STS Collective OpenMANET SenseCAP HaLow Mesh Gateway – Modded M1 (WM6108, 915MHz Off-Grid Node, Pre-Flashed)

STS Collective OpenMANET SenseCAP Gateway – High-Power Off-Grid Mesh Node

The STS Collective OpenMANET SenseCAP Gateway is a high-performance, modified mesh networking device built on the proven SenseCAP M1 platform, upgraded from LoRa to Wi-Fi HaLow (802.11ah) using a WM6108 radio module and preloaded with OpenMANET firmware.

This conversion transforms a traditional LoRaWAN gateway into a long-range, IP-based mesh communication node, enabling fully off-grid, infrastructure-free networking with Wi-Fi HaLow networking and real-time communication capabilities.

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What Makes This Different

This is not a standard SenseCAP M1.

• The original LoRa (WM1302) module has been replaced with a Wi-Fi HaLow (WM6108) radio

• Fully repurposed for OpenMANET mesh networking

• Designed for real-time IP communication, not low-bandwidth LoRa telemetry

Result: a true long-range mesh network node, not just a sensor gateway.

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Core Capabilities

📡 Wi-Fi HaLow (915 MHz) Long-Range Networking

• WM6108 HaLow radio operating in 902–928 MHz (US)

• Extended range with strong obstacle penetration

• External antenna support for optimized deployments

🔗 Self-Forming Mesh (BATMAN-V)

• Automatic node discovery and routing

• Multi-hop communication across distributed nodes

• Flat network architecture: 10.41.0.0/16

• Add nodes to scale coverage seamlessly

🔒 Private, Off-Grid Communications

• No dependency on ISPs, cellular, or centralized infrastructure

• Fully local, user-controlled network

• Supports standard IP-based tools, services, and integrations

🌐 Full Linux-Based Platform

• Powered by Raspberry Pi 4 (2–8GB RAM variants)

• 64GB storage for firmware, logs, and expansion

• Capable of running additional services alongside mesh networking (as long as they are installable on openwrt)

❄️ Built for Continuous Operation

• Aluminum enclosure with active cooling (heatsink + fan)

• Designed for long-term uptime in real-world environments

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Important Deployment Notes

• Single Ethernet port only

  • Cannot act as both client access and upstream gateway simultaneously without additional configuration

   

• Minimum of 2 nodes required to form a functional mesh network

• Best used as part of a multi-node deployment

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Hardware Overview

• Platform: Modified SenseCAP M1

• CPU: Raspberry Pi 4 (Quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 @ 1.5GHz)

• RAM: 2GB / 4GB / 8GB (varies by unit)

• Storage: 64GB MicroSD

• Radio (Modified): WM6108 Wi-Fi HaLow (replaces LoRa module)

• Wi-Fi: 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz (client/AP access)

• Ethernet: 1x RJ45

• Power: USB-C (5V, 3A)

• Antenna: External RP-SMA (sub-GHz)

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Pre-Flashed with OpenMANET Firmware

• OpenWRT-based OpenMANET firmware pre-installed

• Preconfigured for immediate mesh deployment

  • BATMAN-V routing

  • DHCP + local access

  • Optimized HaLow drivers

No flashing, compiling, or setup required.

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Use Cases

• Off-grid communications networks

• Emergency / disaster response

• Rural or large-area deployments

• Privacy-focused local networking

• Field teams and mobile coordination

• Airsoft / milsim command networks

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Setup & Documentation

For setup, configuration, and advanced use:

👉 https://openmanet.github.io/docs/

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STS Collective Notes

• Professionally modified and configured for OpenMANET operation

• Converts legacy LoRa hardware into a high-performance mesh node

• No subscriptions, no cloud dependency

• Designed for users who want control over their communications infrastructure

Setup guides and downloads

Download your free PDF guide for setup, power requirements, troubleshooting and documentation links. Save a copy for offline reference.

• Download OpenMANET: deploy your node (PDF)

Project documentation

• OpenMANET documentation
• Web UI guide
• Heltec V2-specific guide

Use the instructions for your exact hardware and installed firmware version. Setup help: support@stscollective.com.

Original project, developer, and DIY resources

• Original project developer and firmware source: OpenMANET project
• DIY installation and flashing: OpenMANET initial setup

These links identify the upstream project, its documentation, and available self-installation or reprogramming information. STS Collective provides prepared hardware for customers who prefer not to assemble or flash a device themselves.

Hardware, firmware, compatibility, testing, and support

• Hardware: STS Collective OpenMANET SenseCAP HaLow Mesh Gateway , Modded M1 (WM6108, 915MHz Off-Grid Node, Pre-Flashed)
• Firmware: OpenMANET is the firmware or software path identified above. The listing states that the image is installed or preloaded.
• Compatibility: Requires supported OpenMANET software, a compatible regional radio setting, and matching network configuration.
• Testing: This listing does not promise individual pre-shipment testing. Contact support before ordering if you need a specific verification.
• Setup and DIY: Use the project, setup, and DIY references already included in this description. Follow the guide for the exact hardware and firmware. Project or setup documentation 1 Project or setup documentation 2
• Support: Contact support@stscollective.com for setup and product questions.
• Lawful use: Use only on hardware, networks, cards, radio bands, and systems you own or have explicit permission to test. Follow applicable laws, platform rules, privacy rules, and radio regulations. Do not access, copy, interfere with, or disrupt other people's systems.

DIY flashing option

Flashing your own compatible device is usually manageable when you follow the project guide. STS Collective provides a ready-to-use flashed device for customers who prefer convenience. You do not need to buy a flashed unit to use the project.

Use the guide for your exact board and selected firmware:

• OpenMANET setup guide
• OpenMANET setup guide
• OpenMANET setup guide

Confirm the board revision, firmware target, power requirements, and current release before flashing. Reflashing replaces the installed firmware and may erase settings.