Blackout Comms Mesh Link Firmware

Looking for Communicator Firmware?
tdeck firmware download
Where are you located?
 If you are in the USA, choose the USA version. Otherwise, choose the Non-USA version. Use the same slection for all of your devices! Link: 2.3.8 (09/09/2025)
Comm: 2.3.9 (09/09/2025)

Note: The Blackout Comms mesh link firmware is a licensed product, but the link firmware is currently free for download.

By downloading this firmware, you are agreeing to the terms, agreeing to abide by all laws and regulations while using this firmware, and agreeing to hold harmless the developer, Altware Development LLC. Altware Development LLC is not responsible for any data loss or other issues that might arise with with your device before, during, or after flashing. Unless you agree to those terms, don't use this tool or download our firmware.

1. Recommended (not required) - For all but Heltec, SD cards may be used if you choose. SD cards must be compatible (not all are).
2. Identify Your Link Device Below
If you have any questions, consult the device seller or builder.
3. Select Link Firmware Below
After connecting your device and putting it in "boot mode", select it from the list below.

    Private Cluster Mesh Links
    Full-featured secure Blackout Comms links within a private cluster. This is also the firmware for proximity / relay links.

    • Open Channel / Anon Mesh Links
    Broadcast-only/read-only links OR open channel nodes. These do not support remote commands.
Onboard a Link - How to add a new link to your cluster
Alternative Instructions: If you know what you are doing and want to install Blackout Comms link firmware using a different install tool, you may download the pre-built binaries here (USA):

GPS Link E-Paper Mini Link Solar Link Heltec E290 Link Anon GPS Link E-Paper Anon Mini Link Anon Mini Link Heltec E290 Anon Link
How Blackout Comms Works
Blackout Comms Communication Protocol
Blackout Comms communicates securely by combining mesh, encryption, and digital signatures with LoRa and MQTT.
Message Types
A direct message is targeted to a specific person/device, and uses asymmetric encryption. A broadcast is sent to the entire cluster, using symmetric encryption, so all devices can read it. Message expiry (you select) controls how long a message stays "alive".
MQTT and Cloud Connectivity
Any device in your cluster/channel can become an MQTT/cloud-enabled bridge, allowing your messages to securely travel across a hop of any distance, while still maintaining device-level payload encryption and signatures.
Private Clusters vs Channels
Your devices can exist within private clusters and/or they can utilize open (but secure) channels. Clusters offer much more functionality and better performance, but are limited to 90 devices. Channels can be unlimited in size, but are limited to broadcast messages.
Basic Usage
Using a Communicator
Basic operation of a Blackout Comms communicator
Blackout Comms Settings
Complete list of settings for Blackout Comms firmware
Data Storage
How to backup your device or transfer your data to another device
Blackout Comms Proximity Sensors
Some Blackout Comms devices have pulsed radar proximity sensing
Blackout Comms Remote Commands
Blackout Comms supports sending remote commands to other on-cluster devices
Setting Up and Using Channels
How to set up and use a new or existing channel on communicators and links
Using Location
How GNSS is integrated with Blackout Comms and how you can make use of it
Time Synchronization
How to keep proper time on your devices. This is important!
Nodes
Using a GPS-Enabled Link
Basic operation of a Blackout Comms GPS-Enabled Link (T-Beam Supreme)
Utilizing a Link
How to position and use a link for delivery assistance, packet caching, location caching, and more
Utilizing Multiple Links
Using multiple mesh links presents more opportunities for assuring delivery
How Messages are Delivered

Onboarding a Device

Creating a Private Cluster

Configuring a Secure / Open Channel

1. If using an SD card (recommended), ensure you have a compatible card installed
These devices ARE VERY PICKY about SD cards. Consider buying a new SD card from the known compatible list. SD cards are cheap, and your time is not. The cards on that list typically work right out of the box. However, if your device seems to have trouble using the SD card (gets stuck mounting/decrypting), reformat the card using these instructions.

2. Open a supported browser
You must be using a "standard" browser, such as Chrome, etc.

3. Plug your device into a USB connection
IMPORTANT: You must be using a good quality data transmission cable, not just a power cable. I use these.

4. Put the device in "boot mode"
GPS NodeE-Paper Mini Node
  1. Press and hold boot button
  2. Press and release reset button
  3. Release the boot button
  4. Device is now in boot mode
  1. Power off the device
  2. Press and hold the boot button (back of device, press with paper clip/etc)
  3. Power on the device
  4. Release the boot button
  5. Device is now in boot mode

5. Use the Flashing Tool to execute the flash
When prompted, select the USB port that is connected to your device. The firmware flashing tool should properly recognize the device, and you should be able to click through the prompts to complete the install. If it fails or of your device doesn't come back on properly after the flashing, it doesn't mean your device is destroyed, just repeat the steps carefully again from start to finish, and make sure you select the proper device.

For instance, if you have a T-Beam Supreme and you select to install the Heltec firmware, the flashing tool will happily install the wrong firmware, and then your device won't boot. It's no problem, just repeat the instructions with the correct options.

6. Restart the device
The flashing tool doesn't normally restart the devices properly, so wait for the flasher to say it's done, then disconnect your device, then power it off and back on.
ChatterBox Secure Off-Grid Texting — Installer powered by ESP Web Tools.
Communicators
T-Deck ThermalBuild your own Blackout Comms communicator (with Thermal Cam)
T-Deck CustomBuild your own Blackout Comms communicator
T-Deck CompleteBuy a fully-assembled T-Deck Complete from us or Rokland
T-Deck PlusBuy a fully-assembled T-Deck Plus from us Amazon, or Rokland
T-Deck AmpedBuild a Blackout Comms communicator with integrated Amp
Nodes
ThermalComing soon: Link with integrated thermal cam, capable of sending images via mesh
Basic / GPSBuild (or buy) a simple mesh link with no soldering or built on Lilygo T3S3 or E-Paper T3S3
Proximity LinkBuild (or buy) a mesh link with Proximity sensing capabilities, using a doppler-based sensor
Remote SwitchBuild (or buy) a link with the ability to remotely control a switch (proximity sensing nodes can also do this)
 
More Build DIY Options
Custom Communicator
Based on T-Deck. Communicate messages and location securely.
Assembly Instructions
User Guide
Printable Enclosure
GPS Link
Fully functional link with GPS based on T-Beam Supreme
Assembly Instructions
User Guide
Printable Enclosure
E-Paper Mini Link
Non-GPS, low power node with E-Paper display. Based on T3S3 E-Paper.
Assembly Instructions
User Guide
Printable Enclosure
Proximity/Relay GPS Link
GPS link with added mmwave proximity senser and (optionally) relay/switch function
Assembly Instructions
Printable Enclosure
GPS Relay Link
GPS link with relay (switch) functionality.
Assembly Instructions
Printable Enclosure
Solar Link
Solar powered link (non-GPS). Based on T3S3.
User Guide
Assembly Instructions
Proximity/Relay Paper Link
T3S3 paper node with added mmwave proximity senser and (optionally) relay/switch function
Assembly Instructions
Printable Enclosure
Heltec Vision e290 Paper Link
Larger paper screen, larger battery, can be equipped with proximity sensor.
Assembly Instructions
Printable Enclosure
Mini Link
Non-GPS, low power node. Based on T3S3.
User Guide
Assembly Instructions
Printable Enclosure