Elecrow ThinkNode M9 is a phone-like mesh communicator with a 2.4 inch sccreen, QWERTY keyboard, and LoRa

Skip to contentAt first glance, the Elecrow ThinkNode M9 looks like a smartphone from an alternate universe where all phones are descended from BlackBerry and Palm Treo devices rather than iPhones and Android phones. But it’s not really a phone at all. Instead it’s a mobile communication device that lets you send and receive messages using the MeshCore system for off-grid communications.There’s no support for making voice calls over cellular networks, but the ThinkNode M9 does have a LoRa module for long-range wireless communications, as well as support for WiFi 4 (802.11n) and Bluetooth 5.0 and GPS. It could come in handy for hiking, emergency rescue workers, or anyone looking for a way to communicate without relying on existing cellular or satellite services… assuming the people you want to text with are also using MeshCore.Available now from Elecrow for about $75, the ThinkNode M9 is powered by an ESP32-S3R8 chip and features a Semtech LR1110 LoRa module.It has a 2.4 inch, 320 x 240 pixel LCD non-touch display and a 37-key keyboard plus some special function keys for navigating the device’s operating system. There’s a 2,300 mAh battery, a USB 2.0 Type-C port for charging, and a buzzer rather than a full-fledged speaker.The device measures 126 x 67 x 10mm (4.96″ x 2.64″ x 0.4″) and weighs 123 grams (4.3 ounces).Elecrow is hardly the first company to launch a LoRa communicator that looks like a BlackBerry. The ThinkNode M9 reminds me of the LILYGO T-Deck Pro, and other members of the T-Deck family. But it’s always nice to have additional options.via CNX Software