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Nucleus V1 User Manual

Table of Contents

  1. System Overview
  2. Initial Setup
  3. Configuration

System Overview

Hardware Overview

Nucleus V1 is off-grid networking hardware that creates multiple communication layers. Each node runs WiFi mesh networking and a dedicated LoRa radio, giving you reliable connectivity at different ranges and speeds.

Networking Layers

WiFi 802.11s Mesh

Creates encrypted mesh networks between nodes:

  • Self-healing - if one node goes down, traffic routes around it
  • Any WiFi device can connect - phones, laptops, tablets
  • WPA3 encryption
  • Devices roam between nodes seamlessly
  • High-speed data transfer for voice, video, and files

Reticulum

Runs automatically over WiFi mesh and Ethernet connections:

  • Works with phones, PCs, any device running Reticulum
  • Just connect to WiFi and your Reticulum apps find the network
  • Encrypted messaging, file sharing, and communication apps
  • Automatic routing and network discovery

LoRa Radio (Meshtastic)

Each node runs a dedicated Meshtastic radio:

  • Range up to several kilometers
  • Works with any Meshtastic device
  • Connects to other Meshtastic users
  • Low power, long range backup communication

Software Applications

ATAK over WiFi Mesh

  • Full ATAK features - voice, video, pictures, maps
  • Automatic connection with other ATAK users
  • High-speed data sharing
  • Real-time collaboration

ATAK over LoRa

  • Uses the standard Meshtastic ATAK plugin
  • Works alongside WiFi connections
  • Connects Nucleus V1 users with Meshtastic-only users
  • Text, markers, and location sharing
  • Long-range backup when WiFi is out of range

Reticulum Apps

Works over Ethernet or WiFi connections:

  • MeshChat - Text messaging and group chat
  • Sideband - Encrypted messaging with file transfer
  • Other Reticulum applications for communication and file sharing
  • Automatic discovery - just connect and apps work

Meshtastic Official App

  • Use the standard Meshtastic mobile app
  • Connects over the Meshtastic radio
  • Text messaging and location sharing
  • Works with other Meshtastic devices

TAK Integration

Pre-Installed Software

Every Nucleus V1 node comes with TAK Server 5.3 and MediaMTX pre-installed but not activated or configured:

  • TAK Server 5.3 - Latest version installed but requires activation and configuration
  • MediaMTX - Video streaming server installed but requires setup
  • Configuration Options:
    • Self-configure and activate after purchase
    • Pre-configured and activated option available during purchase

TAK Server Features

The pre-installed TAK Server provides:

  • Centralizes ATAK user connections
  • Stores and forwards data when users are offline
  • Manages user authentication and groups
  • Works over the WiFi mesh network
  • Supports video streaming via MediaMTX integration

Benefits of TAK Server

  • Persistent Data - Messages and map data saved even when users disconnect
  • User Management - Control who can connect and what they can see
  • Reliable Connections - Single connection point instead of peer-to-peer
  • File Sharing - Upload and download files through the server
  • Video Streaming - Stream live video feeds between connected ATAK users via MediaMTX

Initial Setup

Getting Started

Simply plug your Nucleus V1 node into power to start it up. After about 1 minute, the node's WiFi access point will come online as takNodeN (or equivalent based on your configuration).

Connect Your Device

You have two connection options:

  • WiFi: Connect to the takNodeN network using the provided password
  • Ethernet: Plug directly into the node's Ethernet port

The node's onboard DHCP server will automatically assign your device an IP address and connect it to the WiFi mesh network.

Monitor Your Network

Check your mesh network status through the built-in web interface. Open your web browser and go to your node's IP address on port 5000 (e.g., 192.168.200.x:5000). This shows connection quality, network topology, and data flow between nodes.

Meshtastic Radio Setup

The Meshtastic radio receives power in parallel with the WiFi radio and works like any standard Meshtastic device:

  • Pair your Meshtastic mobile app to the radio
  • Configure radio settings for your area and requirements
  • Enable the ATAK Meshtastic plugin if you want ATAK integration over LoRa

What's Ready to Use

WiFi Mesh: Works immediately. Multiple nodes automatically form a mesh network.

Meshtastic Radio: Requires configuration through the Meshtastic app for your specific location and use case.

Configuration

Change WiFi Mesh Name/Channel/Password

Two files control the mesh settings and must be coordinated:

File 1: ~/mesh/batmesh.sh

What to change:

  • MESH_NAME: The mesh network name
  • MESH_CHANNEL: WiFi channel number (e.g., 11)

File 2: /etc/wpa_supplicant/wpa_supplicant-wlan1-encrypt.conf

What to change:

  • ssid: Must match MESH_NAME from batmesh.sh
  • frequency: Frequency in MHz that matches the channel
    • Example: Channel 11 = 2462 MHz
  • psk: Mesh password

Important:

  • All nodes need the same mesh name and channel
  • Don't adjust any other code in either file
  • Channel number in batmesh.sh must correspond to frequency in MHz in wpa_supplicant

After changes: Reboot the node

Change Node AP Hostname/Channel/Password

File: /etc/hostapd/hostapd.conf

Access needed: SSH into the node or connect keyboard/monitor directly.

What it does: Sets up the WiFi network that your devices connect to.

You can change:

  • WiFi network name
  • WiFi password
  • Security settings

Security tip: Change the default WiFi password to something secure.

After changes: Reboot after changes