the standard.

Mini-map functionality is being developed, with options to enable or disable it and adjust zoom levels. GPS can be enabled or disabled, although due to T-Deck hardware limitations, the GPS module cannot be fully powered off.

Encryption support is planned for sending double-encrypted messages over public channels, with future updates allowing custom key configuration.

Mesh

This section provides visibility and control over the mesh system. Your current firmware version is displayed here.

You can choose where messages are stored, either on internal storage or the SD card. Storage usage is shown, with further improvements planned to display both internal and SD statistics more clearly.

Companion mode can be enabled or disabled. Contacts can be automatically saved if required. Public and channel message sounds can be muted, although this setting is planned to be moved to the feedback section.

Message style can be switched between a basic interface with a blue background or a glass-style interface with a more visual, Aero-like appearance. The glass mode has a noticeable performance impact but provides a more polished look.

Emoji support can be enabled or disabled. At present, this feature is slow and has a performance cost. Emoji files should be stored on the SD card in a folder named “emoji”.

Hardware setup allows configuration of up to 10 channels, including channel-based groups. Group creation is straightforward. Enter the channel name, generate the key, and save.

Fix map screen Menu > Config. Items are cut off. (DONE)

Implement Gallery (to show screen shots)/ Contacts *to be changed to repeater management. (DONE)
Full sweep channel activity across the two home screen graphs. (DONE)

Fix SD icon when in internal storage mode. (DONE v370)

Fix mute icon when silent. (DONE v370)

Multibyte pathing (DONE)

Allow 'Start conversation' from both Contacts & SD contacts. (DONE)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Message channel name currently opens message settings. Change this to open the chat along with the proceed button.

Offer different font sizes.

Fix map repeater login time (UTC) not applying time zone.

Look into emoji speed boost. + offer free icons.

Resize messages screen Do Things..

Build on 'in message' encryption (let user set their own keys).

Remove ESPNOW Tic Tac Toe.

Reverse tab colours on Notepad, MP3 and Clock screens.

Add delay when going 'back home', so there's no accidental touch resulting in device locking.

General speed fixes. We are likely touching the edge of max performance (ONGOING)