This thumb-sized LoRa development kit—featuring the XIAO ESP32S3 and Wio-SX1262 module—is an ideal entry point for Meshtastic mesh networking and LoRa/LoRaWAN applications. With built-in power management, support for Wi-Fi, BLE, and LoRa, and expansion via I²C, UART, and GPIO, it’s fully compatible with Arduino-based Meshtastic nodes. As a compact, single-channel LoRaWAN module, it offers excellent performance for long-range, low-power, low-data-rate communication. Perfect for Meshtastic sensor deployments, it supports more than 30 connected nodes depending on payload and interval settings.
Seeed provides 3 applications for this XIAO ESP32S3 & Wio-SX1262 Kit.
- Using Meshtastic for network communication
- Configuring as LoRaWAN node
- Configuring as LoRaWAN gateway
Features
⚙️ Meshtastic-ready out of the box：Pre-flashed with firmware—just plug in and it’s ready to connect 🔌✨
📡 Outstanding RF performance：Supports LoRa (862–930MHz) + 2.4GHz Wi-Fi + BLE 5.0 for dual wireless links. Achieves 2–5km LoRa range and 100m+ Wi-Fi/BLE when paired with U.FL antenna 🚀
📏 Tiny but mighty：Only 21×18mm, inherits the XIAO form factor—perfect for wearables and space-limited projects 👕🔩
🧠 Powerful MCU onboard：Runs on ESP32S3 (dual-core @240MHz), supports Arduino & MicroPython, plus multiple I/O ports for developers 🛠️🐍
🔋 Smart power design：Type-C port + lithium battery charging and management built-in for on-the-go power solutions 🔌🔋
Specification
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| ESP32S3 | ESP32-S3R8, Xtensa LX7 dual-core, 32-bit processor running up to 240 MHz |
| LoRa | Based on Semtech SX1262, supports 862-930MHz |
| BLE | Bluetooth 5.0, Bluetooth mesh |
| Wi-Fi | Complete 2.4GHz Wi-Fi subsystem |
| Interface (ESP32S3) | 1x UART, 1x IIC, 1x IIS, 1x SPI(connect to SX1262),11x GPIO(PWM), 9x ADC, 1x User LED, 1x Charge LED, 1x Reset button, 1x Boot button |
| Interface (Wio-SX1262) | 1x User button, 1x SPI(connect to ESP32S3) |
| Power | Input voltage (Type-C): 5V Input voltage (BAT): 4.2V Charging battery current: 100mA |
| Working Temperature | -40°C ~ 65°C |
| Dimensions | 21 x 17.8mm |
Hardware Preparation
Part List
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| XIAO ESP32S3 | x1 |
| Wio-SX1262 extension board | x1 |
| Wi-Fi antenna | x1 |
| LoRa antenna | x1 |
Hardware Overview
Application
🔌 Meshtastic Node & Router A super-compact node that can function as a portable device or a fixed router to extend your Meshtastic mesh coverage 📡🌐
🌿 LoRa/LoRaWAN Sensor A beginner-friendly mini LoRaWAN sensor, perfect for exploring wireless sensor networks. Works seamlessly with XIAO extension boards and Grove sensors for fast prototyping 🧪🔧
🚪 LoRaWAN Single-Channel Gateway An ultra-affordable single-channel gateway, ideal for connecting multiple LoRaWAN devices and forwarding data to The Things Network, ChirpStack, or other LNS platforms 🌍📶
Documents
📦 Unboxing & First Impressions
Opening the kit was a pleasant surprise—the board is remarkably compact! Everything comes in a no-frills plastic pouch, and inside you’ll find:
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🧠 XIAO ESP32S3
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📡 Wio-SX1262 LoRa extension board
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📶 Wi-Fi antenna
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📻 LoRa antenna
🛠️ Setup Notes & Tips
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Antenna confusion is real: The skinny antenna is for LoRa, the wider one is for Wi-Fi. Take care when attaching them—U.FL connectors are tiny and fragile.
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Board connection trick: At first glance, it looks like soldering is needed, but nope. The Wio-SX1262 snaps cleanly onto the XIAO using a proprietary connector. Just remember to peel off the protective tape underneath before snapping it in. That adhesive keeps things from wiggling loose over time.
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BYO USB-C: No Type-C cable is included, so be sure you’ve got one that supports data + power.
Once you’ve got those pieces in place, setup is smooth sailing.
🔥 Flashing Meshtastic Firmware onto the XIAO ESP32S3
Getting your node Meshtastic-ready only takes a few minutes:
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Plug It In: Connect the XIAO to your computer with a USB-C cable that supports data transfer.
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Launch the Flasher: Open the Meshtastic Flasher .
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Select Device: Pick “Seeed XIAO ESP32-S3” from the list.
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Choose Firmware: Pick a version (latest stable is ideal) and click Flash.
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Review → Continue: Skim the changelog, then proceed.
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Full Erase + Install: For best results, select Full Erase and Install, then click Update.
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Done! Your node will reboot, fresh and ready.
📲 Pairing with the Meshtastic App
Pairing the device is just as seamless:
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Get the App: Download from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
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Find Your Node: Head to the Bluetooth section and wait for your new node to appear. It’ll show a Node ID and other details.
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Enter Pairing Code: Use by default—or check the terminal log after flashing if it’s different.
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Select Region: Pick the right LoRa region (like EU868, US915, etc). The device will restart with your settings locked in.