Valleytech Custom Solutions is getting ready to ship a new pocket-friendly tool for off-grid communication fans: the Tanmatsu LoRa Radio Deck. Scheduled for a first production batch in early Q2 2026, this open-source handheld terminal is built for people who want decentralized, no-cell-network messaging and the ability to truly own, tweak, and repair their hardware.
The company has now released the first build guide, giving makers and DIY builders an early look at what goes into the device. Instead of following the sealed, hard-to-service approach used by many consumer gadgets, the Tanmatsu LoRa Radio Deck leans into open hardware and modular design. The idea is simple: if you’re out in the field and something breaks, you should be able to fix it. If you want to customize how it works, you shouldn’t be blocked by locked-down parts and proprietary limitations.
At the center of the handheld is Espressif’s ESP32-P4 system-on-chip, a notable upgrade for the platform thanks to its dual RISC-V CPU cores running at up to 400 MHz. The system is paired with 32 MB of PSRAM and 16 MB of flash storage, giving it room for more capable applications and smoother operation than older microcontroller-based builds. To keep the main processor focused on the user interface and core functions, a secondary ESP32-C6 co-processor takes over wireless duties, handling WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.
For usability, the device includes a 7-inch MIPI DSI display with an 800 x 480 resolution, aiming for a clear, terminal-style experience that’s easy to read while still staying power-conscious. It’s housed in a sturdy 3D-printed enclosure and includes a full QWERTY keyboard using tactile dome switches, making it practical for real messaging and command input instead of awkward on-screen typing.
A microSD card slot is included for quick firmware swaps, which should appeal to tinkerers who like to test different builds or switch between environments without turning every update into a hassle. Charging is handled via USB Type-C, and the unit runs on an internal lithium battery, reinforcing the “grab-and-go” nature of the handheld.
The main feature, of course, is LoRa. The radio is modular and supports 433 MHz and 868 MHz bands, positioning the device as a strong option for Meshtastic users who want a more capable, portable node for mesh networking. That can be especially useful for secure messaging in places where cellular service is unreliable, unavailable, or simply not desired.
Expansion is also part of the plan. The rear of the device includes SAO and PMOD expansion ports, letting builders attach add-ons such as sensor modules or potentially higher-gain antenna setups depending on the project. That flexibility makes the Tanmatsu LoRa Radio Deck more than a single-purpose gadget—it’s a foundation for experimenting with off-grid communication, field tools, and custom mesh-network builds.
While final pricing hasn’t been announced, the project’s files are already available under the CERN Open Hardware License. That means anyone with the right tools—such as a 3D printer and soldering equipment—can start building their own version before official kits arrive, which is likely to make this an appealing option for the open-source hardware and DIY radio communities heading into 2026.
