Specialized Roles

Specialized roles optimize node behavior for specific use cases: tracking, sensing, and tactical operations. Each role adjusts transmission priority, sleep behavior,priority and telemetrysleep/retransmit behavior to match its intended function.function; telemetry cadence is configured separately in the Telemetry module.

Tracker

Behavior: Transmits high-priority location updates. Position packets from Tracker nodes are given priority in thehigher relay queue,priority, ensuringwhich theyimproves arebut forwardeddoes evennot inguarantee congesteddelivery networks.under congestion.

Use for: Personnel or vehicle tracking where real-time position data is critical. Common in search-and-rescue, outdoor event management, and field team coordination.

Lost and Found

Behavior: SendsBroadcasts periodicits location beaconsas a text message to the default channel at aregular low duty cycle. Designed to conserve power while stillintervals, allowing a lost asset or person to be located when the beaconbroadcast is received.

Use for: Asset tags, pet trackers, equipment that is rarely moved but may need to be located. LowerLost and Found uses Regular power than(it Trackeris duenot toa lesslow-power frequent transmissions.role).

Sensor

Behavior: Sends sensor readings at defined intervals and deep-sleeps between reports to minimize power consumption. Optimized for battery-powered environmental monitors.

Use for: Temperature/humidity sensors, weather stations, soil moisture monitors, or any application where the node sends data periodically and does not need to be interactive between readings.

Configure the sensor reporting interval in the Telemetry module settings to match your battery budget.

TAK (Android Team Awareness Kit)

Behavior: Optimized for integration with ATAK (Android Team Awareness Kit) tactical software. Formats and prioritizes packets for compatibility with TAK workflows.

Use for: Public safety, military, or emergency management teams using ATAK for situational awareness. Requires ATAK installed on the controlling device.

TAK Tracker

Behavior: High-priority position tracking variant for ATAK. Combines the position prioritization of Tracker with TAK-specific packet formatting.

Use for: Individual team members in a TAK-based deployment where real-time position is critical to the tactical picture.

All 12 Roles at a Glance

Role	Category	Key Behavior
Client	Personal	Default. SmartRebroadcasts relayvia whenmanaged bestflooding; positioned.visible in the node list.
Client Mute	Personal	Never relays. For dense/congested areas.
Client Hidden	Personal	MinimalBroadcasts presence.only Privacy-focused.

as Clientneeded; BasePersonalAggressivenot relayshown in the nodes list; for favoritedstealth/low-power nodes only.deployments. TrackerSpecializedHigh-priority location updates. Lost and FoundSpecializedPeriodic location beacon;broadcast power-efficient.to the default channel (Regular power). SensorSpecializedSensor readings + deep sleep between reports. TAKTacticalATAK-optimized messaging. TAK TrackerTacticalPriority tactical position for ATAK. RouterInfrastructureEarlyAlways aggressiverebroadcasts relay.once Hilltop/towerwith only.prioritized routing; best on elevated/strategic sites; visible in the nodes list. Router LateInfrastructureBackup relay; waits for others first. RepeaterInfrastructureSilent relay.relay; Nono node list presence. Deprecated as of firmware 2.7.11 - use Router for new infrastructure.