SafeLink:Community Emergency Mesh Node for Disaster Response

Project Narrative & Intent

Imagine you're stranded in a flood zone. Your phone’s dead, the towers are down, and the internet’s gone on vacation. Now what?

SafeLink is the answer—a solar-powered, GPS-enabled LoRa mesh node that acts like a walkie-talkie, compass, group chat, and black box all rolled into one. Built around the Wio Tracker L1, it’s designed to keep people connected when everything else fails.

The idea sparked during the 2018 floods in Wayanad, India, where I saw firsthand how communication collapsed. It wasn’t just inconvenient—it was dangerous. That moment made me ask: What if we could build a network that doesn’t rely on networks?

SafeLink uses the Wio Tracker L1’s built-in LoRa and GPS to create a fully offline mesh system. It lets users send messages, locate each other, and coordinate in groups—without cell towers, Wi-Fi, or even smartphones. Think of it as a digital campfire: everyone gathers around, shares info, and stays safe.

The device runs in two modes:

• Normal Mode: Full functionality for setup and coordination
• Emergency Mode: Minimal power, critical messaging only, auto-activated by sensor triggers or manual override.

It’s modular, intuitive, and beginner-friendly—like LEGO for disaster tech. Plug in a sensor, and you’re part of the network.

Functionalities

Here’s what SafeLink brings to the table:

• OLED screen + keyboard: Like texting on a Game Boy, but for survival
• Plug-and-play sensors: Motion, smoke, temperature—snap them in, no soldering
• Group joining: No phones needed, just enter the unique admin code and connect
• Compass-style UI: Shows direction and distance to nearby nodes
• Black box logging: GPS paths and sensor events stored for rescue teams
• Emergency beacon mode: SOS broadcast with location and alerts
• Auto mode switching: Saves power when it matters most (it also has manual mode in case auto mode doesn't work for some reason.)
• Custom Web App: Helps to understand the data in black box (microSD). Just plugin and the app will show some graphs and information that are essential.

Creative Aspects

SafeLink reimagines the Meshtastic node as a community coordination hub. It’s not just a device—it’s a digital lifeline.

• WhatsApp-style group chat: Admin roles, message routing, all offline and enter the unique admin code for joining several group.
• Compass locator: Like Find My Friends, but with LoRa and no cloud
• Ergonomic design: Rugged case, solar panel alignment, intuitive button layout
• Minimal UI: Clear, power-efficient, and focused on what matters inspired by LAGOM idealogy.

Why I’m Eligible

• Prior experience with Arduino, webapp and sensor integration
• Access to fabrication tools (3D printer, soldering station) at my university
• Strong documentation skills and ability to deliver on time
• Visuals and diagrams in progress to support the build (will be done in final stage after being selected as contendor)
• My linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dharun-kumar20/