THE ULTIMATE CYBERDECK FOR ENCRYPTED MESSAGING!

andy kirby
24 Mar 202415:09

TLDRIn this video, the host tests the Ripple firmware on a Lilypad Tex device for encrypted messaging. The firmware is responsive and allows message history to be viewed. The host compares it to Meshtastic, noting improvements in response time and message handling. The video includes a range test, demonstrating the device's ability to send messages over half a mile, even through obstacles, and discusses upcoming features like group chat and GPS integration.

Takeaways

  • 📱 The video discusses testing the Ripple firmware on a Lilypad Tex device for encrypted messaging.
  • 🔄 Ripple is similar to Meshtastic, allowing two-way messaging but with more advanced features.
  • 🚀 The firmware is currently in back-to-back mode, with group chat functionality expected soon.
  • ⌨️ The key presses are more responsive on Ripple firmware compared to Meshtastic.
  • 💬 Messages are sent with a flash, indicating the transmission process.
  • 📱 The device can display message history, scrolling up as more messages are received.
  • 🔋 The device uses an internal antenna and has a slim form factor with a 2A battery and 1000mAh cells.
  • 🌐 GPS integration is possible, providing location information and distance to other stations.
  • 🏙️ The system can handle obstacles and line-of-sight issues, maintaining signal strength.
  • 📱 The screen is not easily readable in bright sunlight, but the text is large for clarity.
  • 🔄 The device can act as a repeater, meshing with other devices to extend the network range.

Q & A

  • What is the main topic of the video transcript?

    -The main topic of the video transcript is the testing of an encrypted messaging system called Ripple on a device called Tex.

  • How does the Ripple firmware differ from the Mesh Tastic firmware?

    -The Ripple firmware is more advanced than the Mesh Tastic firmware and is more responsive on key presses. It also allows for message history to be viewed, unlike the current Mesh Tastic firmware.

  • What feature is expected to be available soon for the Ripple firmware?

    -Group chat is expected to be available soon for the Ripple firmware.

  • How was the responsiveness of the keys on the Tex device with Ripple firmware?

    -The keys on the Tex device with Ripple firmware were found to be more responsive compared to the Mesh Tastic firmware.

  • What distance test was conducted with the Ripple firmware?

    -A short-range test was conducted with the Ripple firmware, with the test covering a distance of about half a mile down to City Hall.

  • What is the purpose of the 3D printed case used in the video?

    -The 3D printed case, called the Random Alley Cat, is used to house the Tex device and is available in a slim version to maintain the device's form factor.

  • How does the system handle messages when a new message is received?

    -The system can overwrite the previous message when a new one is received, but with the Ripple firmware, users can scroll up and down to view message history.

  • What is the significance of the GPS feature in the Tex device?

    -With a GPS included, the Tex device can recognize the GPS location and provide a distance to the other station, enhancing the functionality of the messaging system.

  • How does the system perform when there is an obstacle between the devices?

    -The system's performance degrades when there are obstacles and loss of line of sight, but it still manages to send messages with some delay and signal strength reduction.

  • What was the result of the test when the user went behind a building?

    -The test showed that messages could still be sent and received with the Ripple firmware, albeit with reduced signal strength and some initial failed attempts.

  • What is the conclusion of the test conducted in the video?

    -The conclusion of the test is that the Ripple firmware on the Tex device works well for encrypted messaging, even in situations with obstacles and less than ideal conditions.

Outlines

00:00

📱 Testing Ripple Firmware on Lilypad Tex - Initial Setup and Features

The video begins with the host in London, introducing the Lilypad Tex device and the Ripple firmware. The host explains that Ripple is similar to Meshtastic in allowing two-way messaging but has more advanced firmware. The host and his friend Lewis test the device's messaging capabilities, noting the responsiveness of the keys and the ability to see message history. They discuss the upcoming group chat feature and the device's range, planning a short-range test near City Hall. The host also mentions the use of an internal antenna and the 3D printed case called Random Alley Cat.

05:01

🔋 Battery Configuration and Display Features

In this paragraph, the host delves into the battery setup of the Lilypad Tex, which includes 1,000 Mah cells in a slim form factor. He discusses the use of the original helical antennas and their effectiveness. The host comments on the readability of the display in bright sunlight and appreciates the large text provided by the firmware. He also highlights the ability to scroll through messages, a feature not available on the current TDE firmware of Meshtastic. The host mentions the potential for GPS integration and the device's mesh capabilities, supporting various devices.

10:03

🏙️ Testing Obstacles and Signal Strength

The host conducts a test to see how the Lilypad Tex performs when obstructed by buildings. He moves behind a block of flats to check if the messages still go through. Despite some initial difficulty and signal loss, the host finds that the messages eventually get delivered, similar to the behavior of Meshtastic. He notes the device's ability to measure RSSI and the persistence of the system in delivering messages. The host concludes the test, reflecting on the overall performance of the device in various conditions.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Cyberdeck

A cyberdeck is a futuristic concept of a portable computer system, often used for communication and data management. In the context of the video, it refers to the device being tested, which is capable of encrypted messaging, indicating a high level of security and advanced technology for communication purposes.

💡Encrypted Messaging

Encrypted messaging is a method of communication where messages are converted into a code to prevent unauthorized access. In the video, the focus is on testing a system that provides this security feature, ensuring that the messages sent between devices remain confidential and can only be read by the intended recipients.

💡Ripple

Ripple, in this context, refers to a specific firmware or system being tested for encrypted messaging. It is compared to another system called mesh tastic, but with more advanced features and capabilities. The video discusses the unique attributes of Ripple and its performance in messaging tests.

💡Mesh Tastic

Mesh Tastic is a firmware used in radio communication devices, enabling them to communicate over long distances by creating a network or 'mesh' of devices. In the video, it is used as a comparison to Ripple, with the implication that Ripple offers improved performance or additional features.

💡Two-Way Messaging

Two-way messaging is a type of communication where messages can be sent and received between two or more parties. The video focuses on testing the efficiency and reliability of this feature in the Ripple system, which is crucial for effective real-time communication.

💡Firmware

Firmware refers to the software that is embedded in a device's hardware. In the context of the video, firmware is the program that enables the Tex device to function and communicate using the Ripple system. The video discusses the differences in firmware between Ripple and Mesh Tastic.

💡Group Chat

Group chat is a feature that allows multiple users to participate in a single conversation thread. The video mentions that while the current firmware does not support group chats, the developers are working on making this feature available in the future.

💡Responsiveness

Responsiveness in the context of technology refers to how quickly and effectively a device or system reacts to user input. The video script highlights the improved responsiveness of the Ripple firmware over the Mesh Tastic firmware, particularly in terms of key presses and message sending.

💡Signal Meter

A signal meter is a tool or feature that displays the strength of a communication signal. In the video, the absence of an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) is noted, which would provide such information. This is significant as it relates to the reliability and effectiveness of the communication between devices.

💡3D Printed Case

A 3D printed case is a physical enclosure for a device that is created using a 3D printer. In the video, the presenter mentions a specific 3D printed case called the 'random Alley Cat', which is used for the device being tested. This shows the DIY and customizable aspect of the technology being discussed.

💡Battery

A battery is a device that stores and provides electrical energy for a device to operate. In the context of the video, the battery is discussed in relation to the power supply for the device being tested, with the mention of a '2 A battery' and '1,000 Milah cells', which indicates the capacity and type of power source used.

Highlights

Testing the Lilyo Tex with Ripple firmware for encrypted messaging.

Ripple is similar to Mesh Tastic but with more advanced features.

Currently, no group chat is available but will be introduced soon.

The new firmware is more responsive on key presses compared to Mesh Tastic.

The conversation between devices over a short distance works well.

The T Deck with Ripple firo is being tested for short-range communication.

The internal antenna works effectively for the short-range test.

The device allows message history to be visible and scrolls with more messages.

The screen turns on and off with the center trackball, acting as a lock.

The device can be customized with different cases, like the Random Alley Cat.

The system can be managed without the need for a smartphone.

Each device acts as a repeater, enhancing the signal range.

The case with GPS built-in is available for enhanced location services.

The screen is not easily readable in bright sunlight but the text is large for clarity.

The device can still function with reduced signal strength.

The test involves sending messages while walking and checking for signal obstructions.

The device maintains communication even when behind obstacles.

The signal strength indicator shows one bar even when messages are successfully sent.

The test concludes with a walk back to the meeting point, maintaining radio contact.