OK, new stuff that is very soon to be released:
New repeater 'lite' firmware, for RAK4631, Heltec V3 or Xiao ESP32S3.
New T-Deck firmware, with repeater support in "Pair Device" menu. And, a bonus Calculator screen.
Ripple Ultra firmware for the LilyGo T5 ePaper Pro.
Up to now, to setup repeater nodes, you needed to use the Ripple Commander app. To make things easier, the Ultra firmware (T-Deck, Touch, and others) now support setting up and monitoring of repeaters completely from a standalone device.
After flashing the repeater, it will periodically send a pairing request (over LoRa). On the T-Deck, select the Pair Device menu, then enter the pairing code (is in the readme when you download the firmware). After a short delay you should see the setup screen:
Just enter a unique ID and name, then press ENTER.
The pairing process then does a key exchange, and adds the repeater as another contact. (you should see the name when you navigate back the home screen).
When you select the repeater and navigate right, you will see the repeater details screen:
If the repeater is online, and reachable, you will see the 'wifi' icon appear on the titlebar, and the battery and temperature data. If you tap on the 'Get Stats' button, a request is sent to get these stats:
The Repeater Lite firmware is free, and can be downloaded here. There will also be an update to the full/Pro repeater firmware, which has all of the Post Office features and OTA firmware updates. There is currently a Heltec V3 version available, but must be configured with the Commander app (Play version). The new version, and hopefully a RAK4631 version, will be switching to a new licensing model, with a free version of the Commander app (self published), but the (Pro) repeaters requiring an Activation Code. (like Ripple Tactical)
The new T-Deck firmware will be ver 4.2, and soon to be released here. (with the repeater admin support)
Bonus Calculator
Just for fun, I also added a Calculator to the Ultra firmware :-)
LilyGo T5
This is basically done, but am just waiting on a new device sample fresh from the factory. Just a few last minute quality issues to iron out. The firmware has a nifty new lock screen:
