Muzi Works, in collaboration with Elecrow, introduces the Meshtastic BASE board system as a modular platform for off-grid mesh communication. The lineup features the Base Uno, Base Duo, and an optional Super IO expansion module, giving makers a standardized and power-efficient foundation for custom LoRa radios and portable communication devices. Both main boards use Nordic’s nRF52840 microcontroller, which offers low power draw and built-in Bluetooth LE for reliable wireless control.
The Meshtastic BASE board lineup focuses on long-range communication, flexible IO, and expansion support. The Base Uno targets single-band Sub-GHz LoRa using the SX1262 radio, while the Base Duo adds dual-band capability through the LR1121 chipset to cover both Sub-GHz and 2.4GHz LoRa links. Both boards support QWIIC/STEMMA QT expansion, multiple GPIO options, and a versatile power system that accepts battery, solar, and USB-C input for dependable field operation.
Base Uno and Base Duo Specifications:
The Meshtastic BASE board uses the nRF52840 microcontroller with built-in Bluetooth LE for low-power wireless control and device configuration. The Base Uno integrates the SX1262 Sub-GHz LoRa radio, while the Base Duo uses the LR1121 dual-band LoRa radio to support both Sub-GHz and 2.4GHz communication. Storage differs between the two models, with 2MB of QSPI flash on the Uno and 8MB on the Duo. Both boards include user and reset buttons, a QWIIC/STEMMA QT expansion port, and flexible IO with 8 GPIO pins, two power IO lines, plus UART and I2C interfaces.
Base Uno Front and Back Side
The power system supports Li-ion and LiFePO4 batteries and also accepts solar input with VDPM support for off-grid use. A USB-C port provides power and data, with 500mA default charging and an optional 1A fast-charge mode. The onboard power path system prevents battery discharge when an external power source remains connected. Safety protections cover input overvoltage, battery undervoltage, short-circuit, overcurrent, input current limits, thermal regulation, and thermal shutdown. Battery charging and monitoring rely on the BQ28185 advanced charger IC.
Base Duo Front and Back Side
To be connected, the two boards have an option of an SMA connector to Sub-GHz LoRa antennas, with the Base Duo also including a U.FL connector to 2.4GHz LoRa. Both boards come with 3 pin Molex PicoBlade battery connector and 3 M2 mounting holes. The PCB is squat and measures 42 x 32 mm and has a weight of about 10 grams. The package contains the board, antennas, mounting screws and a hex key, USB-C cable.
The Meshtastic BASE board supports expansion through 25 pins on standard 0.1-inch headers, giving direct access to GPIO, power IO, UART, and I²C interfaces. A built-in QWIIC/STEMMA QT connector allows solder-free connection of sensors, displays, and other peripherals, which simplifies rapid prototyping and modular hardware integration.
Super IO Expansion Board
Meshtastic is pre-configured on both versions to enable users to create mesh nodes right after power-on. The nRF52840 SoC includes Bluetooth LE to enable device provisioning and management with Meshtastic app ecosystem on mobile and desktop systems, and has support of MQTT bridging and OTA updates. This, along with the flexible access to headers and QWIIC/STEMMA QT expansion, ensures that the hardware and software have hardened to be scalably deployed to a mesh.
The Meshtastic BASE board is available through the official store. The Base Uno is priced at $25 USD and ships with a Sub-GHz stubby antenna, a USB-C cable, and mounting hardware. The Base Duo costs $35 USD and adds a dedicated 2.4GHz LoRa FPC antenna for dual-band operation. Both versions are currently open for pre-order, with shipping expected in early January.
Niladri Chowdhury