meshing-around/modules/adding_more.md

Modules and Adding Features

This document explains how to add new modules and commands to your Meshtastic mesh-bot project.

Table of Contents

• Overview
• Adding a New Command
• Running a Shell Command
• Best Practices
• Technical Assistance & Troubleshooting

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Overview

For code testing, see etc/simulator.py to simulate a bot.
You can also use meshtasticd (Linux-native) in noradio mode with MQTT server and client to emulate a mesh network.

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Adding a New Command

Follow these steps to add a new BBS option or command to the bot:

1. Define the Command Handler

Add a new function in mesh_bot.py to handle your command.
Example for a command called newcommand:

def handle_newcommand(message, message_from_id, deviceID):
    return "This is a response from the new command."

If your command is complex, consider creating a new module (e.g., modules/newcommand.py).
Import your new module where needed (see modules/system.py for examples).

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2. Add the Command to the Auto Response

Update the auto_response function in mesh_bot.py to include your new command:

def auto_response(message, snr, rssi, hop, pkiStatus, message_from_id, channel_number, deviceID, isDM):
    #...
    "newcommand": lambda: handle_newcommand(message, message_from_id, deviceID),
    #...

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3. Update the Trap List and Help

Edit modules/system.py to include your new command in the trap list and help message:

#...
trap_list = ("cmd", "cmd?", "newcommand")  # Add your command here
help_message = "Bot CMD?:newcommand, "
#...

Preferred method:
Add a configuration block below ping (around line 28):

# newcommand Configuration
newcommand_enabled = True  # settings.py handles config.ini values; this is a placeholder
if newcommand_enabled:
    trap_list_newcommand = ("newcommand",)
    trap_list = trap_list + trap_list_newcommand
    help_message = help_message + ", newcommand"

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4. Test the New Command

Run MeshBot and test your new command by sending a message with newcommand to ensure it responds correctly.

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Running a Shell Command

You can make a command that calls a bash script on the system (requires the filemon module):

def auto_response(message, snr, rssi, hop, pkiStatus, message_from_id, channel_number, deviceID, isDM):
    #...
    "switchON": lambda: call_external_script(message)

This will call the default script located at script/runShell.sh and return its output.

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Best Practices

• Modularize: Place complex or reusable logic in its own module.
• Document: Add docstrings and comments to your functions.
• Test: Use the simulator or a test mesh to verify new features.
• Update Help: Keep the help message and trap list up to date for users.
• Configuration: Use settings.py and config.ini for feature toggles and settings.

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Technical Assistance & Troubleshooting

• Debug Logging:
  Use the logger module for debug output. Check logs for errors or unexpected behavior.
• Common Issues:
  • Module Import Errors: Ensure your new module is in the modules/ directory and imported correctly.
  • Command Not Responding: Verify your command is in the trap list and auto_response dictionary.
  • Configuration Problems: Double-check settings.py and config.ini for typos or missing entries.
• Testing:
  • Use etc/simulator.py for local testing without radio hardware.
  • Use meshtasticd in noradio mode for network emulation.
• Python Environment:
  • Use a virtual environment (python3 -m venv venv) to manage dependencies.
  • Install requirements with pip install -r requirements.txt.
• Updating Dependencies:
  • try not to I want to remove some.
• Getting Help:
  • Check the project wiki or issues page for common questions.
  • Use inline comments and docstrings for clarity.
  • If you’re stuck, ask for help on the project’s GitHub Discussions or Issues tab.

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Happy hacking!