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LIA - A Meshtastic-based Pet Tracking System #21

Description

@JGAguado

Your Name

Jon G. Aguado

Email

jon-garcia@hotmail.com

GitHub Repository Link

https://github.com/JGAguado/LIA

Project Description

LIA is an open-source, low-power pet tracking platform built around Meshtastic and LoRa mesh networking. The goal of the project is to create a lightweight, long-range, subscription-free tracker capable of operating even without cellular coverage.

Unlike traditional GPS trackers that depend on LTE subscriptions and cloud infrastructure, LIA leverages decentralized Meshtastic networks to periodically broadcast position data through nearby mesh nodes.

The project focuses heavily on:

  • Low power consumption
  • Compact wearable design
  • Open-source hardware
  • Open firmware experimentation
  • Mesh-native tracking workflows

Tech Stack

Hardware

  • ESP32-S3
  • Semtech SX1262 LoRa transceiver
  • u-blox SAM-M10Q GNSS module
  • 18650 Li-ion battery
  • USB-C / Magnetic port
  • Internal FPC LoRa antenna
  • Optional accelerometer for motion detection

Firmware

  • ESP-IDF / PlatformIO
  • Custom Meshtastic tracker configurations

Message to the Organizers

This project has been sitting on my design desk for quite some time, ever since it was first conceived after Lia (our dog) suddenly wandered much farther away than expected during a walk on the countryside.

Since then, we experimented with solutions like an AirTag, which eventually got lost after Lia played in the park with another dog. While some commercial pet trackers can be useful, many of them include unnecessary features and rely heavily on subscription models that quickly become excessive.

After discovering the Meshtastic ecosystem, a new opportunity window opened. The idea of decentralized, long-range, low-power communication immediately felt like the right foundation for a project like this. With LIA, I would like to contribute a highly hardware-oriented approach, exploring how Meshtastic can help create a more open, affordable, and community-powered alternative for pet and asset tracking.

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