Amplified Solar Powered ESP32 Meshtastic Node How To

[@TechWithMarc]

You've gained a sub from the UK! Huge Meshtastic fan!

[@masondawson4061]

Awesome! Y'all are killing it across the pond.

[@proszęCię]

I have a question, is the board used in this device heltec T114? and do you plan to add an "instructional video" in which you show step by step what to connect and solder to what?

[@masondawson4061]

No. It's the Heltec Stick Lite. I don't remember what version, but it won't work with a display because it draws too much power. That's why I went with a cheap node. You can certainly make ESP 32 nodes with displays work, but running them in Router mode turns the display off. I made a video I'll post a link to below on how to make the power supply which is the biggest part of this build. If you still have questions I'll be glad to help you over email studio32ste,[e-mail]. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKibimxjjdVlpaMsi=xlixZhC30hRieAUq

[@SmokingGouda]

If you enable telemetry>"power metrics module enabled" it will broadcast your devices power levels too I think

[@mikehollibaugh]

How is the bidirectional amplifier working for you?

[@masondawson4061]

They work well. I can't really quantify it though. I've had one on a 4631 for about a week now in client mode. That's the solar powered node on the roof and so far I can't tell any extra battery drain. Of course there is hardly any action where I am.

[@kenneth6731]

Some quick questions if you don't mind? So if you have your ticket and put it into amateur mode, and turning off the encryption, must you have your callsign displayed? Or just send it when you transmit? Also, by putting it into amateur mode, does this limit you to only communicating with other licensed hams? How many Watts can an amateur put out legally on 915 MHz? Is is 1 or 1500 Watts? I am hoping you know, because I can't seem to find the answers to these questions.

[@masondawson4061]

I wish I could help but I don't know. I've wondered myself. Like do you have to keep it in client mute while operating licensed at higher power to prevent retransmission of unlicensed operators? I think most likely if you want to legally transmit any higher than 1W you will have to give up a lot of what makes it Meshtastic. Perhaps other sections of the band are are allocated more precisely for what you want to do. Hopefully a knowledgeable ham will see this and give you a clear answer. Thanks for your comment though.

[@kenneth6731]

@@masondawson4061 Thank you for your reply, I really like what you are doing here and how you are doing it. I am putting up a 15 DBI antenna today on my 45 foot tower. Hopefully I can get some range out of it.

[@masondawson4061]

@@kenneth6731 Very cool! I've got several things in the works Meshtastic related. I've been on the fence about making videos with them, but I guess I will now.

[@kenneth6731]

@@masondawson4061 Sounds great! Edit: I would love to see a video on your amp, the battery and the charging/connections results etc.

[@BBayjay]

I was under the impression that 1, yes you turn off encryption, and must communicate your callsign (no idea the requirement of how), BUT - Isn't that only on amateur bands, if you are using 915 there's no amateur regulations there? Most people don't use the amateur 440mhz band that these lora radios can transmit to as well.

[@SmokingGouda]

Hey, can you put affiliate links for the antennas, batteries, etc you're using too?? Looking for good L-shaped antennas for my around town nodes... Solid video though man! 👌

[@SmokingGouda]

Or at least put parts list in the description? Shared link to this to my states discord channel though! Keep up the good work!

[@masondawson4061]

Many thanks! I'm not affiliated with any sellers, but the antenna was a recommendation on a video from The Comms Channel about Meshtastic equipment I think. It's been a while. The batteries were harvested from spent vapes. I wired several of the same type in parallel. I got the amp from Aliexpress. It's part number AB-IOT-686. It also says AirBuddy on the board.

[@SmokingGouda]

@@masondawson4061 haha I'm not experienced with doing this, but I think a lot of sites have affiliate programs that are pretty easy to join. I know Amazon does at least! Love the Comms Channel! Love the reuse of batteries too! I plan on reusing rc truck batteries... Yeah, actually power usage numbers seem hard to find for different boards.