01
Offline knowledge base
Complete offline encyclopedias and reference libraries, readable from any device on the local network, with no internet required.
Flagship product · in development
MiCS
Mobile Interpersonal Communication System
A self-powered communications and knowledge node you can carry in, set down, and rely on. MiCS keeps a community's references, records, media, and messages together in one place. It needs no grid, no carrier, and no cloud.
System overview
- Power
- Local link
- Encrypted tunnel
Capabilities
Everything a group needs to stay informed and in touch.
02
Self-made knowledge archives
Create and store your own knowledge archives (KAs): procedures, maps, local records, and field notes, kept alongside the reference library.
03
Offline video library
Store training material, instructional video, and recordings on the node so they can be watched on site without streaming.
04
Offline audio library
Keep audio briefings, recordings, podcasts, and music available locally to anyone connected to the node.
05
Linked units
Join several MiCS units over Wi-Fi bridges, with every link carried inside an encrypted tunnel, to build a private multi-site network.
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Encrypted messaging
Person-to-person messages, encrypted end to end and reachable from the MiCS handheld units.
Handheld units
A radio-sized companion for every person.
MiCS pairs with custom handheld devices built around a low-power microcontroller. They're designed to be cheap to build, frugal with power, and simple enough to hand to anyone.
- Messaging first. Read and send messages delivered through the MiCS mail system.
- Encrypted end to end. Messages are protected with strong encryption, so the content stays private even if the network is observed.
- Long-lived. Microcontroller hardware draws far less power than a phone and runs much longer between charges.
Hardware
Built to keep running in the field.
Solar powered
MiCS is designed around solar input as its primary source, so a unit can operate indefinitely away from the grid.
Hot-swappable dual batteries
Two battery bays share the load. Swap either one while the system keeps running, so a battery change never means downtime.
Compact and scalable
A small core that grows as needed, with added storage bays, network switches, and bridge relays to cover more people and more ground.
Specification
Planned configuration
Preliminary. Details will firm up as prototypes are tested.
| Core computer | Single-board computer Model TBD |
|---|---|
| Power | Solar input with dual hot-swappable batteries |
| Reference content | Offline encyclopedias and reference libraries |
| User content | Self-made knowledge archives, video, audio |
| Messaging | End-to-end encrypted person-to-person messaging |
| Unit-to-unit links | Wi-Fi bridge carrying encrypted tunnels |
| Handhelds | Custom low-power microcontroller devices |
| Expansion | Storage bays, network switches, bridge relays |
Development roadmap
From design to field-ready.
Each stage ships when it has proven itself in testing, not on a calendar. Progress will be posted here first.
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Stage 1 · now
Architecture and requirements
Define the MiCS system design, settle the software stack, and evaluate candidate single-board computers for power draw, storage, and longevity.
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Stage 2
Core software prototype
Bring up the knowledge base, archive tools, media libraries, and encrypted messaging on development hardware, accessible from any browser on the local network.
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Stage 3
Power system
Build and test the solar input and dual hot-swap battery system, and confirm the unit runs uninterrupted through battery changes.
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Stage 4
Linked units
Connect multiple MiCS units over encrypted Wi-Fi bridge links, and prove the links recover cleanly from dropouts and relocation.
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Stage 5
Handheld prototype
Design the first handheld and its messaging workflow with the MiCS mail system.
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Stage 6
Field trials and first release
Deploy complete systems in real conditions, refine the design from what we learn, and prepare MiCS for its first release.