Hardware Requirements for Meshtastic Nodes

Core Components for a Meshtastic Node

Microcontroller Options

1. ESP32-based (older, more power hungry, but has WiFi and Bluetooth)

   • LILYGO® TTGO T-Beam (>V1.1 recommended)
   • LILYGO® TTGO Lora (>V2.1 recommended)
   • Heltec V3 and Wireless Stick Lite V3
   • RAK11200 Core module for RAK WisBlock

2. nRF52-based (more power efficient, better for solar/battery applications)

   • RAK Meshtastic Start Kit: RAK19007 + RAK4631
   • Seeed Card Tracker T1000
   • HELTEC LoRa
   • Nano G2 Ultra
   • LILYGO LoRa T3-S3

3. RP2040-based (Raspberry Pi's microcontroller)

   • Raspberry Pi Pico with LoRa module

LoRa Radio Requirements

• Must match your region's frequency:
  • 915 MHz for North America/Australia
  • 868 MHz for Europe
  • 433 MHz for some Asian regions
• Semtech SX126x or LR11xx series chips recommended (better performance than older SX127x)

Antenna Options

• Fiberglass antennas are most robust for outdoor use (can handle wind, rain, and UV)
• Rubber duck antennas are suitable for portable devices
• Helium network antennas are compatible if they match the frequency requirements (915 MHz in US)
• Antenna gain affects range:
  • Higher gain (5-8 dBi) for longer range in flat terrain
  • Lower gain (2-3 dBi) for better coverage in hilly terrain

Power Requirements

• For battery-powered nodes: 3.7V LiPo or 18650 Li-ion batteries
• Power consumption varies:
  • 100-1000 mAh per day (average ~400 mAh)
  • Transmitting uses significantly more power than receiving
  • nRF52-based boards are more power efficient than ESP32

Solar Power Components

Solar Panel

• Minimum 5W recommended, 10W+ ideal for reliable operation
• 5V output voltage for direct USB connection
• Panel should be positioned for maximum sun exposure

Battery

• Minimum 3000 mAh, 5000+ mAh recommended
• LiPo or Li-ion batteries work well
• Battery management system needed to prevent over-discharge

Charge Controller

• Prevents battery damage from overcharging/discharging
• Options:
  • Dedicated solar charge controllers
  • Battery packs with built-in charge management (like Voltaic Systems V25)
  • Some development boards have built-in charging circuits (less reliable)

Enclosure Requirements

• Weatherproof (IP65 or better for outdoor use)
• Proper sealing for antenna connections
• Ventilation/drainage to prevent condensation
• Heat management (shade for battery compartment)
• Mounting options for solar panel and antenna

Commercial vs DIY Options

Ready-Made Commercial Options

1. LowMesh Pocket-S ($99)

   • Portable solar-powered node
   • RAK4630 (nRF52840 + SX1262)
   • Built-in solar panel (6.6v/0.8W)
   • 2000mAh LiPo battery
   • Internal BLE and LoRa antennas
   • BME280 sensor (temperature, humidity, pressure)

2. Atlavox Beacon ($247)

   • RAK WisBlock with 915MHz radio
   • 5,000mAh LiPo battery with protection circuit
   • 5V, 5W ETFE Solar Panel
   • Aluminum, powder-coated frame
   • IP67 rated enclosure
   • Multiple mounting options
   • Antenna rail with adjustable positioning

DIY Approach (Austin Mesh Recommended Setup)

• Solar Panel: Soshine 12W ($30)
• Battery: Voltaic Systems V25 ($44)
• Board: RAK Meshtastic Kit ($37)
• Antenna: 915 MHz 3 dBi N-Female ($39)
• Antenna Connector: IPEX to N Type Female ($4)
• Weatherproof Box with mounting tabs ($9)
• Drain Plug: VENT-PS1YBK-N8001 ($5)
• USB Cable Pass-Through: 3/4 NPT Cable Gland ($2)

Total cost: Approximately $170 for a complete DIY solar node

Portable Receiver/Transmitter Options

• Smartphone + Meshtastic app + small LoRa device (T-Beam, Heltec, etc.)
• Dedicated handheld devices like LILYGO T-Echo or T-Deck
• Small battery-powered nodes without solar (for temporary use)