Makerfabs Nomad Terminal handheld development platform is built around an ESP32-S3 MCU and a Semtech LR1121 LoRa transceiver for long-range wireless communication, as well as an ATGM336H GNSS module for positioning.
The device can be used for applications such as LoRa messaging, GPS tracking, navigation, and remote sensor monitoring without a cellular connection. It also includes a 9-axis motion sensor, a microSD card slot, an RTC, and a 5,000 mAh rechargeable battery.
Makerfabs Nomad Terminal specifications:
- Wireless Module – ESP32-S3-WROOM-1
- SoC – Espressif Systems ESP32-S3
- CPU – Dual-core Tensilica LX7 up to 240 MHz with vector extension for AI/ML workloads
- RAM – 512KB SRAM; 8MB PSRAM
- Wireless – WiFi 4 and Bluetooth LE 5
- Storage – 16MB flash
- Antenna – PCB antenna
- SoC – Espressif Systems ESP32-S3
- Storage – MicroSD card slot for local data logging
- Display – 3.5-inch 480×320 TFT LCD (ILI9488 controller via SPI) with FT6236 capacitive touch panel
- Wireless
- WiFi 4 and Bluetooth LE via ESP32-S3
- LoRa – Semtech LR1121 module: 150-960 MHz (Sub-GHz) and 2.4 GHz bands; 8–10 km range in open spaces, and 2–3 km in urban areas
- GNSS – ATGM336H receiver with GPS, BDS, GLONASS, and Galileo with an active antenna; 32-second cold start, 2-second hot start, and 28 mA average operating current
- Sensors
- 6-axis IMU (LSM6DS3TR-C accelerometer and gyroscope)
- 3-axis magnetometer/compass (BMM150)
- USB – USB Type-C port for power and programming
- Misc
- Real-time clock (PCF8563T/5)
- WS2812 RGB LED
- Buzzer
- User button with one-key power on/off support
- Power
- 5V via USB Type-C port for charging and programming
- 5000 mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery (40–60 days of battery life depending on usage)
- CW2015 battery management/fuel gauge IC
- Dimensions – 141 x 76 x 28 mm
The company released the PDF schematics and some Arduino sketches on GitHub. The software uses LVGL for the graphical interface, RadioLib for LoRa communication, and TinyGPSPlus for GNSS data. The sample applications include a LoRa Chat program for two-way text messaging and location sharing, a Tracker program that displays GPS coordinates, battery level, and motion data received from remote Nomad Nodes, and a SenseLoRa Receiver for monitoring sensor nodes. More information, along with usage instructions, can be found on the wiki.
In theory, the MakerFabs Nomad Terminal would be a good candidate for the popular Meshtastic and MeshCore firmware, but we weren’t able to find pull requests or issues related to this hardware for either project.
Just recently, we wrote about Elecrow’s ThinkNode M9, which also offers off-grid LoRa communication and GNSS navigation. But compared to the Nomad Terminal, it uses a smaller 2.4-inch display with a 37-key physical keyboard instead of a larger 3.5-inch touchscreen. The Nomad Terminal also features the newer LR1121 multi-band LoRa transceiver, a 5,000 mAh battery, and a 9-axis IMU, while the ThinkNode M9 uses the LR1110, a 2,300 mAh battery, and a simpler compass sensor. We have also written about other similar devices, including the LILYGO T-Deck series and T-LoRa Pager. These devices combine an ESP32-S3 with LoRa connectivity and are designed for off-grid communication, but they differ in their user interfaces and hardware.
The Makerfabs Nomad Terminal is currently available on the company’s store for $59.80 plus shipping.
Debashis Das is a technical content writer and embedded engineer with over five years of experience in the industry. With expertise in Embedded C, PCB Design, and SEO optimization, he effectively blends difficult technical topics with clear communication
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