Objective
Define a leave-behind device that can preserve useful recovery information and continue providing position context when normal communications are unavailable.
Architecture
The current concept combines an ESP32 or Heltec-class controller with GPS, LoRa, sensors, and optional BLE. The buoy can store itinerary or mission information, record its own location and sensor context, and beacon useful recovery data.
A carried LoRa node can update the buoy with the user's last known position, allowing the fixed device to retain more useful context than its deployment coordinates alone.
Result
The project has moved from a general emergency-device idea into a defined system architecture with clear roles for positioning, off-grid radio, stored information, sensors, and field deployment.
Next
Continue hardware prototyping and evaluate the practical deployment, mounting, power, and enclosure requirements of the field unit.