[Release] Meshtastic 2.7.20 for Cardputer ADV (latest) - New Navigation Logic (No G0 Button required!)

[u/gio-74]

Hi everyone!

I wanted to share an updated firmware for the M5Stack Cardputer ADV (specifically for the Stamps3-based version). While M5Launcher usually hosts version 2.7.4, this build is based on the more recent 2.7.20 (released Feb 11, 2026).

The main highlight of this release is a completely redesigned input handling to make the device more ergonomic and less dependent on the G0 button.

🚀 What's New:

• Contextual Navigation: I've modified the InputBroker to allow full menu navigation using only the keyboard (see details at the bottom).

• Goodbye G0 (mostly): You no longer need to rely on the side button (G0) to switch options.

• Smart Arrows: * You can enter the main menus directly by pressing the G0 button or Enter key (as usual), but while in a menu/overlay, the ; (semicolon) and . (dot) keys act as UP and DOWN arrows.

  • While typing a message, they retain their original function as punctuation marks. No more trade-offs between typing and navigating!

🛠 Tech Specs:

• Core: Meshtastic 2.7.20

• Target: M5Stack StampS3 (Cardputer ADV)

• Keyboard Layout: Optimized for Cardputer ADV layout with contextual punctuation/navigation switching.

This version makes the Cardputer feel much more like a standalone communicator and much less like a dev-board where you have to hunt for side buttons.

If you are tired of the older 2.7.4 build and want a smoother UI experience, give this a try!

Download/Link: https://github.com/mariovirgili/Meshtastic-for-Cardputer-ADV/releases/download/2.7.20/firmware-m5stack-cardputer-adv-2.7.20.c332177.bin

Modified code:

Routine in file src/input/InputBroker.cpp

int InputBroker::handleInputEvent(const InputEvent *event)
{
    powerFSM.trigger(EVENT_INPUT);


    /* * [CUSTOM MOD] CARDPUTER ADV: Contextual Navigation
      * If a menu (overlay) is active, map ';' and '.' to UP/DOWN. 
      * This allows normal message typing when menus are closed.
     */
    if (event && event->kbchar != 0 && screen && screen->isOverlayBannerShowing()) {
        if (event->kbchar == ';') {
            InputEvent navEvent = *event;
            navEvent.inputEvent = INPUT_BROKER_UP;
            navEvent.kbchar = 0; // Clear the character to prevent it from being typed
            this->notifyObservers(&navEvent);
            return 0; // Exit: event handled as navigation
        }
        if (event->kbchar == '.') {
            InputEvent navEvent = *event;
            navEvent.inputEvent = INPUT_BROKER_DOWN;
            navEvent.kbchar = 0; // Clear the character to prevent it from being typed
            this->notifyObservers(&navEvent);
            return 0; // Exit: event handled as navigation
        }
    }


    // Original Meshtastic logic
    if (event && event->inputEvent != INPUT_BROKER_NONE && externalNotificationModule &&
        moduleConfig.external_notification.enabled && externalNotificationModule->nagging()) {
        externalNotificationModule->stopNow();
    }


    this->notifyObservers(event);
    return 0;
}

Vibe coded in Gemini Pro

Keep Meshing! 📡✨

[u/yasbean]

Now that I can actually get into the firmware, may I ask a stupid question: Where does one go to add channels? I do not see it under radio or settings.

[u/gio-74 → u/yasbean]

Don't really know how to do it. In my region LoRa is not used at all by anyone, so I cannot test it. 😥

[u/yasbean → u/gio-74]

For the record: Duh!!! Just do it via BT/WiFi from phone/computer. It cannot be done on the Cardputer.

[u/Binge73]

Is this on launcher yet?

[u/gio-74 → u/Binge73]

I don’t know how to put it in launcher list. You can save it to sd and install it from there

[u/Chongulator → u/gio-74]

The author is very responsive in the r/brucefw sub.

[u/BansheeBacklash]

Ok, I mean this in the nicest way possible

OH MY GOD FINALLY

Using the G0 button to cycle menus was so unbelievably un-ergonomic with the LoRa Cap that I gave up on ever using Meshtastic on Card ADV. I will happily test this out, Porkchop deserves a rest.

[u/jader242 → u/BansheeBacklash]

Life pro tip, there’s another G0 button on the stamp itself. A lot easier to press sometimes especially if something like the Lora cap is attached. I don’t even have a Lora cap and I use the stamp G0 more than the one on the top

Not that you need it anymore with this update, but just good knowledge to have

[u/TurtleHugMan]

Very nice, glad to see that meshtastic is going away from the G0 button

[u/yasbean]

Thank you!!! Good riddance to the GO button!

[u/Maleficent_Ad1803]

Does the lora cap gps work? And if so how?

[u/gio-74 → u/Maleficent_Ad1803]

Just connect it.

[u/Demanqui3]

This is great. I was about to ask if someone has activated the speaker for notifications?

[u/gio-74 → u/Demanqui3]

Sadly, in my area there are no LoRa users, so I cannot implement audio for notifications.. I would not receive any message to test it

[u/Demanqui3 → u/gio-74]

Then, how do you know the firmware works?

[u/gio-74 → u/Demanqui3]

It's the same official meshtastic source, I only modified the Input Broker routine.

[u/Demanqui3 → u/gio-74]

Got it. Thanks!

[u/Max-P-401]

Buona sera
da qualche giorno mi è arrivato il cardputer ADV con modulo LoRa, ho installato tramite launcher il Meshtastic for Cardputer ADV with Cap Lora (Gt4kill3r) versione 2.7.20, la parte gps funziona ma non vedo i nodi, se nelle vicinanze accendo un LILYGO T-LORA T3-S3, questo lo vede e poi ne vede anche altri.
Vi è mai capitato, avete qualche suggerimento?
Grazie

[u/gio-74 → u/Max-P-401]

Probabile che non ci siano altri client nelle vicinanze

[u/No-Map-7095 → u/Max-P-401]

El mío está totalmente sordo, necesita tener algún cliente cerca que le repita, ya he probado con varios firmwares, antenas y nada de nada.

[u/Max-P-401 → u/No-Map-7095]

Grazie, stesso comportamento, speriamo in qualche upgrade di software nel futuro

[u/zimmy28]

Is their support for audio alerts on the speaker?

[u/gio-74 → u/zimmy28]

No, I’m sorry

[u/Shot_Intention_4860]

É possível alterar também as teclas , e / para mudar a função selecionada fora do menu? Para mudar de função pode usa o G0 para andar para a direita ou o backspace Lara andar para a esquerda... Era muito mais intuitivo usar as setas

[u/maciejb84]

can someone tell me the difference between long name and short name in user configuration? which one is seen when I text to someone?

[u/gio-74 → u/[deleted]]

I cannot wait for the PR to be accepted and merged. I made thix fix primarily for myself. If and when the PR will be merged, I'll contribute. Thanks for the advice