Client Mute Episode 002: Open Channels, Better Choices

This week, we look at a new Meshtastic packet sniffer for DragonOS, proposed Ethernet and Power over Ethernet support for RAK hardware, and a Florida mesh community’s response to automated traffic on its default channels.

We also compare the Client, Client Mute, and Client Base device roles, take an early look at the LILYGO T-Deck Pro A7682E and Heltec Wireless Paper, create a private automation channel from the Raspberry Pi command line, and answer a listener asking what they should buy as their first Meshtastic device.

In This Episode

• Meshtastic packet sniffing with DragonOS
• Proposed Ethernet and PoE support for the RAK3312
• Keeping automated traffic off open default channels
• Client versus Client Mute versus Client Base
• LILYGO T-Deck Pro A7682E
• Heltec Wireless Paper
• Creating a private automation channel
• Choosing your first Meshtastic device
• Upcoming community events

Raspberry Pi Command

Create a channel named automation:

meshtastic --port /dev/ttyUSB0 --ch-add automation

Community Calendar

Connecticut: W1NRG Meshtastic Monday
October 26, 6:30–7:30 PM Eastern
Online through Discord
https://w1nrg.com/activities/

New Jersey: FUBAR Labs Ham Radio Meetup
October 26, 7:30–9:30 PM Eastern
North Brunswick Township
https://www.meetup.com/fubarlabs/events/316875860/

Virginia: What-the-Node Wednesdays
November 4, 6:00–8:00 PM
Staunton Innovation Hub, Staunton
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/what-the-node-wednesdays-lets-mesh-around-tickets-1997376760659

Oregon: MeshOregon LoRa Meetup
November 12, 7:00–9:00 PM
Spark Studio Salem
https://sparkstudiosalem.com/events/

Episode Links

DragonOS Meshtastic sniffer:
https://hackaday.com/2026/10/19/meshtastic-sniffer-for-dragonos/

RAK3312 Ethernet and PoE proposal:
https://github.com/meshtastic/firmware/issues/12190

Florida Mesh guidance on automation:
https://areyoumeshingwith.us/docs/general/bots-and-automation/

Meshtastic device roles:
https://meshtastic.org/docs/configuration/radio/device/

Meshtastic Python CLI:
https://meshtastic.org/docs/software/python/cli/

Meshtastic local groups:
https://meshtastic.org/docs/community/local-groups/

LILYGO T-Deck Pro:
https://wiki.lilygo.cc/products/t-deck-series/t-deck-pro/

ESP32 energy-management project:
https://www.instructables.com/SolarBatteryEVHW-Forecast-Moniting-and-Control-Wit/

Support Client Mute

Support the show at https://ko-fi.com/stetzinger or send a boost through a Podcasting 2.0 app.

The Proving Grounds is supported by Nova Edge Innovations, LLC, an embedded systems and software engineering firm specializing in firmware development and full-stack solutions.

https://novaedgeinnovations.com

Send questions and community events to hello@clientmute.com.

Meshtastic works best when nodes aren’t the only thing communicating.