The Seeed SenseCAP T1000E is a compact, high-performance card-sized tracker designed for outdoor enthusiasts and off-grid communication. It ships with Meshtastic firmware pre-installed, making it easy to set up and use right out of the box, but is also available in a LoRAWAN flavor for custom tracking applications. Its compact size allows for convenient long-range communication and geopositional tracking without relying on cellular networks.
The radio is available for purchase directly from Seeed for only $39.90, but shipping fees can be high. It is also available from Amazon for $50.99 at a slightly more expensive price, but shipping is free with Prime.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Processor | Nordic nRF52840 32-bit 64 MHz ARM Cortex-M4 |
| Wireless | Bluetooth Low Energy 5.1 |
| RAM | 256 KB |
| Flash | 1 MB |
| Radio | Semtech LR1110 LoRa, 863-928 MHz |
| GPS | Mediatek AG3335 |
| Battery | 700 mAh LiPo |
| Dimensions | 85mm x 55mm x 6.5mm |
| Weight | 32g |
| Operating Temp | -20°C to 60°C |
| IP Rating | IP65 |
The radio module has a clip which a carabiner can be attached to, making it easy to clip onto a backpack or belt loop. If purchased from Seeed, a leather clip can be provided for an extra couple dollars; perfectly sized for clipping to a belt loop.
I've gotten into the habit of clipping my tag to my pants anytime I leave the house so my phone always has a connection to the network.
The enclosure features full a waterproof case so strapping it to the outside of a backpack is not an issue, even in the heaviest of rains. Being only IP65 rated however, it is not recommended to submerge the device in water, so maybe leave this device on the shore when you go swimming.
Image from Seeed
The T1000E charges via a magnetic clip on the back side of the device, which also serves as the USB data connection.
It would be nice if there was a desktop charging cradle available, but the included magnetic charger works well enough. (Maybe I'll whip up a 3D printed stand for it at some point.)
The radio provides:
The buzzer is a nice addition to the T1000E, as it can alert you to incoming messages even if the device is in your pocket or backpack. It however is annoyingly obnoxious (probably intentional), and doesn't shut up until you press the button.
The buzzer can be disabled entirely though, or configured to only chirp momentarily.
This is configured via Module Config -> Ext Notif.
I have mine set to Nag Timeout of 1 so it only chirps once, but the buzzer can be disabled completely by disabling this module.
The radio's Bluetooth seems solid and while I have not done a proper range test, I have not had any issues connecting to it from across the house. This seems more than sufficient since most of the time this tiny tag will be in a pocket or purse.
Lacking an external antenna, the range of the T1000E is not as good as some radios, but still plenty sufficient for most use cases. I have not performed a proper range test yet, but it can hit a base station more than 52 meters in the air without issue and has no trouble hitting my vehicle node from several city blocks away.
What it lacks due to its small size, it makes up for in its flexibility thanks to its small size. Whether you drop the tracker in your pocket, strap it to a hiking bag, or even clip it to your dog's collar, the tiny credit-card sized device fits just about anywhere.
This makes it a perfect everyday carry radio to pair to your phone.
Despite the nRF52840 being very power efficient, the tiny 700mAh battery means the radio doesn't have a lot to work with. I've found I can easily get 2 days of use before I need to recharge it. This is suitable for normal use, but plan to bring the charging cable and a battery bank if you are going to be out for a few days at a time.
A great personal-carry radio to supplement a phone's communication, particularly in low-signal areas. The production-quality device is ready to hit the trail right out of the box through rain and shine, but best paired with a base station radio with a good external antenna (ideally one at a high elevation).
Being a production device though, do not expect to tinker with the hardware like you would with other radios. What it ships with is what you get.
If you are interested in getting one, be mindful that Seeed offers multiple versions of the T1000, so be sure to look for the -E version for Meshtastic.