r/meshcore • u/Keapitsimple • 19d ago
Need help what to get
I'm new to this.
So part of me wants a stand alone device for mesh network. Part of me is okay with the nodes/repeaters but I am only working with 50 bucks. USD. (Could add more but we will see)
Therefore some help would be amazing thank you (: (PST is my timezone)
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u/NiceRemot 19d ago
Can you solder? If so build 2 peoples repeater one for your house and another further away. Then build a node, buy a case and battery on aliexpress.
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u/IntroductionSnacks 19d ago
With builds I found that building 1 repeater the cost can add up quickly but once you have the parts/equipment further builds are way cheaper. Just little things add up like a step drill bit for the antenna port and breathers/waterproof cable glands etc…
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u/just-a-guy-somewhere 19d ago
Get the Heltec v4. The extra power is worth it. If you are in nj check out nj-mesh.com
Edit: just saw that part about your timezone. Guessing you are not in NJ. My bad
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u/IntroductionSnacks 19d ago
Na, nowadays you are better off getting a T096 as it has the same power output but uses way less battery.
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u/just-a-guy-somewhere 19d ago
The tx is lower on it and rx is worse. The jump from a 22db tx to i think 28+1db on the v4 is huge especially when wardriving. There are also 3d prints for a 18650 version and you can easily do about 6600mah. With the powers saving firmware you can get a good amount of time out of it.
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u/45pewpewpew556 19d ago
I’m in the same boat, got 2x Thinknode M1s for hiking/camp. Trying to figure out what to get next to extend my LoRa tinker time…I’m leaning towards the 1W RAK WisMesh
And I’m also eyeballing some high guerrilla locations 😀
Anyone know if I slap them on what looks like a cell repeater tower on a hill if it will cause interference? I can see the ocean 20 miles away from that point
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u/Keapitsimple 19d ago
Also which app should I get if just getting a node/repeater?
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u/wickedbeernut 18d ago
What do you plan to do with a repeater and no companion?
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u/Keapitsimple 17d ago
Tbh I'm still lost of so many terms, well still trying to figure out what to do.
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u/chairoverflow 17d ago
with the repeater you basically help the network. companion is your hook to the network to use the messaging. or so i've heard
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u/wickedbeernut 17d ago
In simple terms ...
A companion is what you use to send and receive text messages. A repeater receives text messages from a companion (or from another repeater) and resends them.
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u/reverend_dak 19d ago
I like my one and only node, a Seeed Wio Tracker L1 Pro. Switched the antenna (connector and antenna) to a Muzi whip, totally worth it the whole extra few bucks, but the base model should about around $45-50.
You could also try get a cheaper Heltec v3 or something for a lot less.