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Meshtastic 64 is a custom cartridge that lets a Commodore 64 exchange text over Meshtastic’s LoRa mesh. It plugs into the computer’s User Port and contains its own radio hardware—the C64 itself has no built-in LoRa radio. A BASIC program bridges the computer and radio, translating between ASCII and Commodore PETSCII.
What the Meshtastic 64 is
The project combines a Commodore 64 interface with a modern Meshtastic radio in a cartridge-style device. Hackster’s report by Gareth Halfacree identifies a Heltec LoRa V3 development board inside the cartridge and describes the project as a way to put an eight-bit computer on the mesh. The maker, identified only by the pseudonym Jim, summed up the idea as “a nerdy eight-bit project to get a 1980s computer on the mesh.” Hackster’s project report
A separate project summary describes a custom PCB and cassette-style enclosure with a display, USB-C connector, antenna and tactile buttons. It also describes serial communication in TEXT_MODE and features for creating, saving and sending PETSCII graphics. Those details come from that publication’s summary. The Universe of Commodore 64 project summary
How a Commodore 64 sends a mesh message
- The cartridge connects at the User Port. The radio is housed in the accessory, rather than built into the vintage computer.
- A BASIC program handles the bridge. It passes text between the C64 and the radio module.
- Text is converted between character formats. The software translates standard ASCII and PETSCII, the character set used by Commodore computers. The maker’s account says PETSCII communication can be used when the receiving device is another Commodore.
- The radio sends the message through Meshtastic. Meshtastic devices use LoRa radios and can rebroadcast received messages to form a mesh. A message’s actual reach depends on radio conditions and other nodes; the project report does not establish a typical range for this cartridge. Meshtastic’s Introduction
The combination makes the C64 the text-entry and display interface, while the separate radio provides the wireless connection. The project summary’s PETSCII graphics features are a further retro-computing capability, not a general Meshtastic requirement.
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It can also work without the C64
Hackster reports that the cartridge can operate as a Meshtastic node when disconnected from the computer, using USB and Bluetooth connectivity. The report says it has a rechargeable 1,000 mAh battery and that Jim used it independently at the Vintage Computer Federation Midwest show. The Universe of Commodore 64 summary also gives the battery capacity as 1,000 mAh and says it can charge through the User Port or USB-C. Hackster’s project report · The Universe of Commodore 64 project summary
At that show, Hackster reported, Jim said the special channel had up to 200 nodes. That figure describes the event channel, not a general limit or typical size for Meshtastic networks.
Rank #2
- Ready for Meshtastic: Start a LoRa mesh build faster with pre-flashed Meshtastic firmware. Use it to join or create a mesh network, test node behavior, or begin a DIY off-grid messaging project
- ESP32-S3 + SX1262 Wireless Core: Built around a dual-core ESP32-S3 MCU and SX1262 LoRa radio, supporting 862–930MHz LoRa plus 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and BLE 5.0 for mesh, router and sensor projects
- Low-Friction Starter Kit: The press-fit board design reduces basic assembly work, while the included antenna setup helps new makers avoid starting from a bare board with missing RF accessories
- Arduino, MicroPython and Grove Expansion: Use I2C, UART, SPI, GPIO/PWM and ADC access with compatible XIAO expansion boards or Grove modules to add sensors, displays or custom functions
- Compact Platform, Flexible Builds: The 21 × 18 mm XIAO form factor fits compact prototypes, wearables and embedded devices, while modular add-ons let you choose the GPS, display, power and enclosure your project needs
What to check before building or using one
Power supply
The Universe of Commodore 64 summary says this project requires a C64 supply providing at least 2.5 A on the 5 V line and reports that a 3 A Nu-Brick works. This is a project-specific claim from that summary, not a general compatibility list or independent test. Check the output and compatibility of your own machine and supply before connecting the cartridge. The Universe of Commodore 64 project summary
Hardware and software expectations
This is a custom build, not simply a C64 software update: the reported setup includes the cartridge, a Heltec LoRa V3 board and BASIC software. The project reports do not establish a general compatibility list for C64 models, board revisions or radio-frequency regions. If sourcing a Heltec board for a similar project, verify the exact revision and frequency support; the board alone is not the complete Meshtastic 64.
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- Ready for Meshtastic: Start a LoRa mesh build faster with pre-flashed Meshtastic firmware. Use it to join or create a mesh network, test node behavior, or begin a DIY off-grid messaging project
- ESP32-S3 + SX1262 Wireless Core: Built around a dual-core ESP32-S3 MCU and SX1262 LoRa radio, supporting 862–930MHz LoRa plus 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and BLE 5.0 for mesh, router and sensor projects
- Low-Friction Starter Kit: The press-fit board design reduces basic assembly work, while the included antenna setup helps new makers avoid starting from a bare board with missing RF accessories
- Arduino, MicroPython and Grove Expansion: Use I2C, UART, SPI, GPIO/PWM and ADC access with compatible XIAO expansion boards or Grove modules to add sensors, displays or custom functions
- Compact Platform, Flexible Builds: The 21 × 18 mm XIAO form factor fits compact prototypes, wearables and embedded devices, while modular add-ons let you choose the GPS, display, power and enclosure your project needs
Network conditions
Meshtastic is an open-source, community-driven project for off-grid communication using LoRa radios. Its documentation describes text messaging, encrypted communication and mesh rebroadcasting, including use without a phone. Actual coverage varies with local radio conditions and available nodes. Meshtastic cites a 331 km long-range record, but explicitly as a record—not a normal range expectation. Meshtastic’s Introduction
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is Meshtastic 64 officially supported?
Meshtastic’s Getting Started guide distinguishes officially supported partner or backer hardware, which it says is tested and documented, from community-supported hardware that is not officially supported. The guide does not establish Meshtastic 64 as officially supported, so it should be treated as a custom community project rather than certified or endorsed hardware. Meshtastic’s official documentation
Rank #4
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- OFF-GRID MESHTASTIC & MESHCORE COMMUNICATION: Use the V4 as a Meshtastic node, portable LoRa radio or GPS-enabled mesh device for communication and location sharing beyond cellular coverage. WiFi and Bluetooth support convenient setup and firmware access for hiking, camping, field projects and mobile mesh networks
- ESP32-S3R2 + SX1262 V4.3 HARDWARE: Powered by ESP32-S3R2 and SX1262 with 2MB PSRAM and 16MB Flash. Up to 28±1dBm LoRa output and -137dBm sensitivity support reliable long-range 915MHz communication while retaining WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity
- L76K GNSS FOR LOCATION SHARING: The included L76K GNSS module adds positioning for GPS-enabled Meshtastic use, including node location and location sharing through supported app features. A practical choice for outdoor navigation, field deployments and portable mesh projects
- 3000mAh BATTERY + OLED DISPLAY: The included rechargeable 3000mAh battery supports portable use, while the 0.96-inch OLED keeps device and mesh status visible at a glance. The protective enclosure creates a compact carry-ready setup, and USB-C keeps charging and firmware work convenient
Is it a product you can buy?
Hackster reported that a small number of preassembled Meshtastic 64 devices were available for preorder through BIT Zeal at the time of its article, and the Commodore 64 project summary links to the seller. Those reports do not establish current availability, price or preorder status. The project is therefore best understood as a documented custom build unless a live seller listing confirms otherwise.
For a reader who already owns a working C64 and wants a distinctive text interface for the mesh, the cartridge connects two very different eras of computing. Someone who simply wants a Meshtastic node can use ordinary compatible hardware instead; the retro computer is the appeal here, not a requirement of the network.
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