This RISC-V handheld proves that you do not need a monthly data plan

Valleytech Custom Solutions just dropped the first build guide for its Tanmatsu LoRa Radio Deck. This handheld terminal should be great for those interested in off-grid communications, specifically those who prefer to own their hardware stack. Designer Renze Nicolai doesn't use a typical closed-off consumer gadget design. Instead, this device relies more on open hardware to make sure that users can actually modify or repair their gear in the field, if necessary.

The heart of the deck is the ESP32-P4 SoC (curr. $32 on Amazon). The chip is a big step-up for the platform, with two RISC-V cores running at 400 MHz. It is supported by 32 MB of PSRAM and 16 MB of flash storage. To keep the main CPU free for the user interface, a secondary ESP32-C6 co-processor handles WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5 wireless tasks.

Handling the visuals is a 7-inch MIPI DSI display with an 800 x 480 resolution. The chassis is a sturdy 3D-printed enclosure that houses a full QWERTY keyboard with tactile dome switches. Users get a dedicated microSD card slot for quick firmware swaps and a USB Type-C port for charging the internal lithium battery. This setup should make it fairly easy to cycle between different operating environments.

LoRa connectivity comes from a modular radio supporting 433 MHz and 868 MHz bands. All this makes the deck a pretty formidable node for the Meshtastic protocol, especially for secure messaging without a cellular network. The back of the device features SAO and PMOD expansion ports - builders can snap on custom sensor modules or high-gain antennas depending on their specific project requirements.

Valleytech intends to release the first production batch in early Q2 2026. While final pricing is still unconfirmed, the project files are already available under the CERN Open Hardware License. This allows anyone with a 3D printer and a soldering iron to build their own version of this communication hub before the retail kits officially ship to the public.