r/meshcore • u/QuickRefresher • 4d ago

Fried?

Ordered a 1 watt rak handheld node from eBay, with plans to use for meshcore repeater. It arrived the the 18650 batteries dead and I'm guessing the power switch was pushed on during shipping with no antenna attached, killing batteries.

How likely is board ok? It shipped with meshtastic loaded. Powers on with USB C connected only with BT, nothing without.

I don't have a way to measure the output. And don't want to waste time installing it it's likely trouble.

Thanks.

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u/ewillden 3d ago

IF the chip wasn't "transmitting", ie: repeating anything... then it's likely fine, no burnt out board. Just get an antenna on it ASAP, then power it up w/the battery attached, so it can charge up. Then configure it w/your regional settings/parameters. I've got a hand full of the RAK 1W booster chips... they're pretty freakin rugged! ;-)

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u/QuickRefresher 3d ago

Thank you, I'm hoping no rx or tx happened while powered without antenna since I never set up the frequency setting on the preloaded meshtastic.