Spectre as a Team Comms Handset (915 MHz)

Why I tried Spectre

I wanted a single pocket device for off-grid messages and location sharing—something my team could use without lugging a Pi or a laptop. Spectre is an Android handset with a built-in LoRa node (SX1262) and GPS, so I tried to make a repeatable setup for small group comms.

What this is (scope)

A practical bring-up for Spectre (Android 9, 2.5" screen) with a simple team test: make a shared Meshtastic channel, verify GPS, do quick urban vs rural range walks, and note battery realities. It’s not a max-range challenge; just dependable basics. Spectre runs in the 915 MHz band—check your local rules.

Build notes:

0) Unbox & charge

Charge the phone battery and the LoRa board battery. If charging seems odd, use the included USB-C cable and make sure the radio power is actually on (a quirk others noted)

1) Update apps

Spectre comes preloaded with Meshtastic and a few SpecFive apps (Mesh Tic-Tac-Toe, CheckTastic, MeshChess). Update Meshtastic from Play Store or sideload if needed.

2) Meshtastic channel setup

• Open Meshtastic → create a new channel with your team name.
• Pick a modem preset appropriate for 915 MHz and your terrain; keep defaults if unsure
• Share the channel QR with teammates so their phones join the exact same PSK/settings.
• In “Position” settings, enable periodic location at a sane interval (e.g., 2–5 min) to save power.

3) Dual-SIM (optional)

Spectre supports dual nano-SIM or one nano-SIM + microSD. You can keep one SIM for regular calls/data and still use LoRa when the network drops.

4) GPS sanity

Use Meshtastic’s own position view or any GPS test app to confirm a fix. Spectre includes a ceramic GPS antenna; first cold start may take a bit, then reacquisition is faster.

5) Quick team test

• With 2–3 handsets on the same channel, exchange short texts from different blocks.
• Do a slow walk to the block edge, then a few streets over; note RSSI/SNR if visible.

Field notes:

a)Urban vs rural: Expect shorter urban hops and longer rural lines. Spec sheet ballpark is ~1–3 mi urban and 3–5 mi rural with 915 MHz, but obstructions and antenna placement dominate. Treat those as planning numbers, not promises.

b)Battery reality: Spectre has two batteries: phone (1000 mAh) and LoRa board (1200 mAh). The LoRa side is rated ~3 h active / 6 h standby. Message cadence, screen brightness, and GPS intervals move these numbers a lot—lower the screen and stretch GPS to save hours.

c)Pocket carry tips: Keep the handset high on the body (chest pocket/strap) for cleaner links than deep inside a backpack.

d)Charging quirks: If it seems like it’s not charging, try the included cable and confirm the radio side is switched on before charging. (User feedback mirrored this.)

A simple, repeatable test plan

• Channel + ping: Confirm everyone sees green checks / recent packets.
• Urban walk: Two nodes at ~1.5 m height; send short texts every ~100–200 m; mark success/fail.
• Rural line: Repeat along an open road or trail; note where messages stop.
• Power log: Start at 100%, screen low, 2–5 min GPS interval; check % remaining at 1 h and 2 h.
• After-action: Save screenshots of message logs and any maps for your notes.

What I’d add next time

1- A tiny “field card” with channel QR, callsigns, text protocol (e.g., “ACK + last 4 of timestamp”)2- A fixed post relay on a hill or high window to extend coverage for training days.

3- Tasker automation to drop a “HB HH:MM” text every 10–15 min during exercises.

Safety & frequency note

Spectre ships for 915 MHz operation. Always verify your local regulations before field use.

Sources

Spectre product page: device overview, specs (Android 9, 2.5" screen, ESP32-S3 + SX1262, PETG enclosure, batteries, ranges, 915 MHz region, included apps)