Secure Messaging + Location Off-Cluster

Written By Matt Calhoun

ChatterBox was designed from the ground up as a private and secure off-grid messaging and location sharing system. As of today, a new mode has been added, which we’re tentatively calling “Open” mode.

This feature is available in the latest firmware, but is not yet thoroughly documented. That will be coming soon. Here are the basics…

Open Mode

  • Unlimited devices - There is no limit to the number of devices that can participate in a channel

  • Channel-based - Every channel has an ID and a set of passwords

  • Symmetrically Encrypted - Two 16 digit passwords make up the encryption key

  • Frequency Hopping - All channels still support frequency hopping. A second pair of 16 digit passwords control the unpredictable frequency hopping pattern

  • Digitally Signed - Both sets of keys are used to make up a key for signing and verifying signatures

  • Location Sharing - Optional location sharing with each message

  • Broadcasts Only - There are no identities in this mode, so no DMs, only encrypted broadcasts

  • Message Expiry - When you send a broadcast, you choose how long the message stays alive. It can be stored and forwarded as far as it can make it within 2 hours or less

  • Mesh Cache - All devices are still packet caches and repeaters

  • Delivery Confirmation - Since you’re not sending directly to a person, the confirmation you receive means at least one other device has picked up your message and is actively relaying it

  • Does Not Require Onboarding - A channel is open to anyone who is within mesh range and has the channel’s ID and passwords

Matt Calhoun
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