A Complete Meshtastic + ATAK Guide | My off the grid Comms Setup!

[@VA7LBA]

One of the best "How to videos" for Meshtastic and ATAK integration I have watched. Great job! If I have one criticism, it's your choice of Meshtastic nodes. I understand you decided to go with plug n play however I need to point out that anything using the old ESP32 chip like the T-Beam are very energy inefficient. The T-Echo(yes, you can exchange the battery) however is a good choice as it uses the nRF52840 chip(just ditch the stock antenna). I think the RAK Wisblock is probably the best node if you're willing to snap a few pieces together as it is the most efficient followed by the new Heltec T114. Dealing carrying more types of batteries in the field and trying to plug one in in the dark is just not fun. I would like to learn more about how you set up the ATAK on the Raspberry Pi as a server.

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

Hey man! Thanks for the great comment! You are correct 👍🏻 I kinda talk it a super tiny bit but it was just a little too much for now. That’s just how my journey went and it doesn’t require that much tinkering. I always experience that getting stuff together and switching components is not for everyone. I like it but a lot of people just want something for a day. I’m still learning and finding out what goes well. My t-1000e is superb. Sometimes I feel like this tiny thing has a better range than my tbeam with a nice antenna. Don’t ask me why. What kind of help do you need with the rapi? Best to come over to the discord and we can get you going!

[@kuyakonggaming]

Never take down this video. its too important and should be a standard in the "community". god bless

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

thanks mate! I will not! I'm thinking of what to include in a follow up video! If you have any suggestions....

[@ericconrad8854]

is "the community" a sex cult because if so I AM IN.

[@tophattommy2]

Please do the TAKServer setup video! This video was GREAT!

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

I will think about it. I would need a new raspberry pi for that. I don’t want to reinstall it on my current build 🥲

[@tophattommy2]

@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft fair warning: it seems that the higher the build number, the more power consumption. As in, Rpi 4 takes more power than what most wall chargers can put out. I'm trying to install and run TAKServer as compared to FreeTAK Server.

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

@ yes you can get just a normal rapi charger cable. but most USB-c wall charger (of quality) can power the pi

[@bigboy2154]

@@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft Id love to see a setup aswell, esspecially since the free tak team are working on meshtastic integration.

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

yes. It is kinda cumbersome to get it going. With OTS its already integrated

[@njohnsen72]

This was such a great video. I thought I had my mesh and atak ready to run but this break down made it so easy to confirm everything.

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

Glad it was helpful and thanks for leaving a comment. It was quite some work to assemble this!

[@stigmau5]

Do I need this no, do I want it ……. Yes 😂 Great video ❤

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

Yes you do! 😂🤝🏼

[@MadMike099]

This information is SO valuable and applicable to way more than just airsofters. Thank you!!

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

thank you and yes! I just show it in the context of airsoft as an example. It can be applied to sooooo much more. From tracking your dog or cattle, to talking to different groups while hiking and so on and so on!

[@hazel.de05]

Big thanks😍next project will coming😊😊love how fast you produce this crazy high quality stuff

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

Thanks brother! The comment means a lot! Knowledge transfer is key! We all want to have fun and learn something new!

[@NordicDevelopmentIndstries]

Great in depth explanation of how this stuff works and integrates with each other! I especially liked the rubber sheets explanation and see so much opportunity for people to use this: hikers overlaying a trail, fair-goers hitting every ride and tracking there party across the fairgrounds, concert-goers trying to find their way to their group and much more. Bravo! Very informative🤘🏼 -Hunter @Midewest_Meshlab X Nordic_Development_Industries

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

Hell yeah brother! The possibilities are so endless - I can’t even know where we will end up I just know the way will be very fun! I will for sure plan my next hike like that!

[@JonathanFisherS]

Can you do a video on how to actually use ATAK in the field? I haven't found a good video on how to actually coordinate offense and defense. Thanks!

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

I will brother! Thanks for the comment!

[@somniumism]

Hahaha, passt ja sehr gut. Auf den AS Days 2024 haben wir beim Militär ein ähnliches System getestet, bestehend aus Meshtastic und einen paar Skripten rund um MQTT. Auf der Karte konnten wir dann die Zugführer und Fahrzeuge tracken, ähnlich wie das System der Helden, nur zuverlässiger ;) ATAK lief als ich es vor zwei Jahren probiert hatte nicht sehr gut mit Meshtastic. Jetzt werde ich es allerdings nochmal probieren! Danke für das Video!

[@filipealmeida2353]

Hi! Great video and very well explained. Would be great if we could have a video were you explain how to install the GPS antenna on the lilygo! Thank you and keep up with the good work!!

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

Just put it on the connector. Mine came already connected. If you have troubles finding the correct spot. Check the official documentation. -> Its the one on the bottom right, next to the hole in the board ;)

[@filipealmeida2353]

@@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft Thank you!

[@stayoutside_fi]

Great video! Thank you sir!

[@Sleekflight1]

Great video, well done, keep it up

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

Thank you very much!

[@Mikeybryce99]

Brilliant video. Super Useful info!

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

Glad it was helpful!

[@djdommusic6455]

Vielen Dank für das Video!

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

Sehr gerne hoffe du konntest was rausziehen!

[@kerbalairforce8802]

Throwing a 👍 on here so i can find it later when im not 💩 at work.

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

hahahaha! Getting payed to poop!

[@XenWolfson]

nice video, nutze ATAK schon länger im Airsoft und find es mega geil !!! Werde wohl auch bald auf meshtastik aufrüsten wegen der schlechten inet verbindung auf manchen feldern.

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

Ja für dieses off the grid ist es wirklich krass. Ich bin so gespannt - und hoffe das viele für die kommende Saison aufrüsten! Freue mich voll mehr atak zu benutzen, auch wenns manchmal stressig ist.

[@XenWolfson]

hat Headsdown_Commsup eine webseite wo man die STL für den T-Beam enclosure kaufen kann? der sieht 100x besser aus als die die man auf den gängigen STL seiten bekommt?

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

ne ich glaube nicht! Is alles über IG :)

[@ricardorelvas4769]

Amazing video, thank you! Just this weekend we did find ourselves in a large game area with zero cell service, so this would have been handy to have. I suposed since you have the data transfer antena you couldn't pair it with the T1000 device, right? So, if we really really want to share UAV stream, we either do it online with cell network or we need the TBeam to connect those antenas. Correct?

[@battosai823]

❤❤❤❤❤thx😊😊😊😊😊😊 my hero

[@Tetemovies4]

I used iTak for hiking so I didn’t touch networking but i downloaded the trail’s waypoints and added markers for the steps however it doesn’t have an option to explicitly download a piece of map which i found to be a limitation for the stated purpose.

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

yes its a little cumbersome. It would be nicer to just have a button and do it.

[@lesterlauritzen]

How the heck do I get the PTT? It's exactly what I need. Incredible.

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

message jci.comms on Instagram and tell him I've sent you ;)

[@Terminatorbart]

This is useful!

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

Hell yeah it is ᵕ̈

[@TLD_Vince]

Thx mate

[@DioBrando_Sama]

Could be useful for the upcoming niclear winter lmao

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

😬

[@kilodelta42]

Are they any settings in Meshtastic that you need to adjust? I picked up two of these for an existing v2 heltec with no onboard gps. I cannot get it to pickup a signal. Thanks

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

create a new channel and connect them all. If gps lock is hard. let them sit outside for a couple of hours

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

also try to triple press the middle button. this can activate/disable gps and cannot be changed through the app/config

[@kilodelta42]

@@PhoenixFeatherAirsofton heltec v2 guess that’s not possible. Realized after I got these gps you mentioned that they are not actually better GPS, but a GPS antenna only smh. I have to order another GPS unit and solder it on.

[@tokyooperators]

Sharing is caring

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

compassion fuels community!

[@kiliang4606]

Geiles Video glaube ich brauche das auch 😂 Mal ne Frage zu dem Funkgerät. Ist es in Deutschland legal dies zu nutzen ohne eine Lizenz?

[@pulex]

Ist legal. Frequenzbereich der Funkfernsteuerung für Garagentore etc.

[@hawkeyeCH53E]

Can you update link for yogurt cup antenna it goes to HT whip style ones. Thanks

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

It’s made by headsdown_commsup on Instagram

[@sebbo415]

OH MY FUCKING GOD YOU ARE SOOO FAST O_O i will watch it later ;) beste grüße aus Deutschland

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

Danke und beste Grüße zurück!

[@TheExtremo93]

Geiles Video 👍 Leider kann ich dem atak Server nicht beitreten. Ist immer ein Verbindungsfehler

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

Damn. Ich checke das gleich mal

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

Ist fixed. Server war down :) kann passieren!

[@Liko-xj8xw]

Maybe i have missed it but which case are you using?

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

I use a case printed by @headsdown_commsup ! He build the enclosure for me :)

[@SpQQky90]

My T-Beam does not get any GPS Signal? Does it exactly like you.

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

It sometimes takes a bit. Leave the node outside for a couple of hours to get a lock. If thats not working, I had problems too. I suggest too get the bigger gps antenna. With that one, even inside I get lock within a minute!

[@SpQQky90]

I have the big GPS Antenna and it has 8 hours over night at the window. Nothing. I have done the GPS reset to.

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

did you add a new channel? On the open channel 0 gps is always only an approx. location to protect the privacy (at least they try). I have the thing that gps is sometimes very off on my iPhone but on Android dead on!

[@SpQQky90]

@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft Yes i did. I will send it back, maybe a faulty unit.

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

it happens sadly more often that there is gps problems. maybe have a google search and check the subreddit before sending it back. In general these are still dev boards...

[@arcaidexx360]

why the anthena in the link is not the same ?

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

I couldnt find the exact match that @headsdown_commsup used. I checked the Antenna from the official documentation!

[@mrdiggie3321]

Meshtastic is a cool idea but the app is buggy/confusing, and the range is iffy. Sometimes I can send to a node a few streets away, sometimes I can't, with the antenna on my top floor (and two different devices on the latest firmware). Automatic retries aren't reliable, you might never be sure a message was received. If you are away from your device it hardly caches any message history. As soon as you power on a meshtastic device fresh out of the box it is immediately leaking your GPS position to a public channel and you have to take steps to stop it.

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

Good point! It’s always a hit or miss but as soon as you go out it starts to be working a lot better for me. It can only get better so to say. With the gps leaking - yes but it’s always not the super precise location. Just around but still which area, that’s true.

[@bbsp_airsoft]

41:04 jumpscare warning

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

Hahahah that was already -20db. You should have seen me editing 😂

[@MrMarcusGermany]

Versuch mal den richtigen TAK Server ;) der ist meiner Meinung nach besser . Mit Docker läuft der auch auf Windows . Ich hab mittlerweile 2 Server am laufen . Dauert keine 10 min um den einzurichten LG

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

kann ich den einfach zusätzlich in dem docker auf den rapi knallen oder gibts dann probleme mit den ports? hast du da erfahrungen? oder hast du die geremapped?

[@IronPhysik]

ahhh, mhhh yess more victims for my directional antenna and signal analyser on milsim games 433 and 863-870mhz are my jam I mean seriously, these things are nice, but your RF signature is massive and super easily trackable, especially when your signals are the only ones in a forest within a several km radius. that all makes radio direction finding quite easy for anyone who is willing to learn about it. also pls be aware, your Baofeng UV-25 has 10x the legal transmission power on the low power mode (and 20x on high), it wouldnt be the first time that the organizers at malwinkel would need to pay a massive fine to the Bundesnetzagentur for violations of the airwaves that is also the reason these radios are banned on the play area of mahlwinkel, yet you still keep using them.

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

Nice tell me more about the signal analyzer. My interest is peaked. ᵕ̈

[@VA7LBA]

Did someone report them? Despite it being illegal, it seems a bit like a d!ck move to report this.

[@VA7LBA]

Forgot to ask what you're using for a directional antenna, a Yagi or Moxon? Moxon's are really nice because they are very packable and small at Mesh frequencies. Do you use it with a SDR?

[@IronPhysik]

@@VA7LBA my initial answer was sadly deleted by KZbin My SDR is a TinySA Ultra Z-406 with a HT8 log-periodic antenna Log periodics are cool, because they are really broadband and still mainly directional. Sure a Yagi is a bit more directional, but it's more specific to a frequency.

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

Im googleing those antennas haha

[@CH30N6]

Yes yes yessss 🫣

[@TurtleShellTactics]

tape the light with duct tape.

[@PhoenixFeatherAirsoft]

good tip, I will! in the night though even tape might not be enough. Maybe even paint it black with a sharpie or get some black nail polish from the misses!