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📡 node_comms

Offline Chat System Using ESP8266 + WebSockets
🆘 Perfect for emergencies, disasters, or just cool offline tinkering!

🌍 What is this?

node_comms is a peer-to-peer-style offline chat system that runs entirely on an ESP8266 microcontroller. It's designed for situations where cell towers are down, Wi-Fi is unavailable, or you're just off-grid 🏕️. Your ESP8266 becomes a Wi-Fi hotspot that allows nearby devices to connect and chat via a sleek web interface using WebSockets.

💡 No internet needed. No server required. Just power up and chat!

🚀 Features

  • 📡 Creates its own Wi-Fi network (AP mode)
  • 💬 Real-time chat using WebSockets
  • 👥 Random usernames with user join/leave notifications
  • 📜 User list display
  • 📲 Mobile-friendly responsive UI
  • 🔊 Audio beep when you get a new message
  • 🔁 Captive portal redirection (just open browser after connecting)
  • 🛠️ No external server or internet needed

🧠 Use Cases

  • 🚨 Disaster scenarios (earthquakes, hurricanes, power outages)
  • 🏕️ Off-grid camping or hiking trips
  • 📵 Zero-bar zones or remote work areas
  • 🧪 Hobby projects or local mesh chat experiments

📦 Requirements

  • 🔌 ESP8266 NodeMCU
  • ⚡ Arduino IDE or PlatformIO
  • 📚 Libraries:
    • ESP8266WiFi
    • ESP8266WebServer
    • DNSServer
    • WebSocketsServer (Install via Library Manager or PlatformIO: "WebSockets" by Markus Sattler)

🛠️ How to Set It Up

👉 Using PlatformIO (recommended)

git clone https://github.com/mr6874000/node_comms.git
cd node_comms
pio run -t upload

👉 Using Arduino IDE

  1. Open the .ino or .cpp file.
  2. Install the required libraries.
  3. Select your board (e.g., NodeMCU 1.0).
  4. Click ✅ Upload.

📱 How to Use

  1. 🔌 Power up the ESP8266.
  2. 📶 Connect your phone/laptop to the ANON Wi-Fi network.
  3. 🌐 Open any browser – you'll be redirected to the chat interface.
  4. 💬 Start chatting with others connected to the same ESP!

🧑‍💻 Screenshots

(Coming soon — you can help by adding some!)

📜 License

MIT — Free to use, hack, and improve!
Just don't use it for evil ☠️.

💡 Ideas for the Future

  • 🔐 Add optional password protection
  • 🌐 Mesh communication between multiple ESPs
  • 🧭 GPS integration for rescue coordination
  • 🔋 Low-power sleep mode

🌟 Star this repo if you find it cool!

git clone https://github.com/mr6874000/node_comms.git

🛰️ Stay connected — even when the world isn’t.