GatorGrid

GatorGrid is a multifunctional software solution designed for the Raspberry Pi Pico W by UF students to create a mesh network with wireless communication. It provides a low-cost, open-source alternative to existing mesh network solutions like ESP-WIFI-MESH and Zigbee by enabling seamless Wi-Fi-based communication between multiple nodes. The design uses two Pico W's per node in the network The project aims to ensure reliable message relay, even in case of node failures, making it ideal for individuals and organizations needing decentralized communication in remote or disaster-affected areas. GatorGrid focuses on accessibility, scalability, and real-time data transmission.

Features

• MeshNode library for STA and AP mode
• Doxygen for documentation
• SPI interaction for internode communication
• Kicad Custom PCB deisgn with external battery charging capabilities

Requirements to run

• Install doxygen
• Install graphviz
• Install extensions for VS code if applicable: Doxygen Documentation Generator

How to run Doxygen

1. Use doxygen Doxyfile to generate the documentation
2. Use start doc\html\index.html (WINDOWS ONLY) or open doc/html/index.html (LINUX/MAC)

How to upload code to PICO W's

1. Push the bootsel and plug the microcontroller into the computer
2. Create the .uf2 file and upload it to PICO W by dragging it into the directory

Bugs:

• At the moment if in an environment with high congestion, packets may not arrive. Moving locations is required.
• SPI has a slight delay of 110 ms per message sent.

Author

George Salomon, Cole Smith, Jonathon Brown, Mateo Slivka, Maxwell Evans