Here’s my understanding from the many past discussions about requested features. Yes, many new features are possible by firmware updates. The most requested one does require a hardware change
Originally, it was hoped that Power On-Resume Past State could be accomplished via a firmware update, but this proved not to be the case. It require a production change in the Power switch that may also require s reworking of the board in that area to support the switch change.
I’m pretty sure this feature will be on any future goTenna Mesh device. Even with a dedicated relay version available, we still want the mesh capability available in every GTM. Both versions I envisage would have that. It’s possible future base model GTMs would have other hardware changes, but most the rest as applied to personal use GTMs seem to me likely firmware based.
A dedicated relay version of the GTM, could have all sorts of options, but the next most requested option is likely having battery options, instead of the internal LiPo that is really not user accessible (there’s limited need as the battery has a life of up to 10 years depending on how it’s used.) It’s on relays where the battery option makes the most sense, IMO, the base model GTM should keep the internal battery to avoid the total lack of power being without a battery causes, the water intrusion issue, and the general need to keep the basic package slim as possible.
The antenna issue is pretty vexing for many. The reality is the permanently mounted antenna is a FCC requirement. Which doesn’t mean that a more optimal antenna for stationary use can’t happen. That won’t provide a way to hookup homebrew antennas, I’m pretty sure you’re still going to need to hack a connector on if that’s what you need. But a better if a more obtrusive, antenna would be a welcome feature of a relay GTM.
Something that might be welcome with either version would be a Bluetooth link to a dedicated GPS. That way it would be easy to add-your own GPS source, perhaps from a map program within your (other device.) I’ve found the map package supplied via GoTenna Plus pretty good when out in the woods, so long as you download the right maps before leaving civilization. But it would be nice to have some options here, as it could make the GTM more widely useful for position reporting.
My personal desire would be for more secure connections on the relay version. The heating and cooling usually associated with environmental exposure 24/7 is something that I’ve associated mainly with the now archaic micro USB plug, which will likely be replaced in any new version because people expect something different on their devices. This really wasn’t the fault of anything on the GTM, but my misreading the way heat/cool factors might loosen the corded connectors in certain orientations. That’s why I’d like a more positive, locking connection to save me from my own fumbles.
I’m sure there are many more ideas, but as I just showed, thinking about where and how they could be applied may really be helpful for both those who propose ideas as it will be for those who maight implement them. All things cost money and that’s a big reason I wanted to add this to these conversations. What is the minimum feature set for the base GTM that people will expect? What are users willing to pay for in a relay version? Those are likely the lower and upper limits of what the costs are here to produce them. Takes a surprising amount of work to determine that sort of thing, as well as suitable investment. That takes time and this is a great time to think about what the hardware side of future mesh will look like.