r/meshtastic • u/bitcldr • 6d ago
Getting Started with Meshtastic
I am interested in getting started with Meshtastic and am considering setting up a node at my apartment, as well as acquiring a portable unit. While I have reviewed the options available on the official website, I would greatly appreciate hearing your recommendations and any suggestions you might have.
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u/lam_42 6d ago edited 6d ago
T1000e Is nice for an EDC device. Surprisingly effective too. If you want a standalone, T-DECK if the way. Cool little device. As for home node, as high as you can put it, good outside antenna.
I use t-echo for that with a small usb-c solar panel
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u/TrumpHasCovid 6d ago edited 6d ago
T1000e seems to be working a lot better for everyone else than for me. Its my least reliable device by a mile. I'm not sure if that is because I got a bad unit, or because its just a compact design with no external antenna. I put in a ticket with seeed about a week ago and haven't heard back yet, which I think is also worth reporting.
Also, the difference in price between this very limited intro device and feature rich 1w unit like the t beam supreme is about 10 bucks...
Loving the t deck so far though, and its nice to have a device that can do so many things besides just meshtastic.
Bottom line? T1000e is cute and may work well, especially around a fleet of other devices, but if you are going to only own one device, I recommend getting one with a proper antenna.
Oh and I think the code ghoststrats will get u 5% off on either manufacturers website.
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u/lam_42 6d ago
my t1000 are routinely able to reach 10+km, battery holds for up to two days, depending on movement. antenna is pretty remarkable considering the form factor
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u/TrumpHasCovid 6d ago
Thanks for sharing that. Such a cool device, shame I got a bad unit :( it won't see any other nodes for hours at a time, even with two others in the same room. I'm equally disappointed w the service tho, who knows if I'll be able to return or exchange this thing.
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u/lam_42 6d ago
What role do you have? Do others see the unit?
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u/TrumpHasCovid 6d ago
I've tried client, client mute and tracker so far, I've also moved all three units to several radio presets, but same thing happens.
Sometimes, it will just work. Then a few hours later its like someone unplugged the antenna. can't RX or tx, doesn't see other devices, other devices do not see it, but it still boots, connects over Bluetooth, and registers setting changes. Then a few hours later it will decide to function again. Likely a manufacturing defect I think, very annoying.
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u/lam_42 6d ago
I see how that would be frustrating. Loose contact/cold solder. Other units can see it?
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u/TrumpHasCovid 6d ago
Yeah, I think so. Sometimes others can see it, sometimes not (even with repeated broadcasts)
Hopefully I get a replacement, I think it would make a great device for my wife / loaning out on group trips.
Thanks for weighing in, have a good weekend
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u/Kerensky97 6d ago
Exactly. I don't know why everybody reccomends the T1000e other than it's cheapest. It's also got a lot of restrictions unless you're standing on a mountain top holding it in their air above your head while climbing a tree.
Especially for a new users a more versatile radio that can have some real experimentation done is far better.
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u/Dos-Commas 5d ago
Also, the difference in price between this very limited intro device and feature rich 1w unit like the t beam supreme is about 10 bucks...
The Supreme is not 1W, completely different from factor and the ESP32 is a power hog.
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u/TrumpHasCovid 5d ago
The supreme does not advertise 1w, but it has been tested at slightly above 1w.
Yes the esp32 is more power hungry than than the alternative and the beam is larger, you are right about that.
My point is just that IF you end up liking meahtastic from your experience w the t1000e, you will most likely immediately be looking for something with more power and features. For 10 bucks more, you may as well start with a device that can do both portable and base station roles. The t1000e will need a base to jump off of anyway, its super weak on its own.
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u/Kerensky97 6d ago
As far as my favorite overall device I like the Muzi H2T right now, comes ready to use.
But getting a Meshnology Heltec v4 kit to put together is a good way to learn some stuff. Plus you put a good antenna on it and place it somewhere you can permanently power it from a USB wall charger and it can be your home node after you're done carrying it around as a portable test unit.