Sendrel is a purpose-built offline messaging terminal designed for quiet, intentional communication across local networks—no internet required. Inspired by retro hardware and rooted in slow tech philosophy, Sendrel uses LoRa mesh networking to support secure, peer-to-peer exchanges. Its tactile interface and consent-based ID sharing foster trust, presence, and reflective dialogue between communities.
Core Features
- LoRa Mesh Messaging – decentralized, long-range peer-to-peer exchange
- E-Ink Display – minimal UI that prioritizes clarity and battery life
- Physical Contact Pairing – users connect via shared ID tokens via NFC cartridges
- Tactile Controls – switches and buttons for sending, storing, and selecting threads
- Expandable Storage – optional microSD archiving for conversation logs
- Off-Grid Resilience – battery-powered and network-independent
- Message Consent Protocol – communication only allowed when both users are "ready"
Why It Matters
Most communication tools rely on cloud services, accounts, and surveillance-driven infrastructure. Sendrel offers a human-scale alternative: a device that prioritizes trust, locality, and meaningful presence over speed or scale.
It's designed for:
- Emergency contact in infrastructure-limited areas
- Private storytelling between paired users
- Community coordination without centralized servers
- An offline social connection that feels respectful and quiet
Current Progress
- Sketching the enclosure and interface layout
- Prototyping LoRa message routines and consent logic
- Researching microcontrollers (leaning toward Raspberry Pi Pico or Arduino Uno)
- Exploring pairing mechanisms (NFC exchange or token-based ID)
- Naming, branding, and defining project philosophy
Next Steps
- Build out a physical prototype
- Write and test core firmware
- Define message structure and encryption
- Design terminal UX flow (send, receive, store, block, etc.)
- Launch community documentation and safety framework
Jeremy

James P.
Dengtec
Rafe