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meshtastic_firmware/.github/prompts/new-module.prompt.md
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2026-07-01 19:01:27 -05:00

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# New Meshtastic Module
Guide for developing a new Meshtastic firmware module.
## Module Hierarchy
Choose the appropriate base class:
1. **`MeshModule`** - Raw base class. Override `wantPacket()` and `handleReceived()`. Returns `ProcessMessage::STOP` or `ProcessMessage::CONTINUE`.
2. **`SinglePortModule`** - Handles a single `meshtastic_PortNum`. Constructor takes `(name, portNum)`. Simplified `wantPacket()` checking `decoded.portnum`. Use `allocDataPacket()` to create outgoing packets.
3. **`ProtobufModule<T>`** - Template for protobuf-encoded modules. Constructor takes `(name, portNum, fields)`. Override `handleReceivedProtobuf()`. Use `allocDataProtobuf(payload)` to create outgoing packets.
Most modules also mix in `concurrency::OSThread` for periodic background tasks.
## Implementation Pattern
```cpp
// src/modules/MyModule.h
#pragma once
#include "ProtobufModule.h"
#include "concurrency/OSThread.h"
class MyModule : public ProtobufModule<meshtastic_MyMessage>, private concurrency::OSThread
{
public:
MyModule();
protected:
// Process incoming protobuf packet. Return true to stop further processing.
virtual bool handleReceivedProtobuf(const meshtastic_MeshPacket &mp, meshtastic_MyMessage *msg) override;
// Generate response packet (optional)
virtual meshtastic_MeshPacket *allocReply() override;
// Periodic task - return next run interval in ms, or disable()
virtual int32_t runOnce() override;
// Modify packet in-flight before delivery (optional)
virtual bool alterReceivedProtobuf(meshtastic_MeshPacket &mp, meshtastic_MyMessage *msg);
// Request a UI display frame (optional)
virtual bool wantUIFrame();
};
```
## Registration
Register in `src/modules/Modules.cpp` inside `setupModules()`:
```cpp
#if !MESHTASTIC_EXCLUDE_MYMODULE
new MyModule();
#endif
```
If other code needs to reference the module instance:
```cpp
#if !MESHTASTIC_EXCLUDE_MYMODULE
myModule = new MyModule();
#endif
```
And declare the global in the header:
```cpp
extern MyModule *myModule;
```
Some modules also conditionally instantiate based on `moduleConfig`:
```cpp
#if !MESHTASTIC_EXCLUDE_MYMODULE
if (moduleConfig.has_my_module && moduleConfig.my_module.enabled) {
new MyModule();
}
#endif
```
## Conditional Compilation
Add a `MESHTASTIC_EXCLUDE_MYMODULE` guard. This allows the module to be excluded from constrained builds. The flag name must follow the pattern: `MESHTASTIC_EXCLUDE_` + uppercase module name.
## Protobuf Messages (if needed)
1. Define messages in `protobufs/meshtastic/` (e.g., `mymodule.proto`)
2. Add a `.options` file for nanopb field size constraints
3. Regenerate with `bin/regen-protos.sh`
4. Generated code appears in `src/mesh/generated/meshtastic/`
5. Assign a `meshtastic_PortNum` if the module uses a new port number
## Timing and Defaults
Use `Default` class helpers for configurable intervals:
```cpp
int32_t MyModule::runOnce()
{
uint32_t interval = Default::getConfiguredOrDefaultMs(moduleConfig.my_module.update_interval,
default_my_module_interval);
// ... do work ...
return interval;
}
```
On public/default channels, enforce minimums with `Default::getConfiguredOrMinimumValue()`.
## Observer Pattern
Subscribe to system events:
```cpp
CallbackObserver<MyModule, const meshtastic::Status *> statusObserver =
CallbackObserver<MyModule, const meshtastic::Status *>(this, &MyModule::handleStatusUpdate);
```
## Testing
Add test suite in `test/test_mymodule/`:
```text
test/
└── test_mymodule/
└── test_main.cpp
```
Run with: `pio test -e native`
## Checklist
- [ ] Header and implementation files in `src/modules/`
- [ ] Inherit from appropriate base class (MeshModule / SinglePortModule / ProtobufModule)
- [ ] Mix in OSThread if periodic work is needed
- [ ] Register in `src/modules/Modules.cpp` with `MESHTASTIC_EXCLUDE_` guard
- [ ] Add protobuf definitions if needed (`protobufs/meshtastic/`)
- [ ] Use `Default::getConfiguredOrDefaultMs()` for timing
- [ ] Respect bandwidth limits on public channels
- [ ] Add test suite in `test/`