Chatter 2.0 is a DIY kit for building two wireless communicators that send encrypted text messages to each other without Wi-Fi and without a mobile network. You assemble them yourself and pick up LoRa (long-range, low-power radio), wireless communication and basic electronics along the way. They can also be programmed in CircuitBlocks.

Send encrypted text messages between Chatter devices with no Wi-Fi, no SIM card and no mobile signal, which is what makes it useful off-grid. You can also write your own programs for it in CircuitBlocks.

Chatter 2.0 uses LoRa radio and reaches up to about 2 km (1.2 miles) when the two devices have a clear, unobstructed line of sight. In built-up areas, walls and buildings typically reduce that to a few hundred metres.

9 and up. The build involves small electronic components and detailed instructions.

No. The instructions take each step in turn, even if you have never worked with electronics before. If a step is not clear, message us here, or email [email protected], and we will help.

Around 2 hours for the set, which is both communicators.

Yes. Chatter handles text messaging as soon as it is built, and CircuitBlocks lets you change how it behaves and add features of your own. CircuitBlocks writes MicroPython, so you can move from blocks to the code underneath on the same device.