Meshtastic

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A community to discuss Meshtastic (https://meshtastic.org/docs/introduction)

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Best starting device? (self.meshtastic)

submitted 2 days ago by Linearity to c/meshtastic@mander.xyz

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Looking for a device/kit that has great range and decent battery life. People usually suggest the LilyGo T-Beam (Supreme) and T-Echo, the WisBlock Meshtastic starter kit the Heltek V3.

Which one would be best for a beginner?

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[–] Curious_Canid@lemmy.ca 6 points 2 days ago

Keep in mind that range is almost entirely a function of the antenna you use and the location you use it from. All the radios I've seen already operate at the power limits that are allowed for LoRa. I strongly recommend starting with a unit that has an external antenna connector.

In addition to the prebuilt radios from various manufacturers, check out the prebuilt units that are available on Etsy. And it isn't at all hard to put together your own. Most kits don't require any soldering. You just attach the connectors and fit it into a case. There are some great case designs that you can print yourself or you can buy them online.

My personal favorite kit is the Heltec T114. It's easy to add a GPS, it gets great battery life, and it makes upgrading the firmware really simple. I have one in an AlleytCat Pocket case that's about the size of an old-style pager.