Our mesh build document
🔍 Firmware & Software Licensing: What You Need to Know
✅ 1. Meshtastic Firmware
- Open Source under the GNU General Public License v3.0 (GPLv3)
- ✅ Free to use, modify, distribute
- ❗ Must publish your source code if you distribute modified versions in binary form
- Suitable for prototypes, personal use, or even manufacturing if you follow the license
📂 GitHub: https://github.com/meshtastic
✅ 2. RAKwireless Hardware & SDKs
- RAK provides open SDKs and full documentation for RAK4631, WisBlock Base Boards, etc.
- RAK modules (e.g., RAK4631) are based on the Nordic nRF52840 MCU — which uses the nRF5 SDK and Zephyr RTOS (both open source under permissive licenses like BSD, Apache 2.0).
- You can write firmware in:
- Arduino (via RAK Arduino BSP)
- PlatformIO
- Zephyr RTOS
- Or even C/C++ with Nordic’s SDK
🔓 No proprietary licensing required to develop, sell, or modify hardware using their SDKs.
🔐 3. Summary of Licensing Status
| Component | License | Can You Use It Commercially? | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meshtastic Firmware | GPLv3 | ✅ Yes | Must publish source if you distribute binaries |
| RAK SDKs / Examples | MIT/BSD | ✅ Yes | No restrictions |
| nRF52840 SDK (Nordic) | BSD-like | ✅ Yes | No restrictions |
| LoRa Radio Stack (Semtech) | Modified BSD | ✅ Yes | Common in open devices like RAK, Heltec |
| Meshtastic App (Mobile) | GPLv3 | ✅ Yes | Same rules as firmware |
🛠️ If You Manufacture Your Own Boards
If you make custom boards using:
- RAK4631 module or
- Just the nRF52840 chip + SX1262 radio
You can:
- Run Meshtastic firmware (your own compiled version)
- Use open bootloaders
- Modify UI behavior, screen control, custom button logic, etc.
You must comply with GPLv3 if distributing preloaded firmware, but hardware itself is your own IP — no license from RAK or anyone else is needed.
🧰 Example: Private LoRa Grid with Custom Hardware
- Start with WisBlock kits for dev/testing
- Fork the Meshtastic repo
- Modify or strip features for your use (e.g., disable GPS, change encryption, etc.)
- Compile and flash your own version of firmware
- Design a custom PCB using:
- nRF52840 + SX1262
- Buttons, OLED, battery charger, etc.
- Mass-produce in your chosen facility
- Pre-load your firmware (distribute source or link per GPLv3)
🧭 Final Thought
You’re in a great position: the entire Meshtastic + WisBlock ecosystem is built around open hardware and open software.
✅ You own the hardware
✅ You can use the firmware
✅ You can manufacture without paying royalties
❗ Just remember: if you distribute modified binaries of GPL software, make the source available
Would you like help:
- Forking Meshtastic and removing unneeded features?
- Designing a custom PCB that clones the RAK setup?
- Writing your own mesh firmware from scratch (if you want to avoid GPL)?