From fa4696822579146fe926ddf694282405251547a6 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: rcarteraz Date: Wed, 4 Dec 2024 17:22:27 -0700 Subject: [PATCH] initial draft --- .../December/meshtastic-emoji-short-names.mdx | 58 +++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 58 insertions(+) create mode 100644 blog/2024/December/meshtastic-emoji-short-names.mdx diff --git a/blog/2024/December/meshtastic-emoji-short-names.mdx b/blog/2024/December/meshtastic-emoji-short-names.mdx new file mode 100644 index 00000000..77ca0a99 --- /dev/null +++ b/blog/2024/December/meshtastic-emoji-short-names.mdx @@ -0,0 +1,58 @@ +--- +title: "Personalize Your Meshtastic Device with Emoji Short Names" +description: "Learn how to make your Meshtastic device stand out with custom emoji short names." +slug: meshtastic-emoji-short-names +authors: crichton +tags: ["meshtastic", "customization", "emoji"] +date: "2024-12-04T17:00" +hide_table_of_contents: false +image: "/img/blog/image-8.webp" +--- + +Did you know you can personalize your Meshtastic devices with emojis, making them stand out in a unique and fun way! By default, the `Short Name` for your device is auto-generated using the last four characters of its MAC address. However, you can customize this `Short Name` to make it truly yours. Even better, using **emojis** adds a visually distinctive touch, making it easier to identify your node at a glance! + +{/* truncate */} + +## How It Works 🛠️ + +Your Meshtastic device’s `Short Name` is limited to **4 bytes**. Many emojis are a great fit because they use only 1–4 bytes; however, some—such as certain flags or more intricate emojis—exceed the 4-byte limit and won’t work. + +Thankfully, most Meshtastic client apps include validation to ensure you don’t accidentally use an emoji that exceeds the 4-byte limit. However, not all clients enforce this restriction directly. Regardless, the protocol enforces a strict 5-byte limit (1 byte for overhead, leaving 4 bytes for the emoji itself). If you attempt to set a larger emoji, either the client app or the firmware will prevent it from being saved. + +To customize the `Short Name`, refer to the [User Config documentation](/docs/configuration/radio/user/#user-config-client-availability) for instructions on where to make the change for your preferred client. + +Once you’ve saved the changes, your device will appear with your custom emoji `Short Name` in the client applications. + +> ![Father_Nodes_Best Example](/img/blog/image-7.webp) + +## Why Use Emojis as Your `Short Name`? ✨ + +Customizing your `Short Name` with emojis isn’t just a quirky feature—it’s a creative way to express the purpose or personality of your device. For instance: + +- If your node’s Long Name is **“Crichton’s Car”**, you could set the `Short Name` to 🚗. +- Deploying a node near your campsite? 🏕️ would be perfect. +- Setting up a device for a hiking trip? Try 🥾 or 🌲. + +This adds both customization and a unique identity, making it easier for others to recognize your device in the network. For example, each emoji can convey the purpose or personality of the node, adding a touch of creativity to your setup. + +> ![Nodesferatu Example](/img/blog/image-8.webp) + +## Get Creative! 🎨 + +The possibilities are endless. You can pick emojis based on: + +- **Location**: A 🌊 for coastal areas, 🏜️ for deserts, or 🏔️ for mountain regions. +- **Purpose**: 📡 for a relay node, 🏠 for a home base station, or 🛶 for boating adventures. +- **Personality**: 😎 for a cool vibe, 💡 for an innovative setup, or 🧙‍♂️ for something magical. + +The nodes list becomes much more visually engaging and easier to navigate when each node is represented by a unique emoji. It’s a fun and functional way to distinguish between devices at a glance. + +> src="/img/blog/image-10.webp" +> alt="Nodes List" +> style={{ maxHeight: "400px", width: "auto" }} +> /> + +## Share Your Emoji Creations! 💬 + +We’d love to see how you’ve personalized your Meshtastic devices! Share your most creative and functional emoji `Short Names` in the comments below. Whether it’s 🐕 for a dog-tracking node, 🎸 for a festival setup, or 🤖 for a robotics project, show off your unique style!