Signal & Steel OpenMANET SenseCAP HaLow Mesh Gateway – Milsim Command Node (Modded M1, 915MHz Long-Range, Pre-Flashed)

Signal & Steel OpenMANET SenseCAP Gateway – High-Power Milsim & Field Comms Node

The Signal & Steel OpenMANET SenseCAP Gateway is a high-performance mesh communication device built for airsoft and milsim teams that need reliable, large-area coordination.

Based on the proven SenseCAP M1 platform and upgraded from LoRa to Wi-Fi HaLow (802.11ah) using a WM6108 radio module, this unit is designed to act as a command-level node in a long-range, self-forming mesh network.

Preloaded with OpenMANET firmware, it delivers real-time, IP-based communications across the field without relying on radios, repeaters, or external infrastructure.

Built for Large-Scale Milsim Operations

This is not a standard mesh node. This is your backbone.

Designed for:

• Command and control elements

• Linking multiple squads across large AOs

• Persistent comms in wooded, urban, and mixed terrain

• Running mapping tools like ATAK or similar systems

Where handheld radios struggle, this platform provides networked communication that scales with your team.

What Makes This Different

This is not a stock SenseCAP device.

• LoRa module removed and replaced with Wi-Fi HaLow (WM6108)

• Repurposed for OpenMANET mesh networking

• Built for real-time data, not low-bandwidth telemetry

Result: a true long-range mesh communications node, capable of supporting full team coordination.

Core Capabilities

📡 Long-Range HaLow Networking (915 MHz)

• Operates in 902–928 MHz (US)

• Extended range with strong penetration through terrain and structures

• External antenna support for optimized field deployment

🔗 Self-Forming Mesh Network

• Powered by BATMAN-V routing

• Automatic node discovery and multi-hop communication

• Flat mesh network: 10.41.0.0/16

• Expand coverage by adding more nodes across your team

🔒 Private Team Communications

• No reliance on cell networks, repeaters, or outside infrastructure

• Fully local, team-controlled network

• Ideal for secure, uninterrupted field comms

🌐 Full Device Integration

• Connect phones, tablets, or laptops directly

• Supports real-time tools, mapping, and coordination platforms

• Works as a central node for command elements

❄️ Built for Continuous Field Use

• Aluminum enclosure with active cooling (fan + heatsink)

• Designed for long-duration events and sustained uptime

Hardware Overview

• Platform: Modified SenseCAP M1

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

• RAM: 2GB / 4GB / 8GB (varies)

• Storage: 64GB MicroSD

• Radio: WM6108 Wi-Fi HaLow (LoRa replaced)

• Wi-Fi: 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz

• Ethernet: 1x RJ45

• Power: USB-C (5V, 3A)

• Antenna: External RP-SMA (sub-GHz)

Pre-Flashed & Ready for Deployment

• OpenMANET firmware pre-installed

• Preconfigured mesh networking

• Includes:

  • BATMAN-V routing

  • DHCP + local access

  • Optimized HaLow drivers

No setup required. Power on and deploy.

Airsoft & Milsim Use Cases

• Command node for squad and platoon-level coordination

• Linking multiple teams across large fields

• Real-time mapping and situational awareness tools

• Persistent comms in dense terrain or urban environments

• Backbone node for multi-hop mesh networks

Important Deployment Notes

• Minimum 2 nodes required to form a mesh network

• Single Ethernet port:

   

  • Cannot handle WAN + LAN simultaneously without advanced configuration

   

• Best used as part of a multi-node deployment

• Ideal as a central or command-level node, not just a lightweight endpoint

Setup & Documentation

https://openmanet.github.io/docs/

Signal & Steel Notes

• Professionally modified for OpenMANET mesh networking

• Converts LoRa hardware into a high-performance field comms platform

• No subscriptions, no cloud dependency

• Built for players who want real capability, not just basic radios