Meshtastic Enabled

DL-01 Remote Release Actuator

Self-contained, solar-powered linear release node designed for harsh environment remote actuation. High-efficiency capacitor-discharge driver with RAK Wireless LoRa architecture.

14+ Days
Without Sunlight
PKI Auth
Secure Commands
IP67
Weather Rating
DROP LINK DL-01 Remote Release Actuator
Ready
Solar Powered
Interactive

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Capabilities

Built for Reliability

Enterprise-grade remote actuation with military-tested LoRa mesh networking

Mesh Network

Meshtastic-powered 915 MHz ISM band with multi-hop routing for extended range coverage

CDI Release

Capacitor bank charges to 12V then discharges through relay for reliable motor-driven latch release

Solar Powered

Solar input with 3000mAh LiPo provides 14+ days autonomous operation without sunlight

IP67 Rated

UV-stabilized polycarbonate enclosure withstands harsh outdoor environments

PKI Security

Cryptographic authentication required for all remote commands with baked-in admin keys

RAK4631 Core

Nordic nRF52840 + Semtech SX1262 for ultra-low-power LoRa communications

Operation

Trigger Sequence

Two-stage capacitor charge and fire sequence via FieldDeviceModule

1
CHARGING
30 sec | 12V pump ON | Capacitor bank charging
2
FIRING
2 sec | Relay ON | Motor latch release
3
COMPLETE
Optocoupler confirms | Status reported
Technical

Specifications

Detailed mechanical and electrical parameters

Mechanical

Actuation Type 8-24V DC Motor Driven Latch
Drive Mechanism Capacitor Discharge (10,000uF to 12V)
Charge Time 30 seconds (configurable)
Enclosure Polycarbonate, UV-Stabilized
Weather Rating IP67

Electrical

Core Module RAK4631 (nRF52840 + SX1262)
Protocol Meshtastic 915 MHz ISM (LONG_FAST)
Power Input Solar Panel (sealed unit)
Power Storage 3000mAh LiPo + 10,000uF Bank
Autonomy >14 Days without sunlight
Inside the Box

Internal Components

Precision engineering in a weatherproof enclosure

DL-01 Internal Components Diagram

Built for the Field

Every component is selected for reliability in harsh outdoor environments. The sealed polycarbonate enclosure protects sensitive electronics while allowing solar charging and antenna operation.

  • RAK4631 WisBlock Core with LoRa SX1262
  • 10,000uF capacitor bank (green cylinder)
  • 3000mAh LiPo pouch battery
  • Terminal block for motor connections
  • NFC tag for easy device pairing
  • RP-SMA antenna connector (weatherproof)
Flexible Platform

Firmware Options

Ships with modified Meshtastic firmware, but the RAK4631 hardware supports multiple protocols

Meshtastic

Open-source mesh networking with custom FieldDeviceModule for remote actuation. No infrastructure required - devices communicate directly.

Advantages

  • Zero infrastructure - works out of the box
  • Self-healing mesh extends range via hops
  • PKI encryption for secure commands
  • Mobile app for iOS/Android control
  • Great for rapid deployment scenarios
  • Active open-source community

Considerations

  • Limited to ~30 mile line-of-sight range
  • No internet connectivity without gateway
  • Shared spectrum can have interference

LoRaWAN

Enterprise-grade LPWAN protocol. Requires gateway infrastructure but provides reliable, long-range connectivity to cloud services.

Advantages

  • Direct cloud/internet connectivity
  • Proven enterprise reliability
  • Standardized protocol (interoperability)
  • Excellent for permanent installations
  • Lower power than mesh networking
  • Scales to thousands of devices

Considerations

  • Requires LoRaWAN gateway infrastructure
  • Gateway setup and maintenance costs
  • Network server subscription may apply

Amazon Sidewalk

Leverage Amazon's neighborhood mesh network. Uses existing Echo and Ring devices as gateways for free connectivity.

Advantages

  • Free network - uses existing Echo/Ring devices
  • Massive coverage in residential areas
  • AWS IoT integration built-in
  • No gateway purchase required
  • Automatic firmware updates

Considerations

  • Coverage limited to populated areas
  • Dependent on neighbor device availability
  • Amazon ecosystem lock-in
  • Lower bandwidth than dedicated LoRaWAN

Recommended approach: Start with Meshtastic for rapid deployment and field testing. Once your installation locations are finalized, consider adding a LoRaWAN gateway for permanent internet telemetry. The same DROP LINK hardware can be reflashed to LoRaWAN or Sidewalk firmware at any time.

FieldDeviceModule

Command Reference

Send commands via Meshtastic text message (PKI authentication required)

Control Commands

trigger Start charge + fire sequence
trigger off Emergency stop
status Show device status + latch check
schedule [N] [unit] Schedule trigger (e.g., 5 minutes)

Config & Test

config chargetime [ms] Set charge duration
config firetime [ms] Set relay hold duration
test opto Test latch sensor (5s pump + read)
help Show all available commands
Roadmap

Coming Soon

New features in development to make DROP LINK even easier to use

DROP LINK App

Native mobile app for iOS and Android. NFC bump to instantly read device info and connect to the radio.

In Development

NFC Pairing

Tap your phone on the enclosure to instantly pair with the device. No more manual Bluetooth setup.

In Development

Internet Telemetry

Cloud monitoring via MQTT bridge node. Track device status, battery levels, and trigger history from anywhere.

Stay Tuned