Introduction to the Heltec Automation HT-HC01P Halow Mini PCIe Card

July 4, 2026 Craig Peacock Electronics Hardware 0

Heltec Automation have two 802.11ah Halow WiFi Modules, the HT-HC01 V1 and HT-HC01 V2. Both are based on the Morse Micro MM6108.

Version 1 was only available in the 902 to 928MHz band and operated with a maximum power of 21dBm.

Version 2 had two variants supporting 902-928 MHz and 863-870MHz (Europe). The 863-870MHz module was limited to 16dBm and the 902-928 MHz had an upgraded maximum power output of 27dBm. You will note the addition of a small step up converter in the top right corner, providing 5V to the FEM.

As there are two different versions, you must ensure to use the right Board Configuration Files (BCF). These files can be found on Heltec’s Resource Page:

HT-HC01P Raspberry Pi Hat

The Heltec Automation HT-HC01P Raspberry Pi Hat uses the same GPIO assignment than Morse Micro’s MMECH06. This makes recompiling OpenWRT easier as you can use an image built for the mm6108-ekh01 evaluation kit and simply change the board configuration file. There is no need to modify Device Trees.

OpenWRT

The procedure to build OpenWRT is the same than for the Seeed WM6108. You can follow instructions here, or download a prebuilt copy of 2.11.13 here.

Once you have booted OpenWRT, follow the instructions below to set it up for the Heltec module.

Copy the Board Configuration File to (e.g. bcf_HC01P-V2.bin if using V2) to /lib/firmware/morse. I use WinSCP once SSH has been enabled (System -> Administration -> SSH Access).

Then to specify the BCF, ssh into the OpenWRT and enter the following: (where bcf_HC01P-V2 is for version 2 modules)

uci set wireless.radio0.bcf=bcf_HC01P-V2.bin
uci commit
reload_config

Now reboot, and you should have a functional and up to date OpenWRT Halow Router.

Debug/Breakout Board

Heltec also have a HT-HC01P Debug Board for the mPCIe modules that allow it to be used with an external MCU.



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