Getting Started with Meshtastic - Devices

[@The_Comms_Channel]

One important thing to note if you're in Europe and trying to decide which frequency to use between 433MHz and 868MHz. 433MHz is lower power and is likely to have more interference from other types of devices. 868MHz is going to be the better choice unless you have a specific need for 433MHz.

[@ClacKeyTech]

how is it with 915mhz

[@The_Comms_Channel]

@@ClacKeyTech There is a 1watt power limit in the US for the 915MHz band. If you have a ham radio license and have the ham radio mode enabled, the power limit is lifted. There are no high-powered devices though, so an amplifier would need to be connected to the device for more power.

[@qfina]

Wouldn't 433Mhz give better range because of the wavelength?

[@bentheguru4986]

@@qfina Lower freq, better distance and penetration, lower throughput.

[@TheLittleDeath1]

​@@bentheguru4986yes but 868 is more common in Europe. So I would choose it if I want to take it with me when I travel.

[@carlospina3551]

I just came across your channel. I’ve been listening for something that I could use for emergency comm. With cell service going down today in a few major cities in the US I’m looking a lot harder on emergency communications for the family. Thank you

[@The_Comms_Channel]

I'm glad you found the channel! I hope it helps answer any questions you may have and helps you get emergency communications established! Feel free to reach out with any questions here or feel free to join our Discord server. Lots of great people on there discord.gg/XGhftQw9Mt

[@loganshenk7182]

@TrashPanda2801dude same, although I hadn’t dove into meshtastic until just the other day we’d already been having discussions among other farmers in the neighborhood on best options but this speeds things up

[@TinkerTechRC]

we are rural too, really want to build a network, still a bit confusing on what to buy, I'll watch a few more times and maybe itll sink in. LOL

[@PBerBlueCobra]

If you get 3 nodes (2 to match up with phones and 1 to be a repeater) that is a good place to start. They have complete nodes you can buy as well which may help you start a little quicker for like $55 to $60. Worth looking into. Etsy is a good place too to look.

[@bobadkins7377]

I found these videos at the best time possible . I am very new to Meshtastic and the "getting Started" series is perfect. Very straightforward. For now I have received two RAK 4631's on baseboards and have them talking to each other. I am in rural Ohio just starting a network.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BobBob-il2ku]

Rak Green Power Module is worth mentioning it’s a buck/boost that allows stable 5V output from a varying input voltage of 2V-36V

[@The_Comms_Channel]

I'll be doing a video on solar and can cover this👍

[@micklaws5520]

Great job explains all this. We are rural and a couple of us want to try and develop a mesh network and cannot quite grasp the , how to communicate far using a mesh repeater. Looking forward to more presentations

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Thank you for watching! I hope this series helps you get up and running. The repeater option will definitely be covered in an upcoming video.

[@micklaws5520]

@@The_Comms_Channel I will be there or be square as they say. I may have to watch a couple three times but I really do appreciate your presentation.

[@voice2skull.]

​@@micklaws5520😂 simp

[@RavenwoodAcres]

Great job laying out the differences between devices.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Thanks!

[@DIYGearVideos]

Thanks!

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Thank you so much for the support!

[@stevewinwood3674]

I purchased a ready to go unit from a guy on ebay. It is a lilly ttgo. On board it says T3_v1.6.1 I am starting to think it is a very old type board? I can't anything about. Edit: never mind I am an idiot. It is the exact model you said not to get. Lol. And I have watched the video several times.

[@magnocain]

Is there a beefier device for non-mobile applications? Something that plugs into the wall, and can transmit with more power on a much larger antenna?

[@Seikatsu121]

Awesome video! I did buy my devices right before watching it but thankfully made decisions that im still fairly confident in. The only thing that would have made the video even better would have been the prices of the boards as theyre pretty important too, though everyone here has an Internet connection so i guess its not a big deal lmao. Man im so excited for them to arrive! I hope there will be people in my area to mesh with

[@dangeroustoman]

Ya I hate it when they don't tell you the price of something.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Nice! You'll have fun with them! I didn't include pricing since it varies by store and they fluctuate. I wouldn't be too surprised if they go up based on how in demand they are currently.

[@Seikatsu121]

@@The_Comms_Channel I'm definitely looking forward to them! As for the price, that definitely makes sense though I personally would have still liked to have an approximate price since you listed a lot of devices. Anyways, awesome video and a great resource on this topic! I feel like there is just too little concise information about these devices out there

[@tylerpienta]

very nice review! I have some exciting plans for a remote mqtt node! deffinitely running RAK. also plan on building an "internet in a box" cyberdeck with a LoRa node built in!

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Thank you! I'm planning on some projects with MQTT myself and RAK is the way to go. Great idea for the cyberdeck! There's a lot of cool ones out there and I may do one myself eventually.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Thank you! I'm planning on some projects with MQTT myself and RAK is the way to go. Great idea for the cyberdeck! There's a lot of cool ones out there and I may do one myself eventually.

[@timbookedtwo2375]

I think that a meshtastic device with both input (keyboard) and output (display) is preferrable to me. I can then ditch the "smart" phone. One less device to maintain, keep track of and keep charged. Also, in a SHTF scenario I would not llke to lug around a device (phone) that can continue to track me even if no SIM card is inserted and WIFI is turned off. Yes, the smart phone still communicates with cell towers (think 911 calls) even if no SIM card is present. I hope more and more self-contained meshtastic devices come on the market with the energy saving characteristcs you described in your video. Also for a reasonable price. Still, LoRa seems to be "line of sight", given the freqeuncies used. That means there would need to be a repeater or repeaters set up to overcome obstacles like buildings, hills and woodland (trees suck up UHF signals).

[@The_Comms_Channel]

All good points. I think stand-alone devices are the way to go as well and hope more come out soon. Looks like an e-ink version of the T-Deck is being worked on. Will be interested to see how that comes along.

[@-whackd]

Should be able to bluetooth connect with an android phone for most of your use though (regular use and not bugging out). If theres software for that.

[@327efrain]

Not into the whole shtf prepping, but if it ever comes up and the devices you have don't do what you need, consider a meshtastic device that you could plug in via usb cable to your phone and maybe blocking your phone from sending or receiving any type of wireless communication should you need to go to such extremes.

[@artemkalinchuk]

If the SHTF, cell phone service will most likely not exist.

[@TEKENGLOBAL]

I wanted to take a few moments to say thank you! The outstanding overview and insight as to the different hardware available and those to avoid. 👍 Your presentation and the pace you deliver the content is - Top Shelf! ☝️ Looking forward to reviewing more of your past videos and those that follow. I didn’t have to think about hitting the subscribe button - it just happened! 🤣 Rock On . . . 🤟

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Thank you! I really appreciate it and I'm glad you're enjoying the channel! Hahaha, thanks for the sub!!

[@CraigHollabaugh]

I just got a Heltec LoRa32 v3.1 for my birthday and looking forward to learning about this community. Thanks from Colorado.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Happy birthday!

[@CraigHollabaugh]

@@The_Comms_Channel Thanks!

[@fincayabisi]

What's the recommended replacement antenna for 915 T-Beam Supreme?

[@theobouter9550]

Would a LILYGO® T Echo be a viable option to send text messages via the Lacuna satellite LS2F?

[@DistinguishedMenofCulture]

Why would we care about being precise with a GPS? Is there a way to disable that because I don’t want people knowing where I live what’s the focus on GPS locations is that necessary for the system to function?

[@anti-popfpv4638]

Thank you, hopefully this series will clarify a lot for me.

[@singletona082]

It's fascinating and potentially useful for several purposes.

[@angelscomputers]

This is a great video for someone like me that just started learning this and is quite confused, this helped me a lot trying to figure out what to get. My only concern is that I’ve found online that I don’t have any node within miles in the rural place I live, so having meshtastic how it can help me for coms on a SHTF situation if I won’t reach anyone anyways? Fire up my HF I think will give me more.

[@Francois_Dupont]

also note that the BME280 is worth 2$ and its just 4wires to connect. you can add it to most LoRa meshtastic oriented board, the program can automatically detect and display the weather information via the mesh. you just have to enable it in the settings by checking a box.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Good to know! I may have to try that with one of my Lillygo devices.

[@Francois_Dupont]

@@The_Comms_Channel its very useful! i made my own "weather station" that also happen to be a Meshtastic node... wink wink. total cost was around 50USD~ i think. i cover my whole little city and the surrounding area.

[@bluenetmarketing]

Sir - The "Meshtastic Docs Page for Supported Hardware:" link has changed. I'd put it here but yt deletes posts with links in them sometimes. This is an amazing video! Thanks for posting.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Thank you for the heads up! Fixed.

[@bluenetmarketing]

@@The_Comms_Channel How does one get the fully allowed 1 watt of broadcast power from these LoRa devices?

[@RowanHawkins]

The whole idea of variable power is to not need to transmit at full power all the time. Depending on the duty cycle (which I don't know), you could shorten its life and cause interference to other nodes for not much benefit. For instance direct connection isn't necessary if you have multiple paths to a host, but boosting transmit power will unnecessarily raise the noise floor making it more difficult for all devices to communicate just so you can have a psychological 'best' node.

[@bluenetmarketing]

@@RowanHawkins My psychology has nothing to do with it. I live in an area with zero other nodes and I need to communicate with one family member 10 miles away.

[@technoshamanarchist]

I actually have two T-Beam V1.1's with SX1262's (and M8N GPS's) on them, which I had bought to test the Helium Network a while back. Later on, I found out that the SX1262 was not compatible with Helium. So I put those aside for future LoRa, etc. projects. Today I tried them with Meshtastic, and they work great :) Thank you for your videos.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Sure thing! Glad you're finding the videos helpful! This is a great example of why I never get rid of devices 😂

[@technoshamanarchist]

@@The_Comms_Channel Never, ever 😄

[@KateHikes1933]

I read that e-paper displays use about 40% less power than traditional screens, which seems like it would be a no-brainer to have. I'll look around and see if these screens can be bought separately and installed.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

They're definitely more power efficient. One thing I will say with Meshtastic though is that it's currently designed more for use with a phone and the screen interface isn't super useful at this time. Doesn't hurt to have, but I wouldn't be too pressed about having one until the UI improves.

[@KateHikes1933]

@@The_Comms_Channel Ah, that's a great point! A screen shouldn't be needed at all, correct? Not even for setup? I'm about to pull the trigger on a few cheap ones for learning and testing.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Yep! No screen needed for use or setup. The default Bluetooth for devices with no screen is 123456

[@x_jaydn]

If wanting to use the GPS/Location feature of ATAK with Meshtastic, do you need a LoRa board with GPS functionality? I would assume yes. I'm looking at the Heltec Wireless Stick Lite v3 since you've said that it has built-in GPS, but it doesn't have a screen. Otherwise, the standard Heltec LoRa v3 ESP32 looks pretty tempting with its screen. Would anyone be able to provide insight? Thanks ~🙏🏻 💯 🔥 😎

[@The_Comms_Channel]

I've used ATAK, but not tried ATAK + Meshtastic yet. From my understanding though, I believe you can use your phones GPS for ATAK with Meshtastic. I'll test this out sometime soon. Thanks for the great question!

[@x_jaydn]

@@The_Comms_Channel Great, looking forward to it! Having to choose between a screen or a GPS is a troubling quandary, haha tbh, I'm not sure how necessary the screen is as a module, actually, since the primary interface is the smartphone but I assume it adds some validation in showing that it's on/paired

[@The_Comms_Channel]

@@x_jaydn The screen isn't super useful with the current version of Meshtastic. It will show you the last message received, other nodes, ect. It is nice if you're using the canned messages feature, but outside of that, a device with no screen works fine for most use-cases.

[@x_jaydn]

@@The_Comms_Channel Thanks for the clarification. Maybe, I'll opt-for the no-screen version with GPS after all and see if it's implemented correctly 🤞🏻

[@AT_68]

Thank you for this channel. You have provided a lot of great information. I'm new to Meshtastic and have taken a deep plunge into the subject. I do have one question, though. Do you have a "fix" for not charging Li Ion 18650 batteries when temperatures exceed charging limits? I want to build the repeater box, but dealing with -5 F would not be good for the batteries.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

I don't unfortunately other than getting 18650 batteries that support charging in low temperature. They're a bit pricey though at $30/each www.nitecorestore.com/NITECORE-NL1835LTHP-18650-Battery-p/bat-nite-18650-nl1835lthp.htm

[@apearison]

Well I will say was so excited I found this as I've heard of Meshtastic before but never understood and I watched and I didn't understand 90% of it. I'm very green to the comms world. And still a beginner trying in the network/programming/hardware world but I've found a real passion for learning about all this. So is there any recommendations for learning all the stuff you were talking about like the chip set stuff what all that means and how it works? Sorry for sounding dumb I. Just genuinely want to learn but I obviously need more of the bare basics of what the hardware is and not Not just Meshtastic. I have no idea where to begin so if anyone has any recommendations to learn about the basics of anything in regards to how and what boards do, anything related, etc I would be seriously grateful.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

You don't sound dumb at all! Here's a great video on it kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGSpiZigbsukf80si=mXDZFsU2Gmu7xsdZ

[@timjones3423]

Good introduction but I’m still confused as hell. How does all this work to accomplish communication, KISS

[@brightlight3520]

same here! hah

[@apearison]

I really appreciate it! Thank you ​@@The_Comms_Channel

[@discofishing]

Thanks for putting all of this together!

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Sure thing! Glad you found it helpful!

[@miltoneduardososa378]

Great video!! Could you also do a video on extra electronics necessary for UVLO with hysteresis for the lock-in without using comparators to tackle the case in which the accumulator runs out of charge? Can you share circuits or could we start a discussion to achieve such behaviour? I think this is a very important topic to address in order to have "deploy and forget" nodes without the need for human intervention to reset them.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Thank you! I totally agree on the importance of this! It may be too deep in the weeds for this particular series, but I will look into doing a video for this topic.

[@miltoneduardososa378]

@@The_Comms_Channel I am happy to share my ideas and a sketch of a circuit.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Sure! Feel free to email me [e-mail]

[@chillraz3300]

You could add some sort of heating device into it. I remember working on a building (electrician) and we put heating rod into gutter so that snow would melt, otherwise it would freeze and destroy it.

[@TimShelnut]

Thank you for how you detailed this out. Just discovered some of this and so this was very helpful!

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Sure thing! It's really cool technology and I'm glad you're finding the videos helpful! Stay tuned for the advanced series where we'll dig deeper into it!

[@WillHampson]

Excellent overview. Clear concise and no extra BS. 👌👍🤘

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Appreciate it! I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@dougbas3980]

Well done. I am just learning now. Thank you. subscribed.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Thanks Doug! I'm glad the videos have been helpful!

[@utubepunk]

Dumb question... Is each setup independent from others? To clarify, think of a cell tower. It's carrier agnostic so it handles connectivity for all cell providers & the more towers around, the better coverage you have. Does this hold true for these meshtastic devices? If you have a town with 15 people (who don't know each other) with these devices, does that improve coverage for all 15 people or is each person's configuration a standalone affair?🤔

[@The_Comms_Channel]

As long as everyone has the same LoRa settings (Modem preset & Frequency) then they will all contribute to each other.

[@W8RIT1]

433 MHz is also commonly used in the US for ISM devices.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

True. I'll probably do a video on rtl_433 and the interesting things you can pick up with it at some point.

[@W8RIT1]

@@The_Comms_Channel sounds like a great topic. I've seen some already thanks to Samy Kamkar. This is an area of the RF spectrum I'd like to explore more. I'll look forward to seeing your video.

[@DiyintheGhetto]

315MHZ & 433MHZ is used in a lot of US IOT devices. Part of my alarm system uses 433MHZ.

[@jhayjay-2x]

Any recommendations and applicability in using Meshstatic devices to on commas integration on self-build RC Planes to include Drones?

[@user-jt5vm3mi1w]

I wish the Lilygo Eink one was available to buy

[@Nerd2Ninja]

Do the onboard weather sensors help you with troubleshooting signal or something? Having trouble understanding why you'd want that (unless you're making a weather channel lol)

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Some people use these as remote weather stations

[@kerbalairforce8802]

The kind of person who doesn't trust that the cell towers are going to work also doesn't trust that the weather channel will always work.

[@harleypub]

Is there a video that goes in to how this network functions, distances covered and licensing /certification or training needed?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Videos in the getting started series should cover most of this. These operate in the license free ISM band so no license needed.

[@KateHikes1933]

For the device and version that uses the 70cm band, does that basically turn your Bluetooth-equipped device into a ham radio? I thought these kind of devices were text-only, but I must be confused.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Great question. Ham radio takes many forms; voice, images, video, packet/data. So, it would essentially be a ham radio, but not in the traditional voice comm sense.

[@bobbader4789]

How much do these devices cost?

[@iyeetsecurity922]

$3.50

[@chrisarmstrong2721]

Fantastic video, id like to use several of these to track vehicles on a farm but when i look up lora that i can view on an app or online via a website i only find LoreWan which is no good as thats only for sensors such a short range door sensors and the like communicating with a gateway. Is there not a lora gateway and even if you could make one out of a raspberry pi how to get the meshtastic messages and location of each device back to say my wordpress website or view on a third party site? Thanks in advance for any help and again great video and you have a new sub :) Regards Chris in Singapore

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Thank you and thanks for the sub! Meshtastic supports MQTT and that sounds like it would be a good fit for what you're trying to do! I'll be doing a video on MQTT when I start getting into the more advanced usage of Meshtastic. Stay tuned!

[@spudhut2246]

nicely done, new subscriber. Looking forward to learning more about Meshtastic

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Thanks for subscribing!

[@MrWeavis]

I can not get my Heltec V3 to report my fixed position to Meshmap. Could you point me in the right direction? Thanks

[@ChrisC-fp9qu]

Where can you find these devices? It seems many places are sold out.

[@ngk330]

Are there any small laptop style devices with full keyboards for communication?

[@iaincampbell4422]

Annoyingly bought the 433 versions in the UK early on and everyone seems to have gone for the 800mhz range ones. So buying a whole new kit as having other folks device as repeaters is very useful. Is there a way to stop the screen showing messages on it? Just ends up breaking secure coms if you leave them somewhere as a repeater. All of my current ones are the t beam...theyre pretty early. Actually considering not attaching the screen just to avoid showing messages to anyone that looks at the screen. Difficulty might be pairing....as the pairing code is shown on the screen

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Not sure which device you're referring to, but I believe it should detect that no screen is installed. If so, it should use the default PIN for devices with no screens (123456)

[@aq8211]

Is meshatastic recommended for massive industrial IoT usecases like smart metering with thousands of meters on a single mesh?

[@thekingsbondservant]

you mentioned "? Rock Land"? is that an online vendor for Lily-go?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Yes, I have links to their site in the video description

[@Kw1161]

Thanks for the video and cutting thru all the marketing B.S.! Have a great day!

[@benhutchinson3936]

I ordered the S3 Core not realizing I still need the rest of the system. No one has been able to help with where I get the rest of the system. Please explain in small words.

[@KennethvanWyk]

Very helpful and practical video, thanks.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@qjmpq]

Great rundown, thanks for all the info

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Sure thing! Glad it was helpful!

[@skydivingcomrade1648]

I'm looking to set up a home repeater system that I have little to no interaction with and can be used by random strangers driving by.

[@prayerwarrior424]

What is the range of these devices?

[@valian8985]

Vary a lot, between 1 and 2 km for cheap thing with short antena up to 200km with perfect condition and good device

[@Bubba-23nineteen]

I have no idea what im doing, but I love the idea of offgrid encrypted comms for my family. And to be able to track where they are for safety. All offgrid comms is amazing for shtf

[@brianwelch8456]

Idk if you follow S2 Underground, but Meshtastic is one of his main forms of interpersonal comms these days.

[@Bubba-23nineteen]

@@brianwelch8456 thank you I just followed him

[@voice2skull.]

Idiot😂

[@voice2skull.]

​@@brianwelch8456 trash

[@GH0ST369]

On the RAK wireless wisblock what is the name of the port for the power supply, is it a 2mm 2 pin JST? I have a 3.7v power supply and want to custom make a usb-c cable and solder that male port on the other end to give this a long battery life it has 10k mAH to last a while...

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Battery: JST-PH 2.0mm Solar: JST-ZH 1.5mm Be sure to check the polarity as the ports on the RAK seem to be reversed compared to the connectors not sold by RAK Wireless.

[@zocki17]

What purpose do these devices serve? This is the first time I've seen them.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Off grid texting between the devices using a phone while paired to them over Bluetooth

[@zocki17]

In other words, modern hobby radio communication. Thanks for the info.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Yep, that's a good way to put it. Sure thing!

[@Laura-hl3hg]

Amazing quality video, it's stunning that you have so little subscribers.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Thanks! The channel is fairly new but growing quickly!

[@blkinvestor]

With GPS option doesn’t that allow someone or entity to. Figure out where I’m at ?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIubkGB7i9ycsNk

[@m3snusteve]

14:00 Heltec LorRa 32 does this board come with a battery? Or do I have to find my own battery.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

They don't come with batteries.

[@MrKoblepot]

Hi there, thanks for your channel, what's the difference between T beam at around 50 dollars wirh 18650 support, and other one around 20~25 without 18650 support ? Just the accu holder and charge controller ? Planning to put it on solar with battery already so no real need for it. LoRa32 v2.1 for example. Thanks a lot.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Sure thing! The T-Beam has extras like GPS along with the 18650 holder. For a solar setup, I HIGHLY recommend going with a WisBlock as it uses an NRF52 microcontroller. On a single 18650 battery, you can get a week and a half of battery life on a WisBlock and only a day on a T-Beam/Lora32

[@MrKoblepot]

@@The_Comms_Channel thanks for the fast answer, planning to do a little network around hometown for friends and family, wisblock looks pretty cool especially if that energy efficient, could try to set up a repeater on solar on my roof this way. Thanks a lot again gonna plan this 😊

[@The_Comms_Channel]

@@MrKoblepot Sure thing! Good luck with your setup and feel free to reach out if you have any questions along the way!

[@MrKoblepot]

@@The_Comms_Channel Super thanks, happy new year to you and loved ones 👍

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Thank you! You as well!

[@mt-qc2qh]

Has anyone repurposed Helium miners as Meshtastic repeaters or devices? Most of these miners have been obsoleted and worthless as Helium miners, but the Raspberry Pi Lora hats shold be good for Meshtastic and many of us already implemented upgraded antennas.

[@jj74qformerlyjailbreak3]

Can anything running ESPNow run meshtastic?

[@DevineState]

we need a video explaining types of communication differences such as "short fast long"... and all the rest of internal settings explained .

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Thanks for the suggestion! I'll discuss that in a future video.

[@keanudeleon7933]

Can I make a rak one with nfr52 standalone?

[@redactedredacted1818]

Id like to try and build a pocket portable comms system. If one guy has to carry a larger case for a "repeater" or something thats fine. Id like it to try and be about 300m in range. Something i can encrypt and thats difficult to direction find. I am completely inept with any of this stuff. Any ideas?

[@Rckid28]

What do all these devices do?

[@plzzz]

These looks like a great gift for your friends and homies. Do I get just the lilygo t-beam and I'm set?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

The T-Beam is decent, but I recommend NRF52 based devices like the T-Echo or WisBlock

[@plzzz]

TYVM for the suggestion. How about for DIY? I have several arduino and raspberry pi4b lying around.@@The_Comms_Channel

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Sure thing! Meshtastic for Linux is in development and you're able to use devices that have an SPI connection to the radio. I'll be doing a video on this when I get time to try it out. Stay tuned!

[@plzzz]

@@The_Comms_Channel subbed! i got couple of arduino and raspberry pi boards laying around and want to make good use of it...

[@ikemfg]

Does anyone know where to get nrf52 in Australia

[@jaredharvey1511]

Video request. -- How to use BME280 as weather station or similar sensor information in messages. Think it collects weather data and sends a message one an hour. Or if temperature drops out of some range it sends a message. -- How to use grove or similar interface to make analog or digital sensors. Basically how to make a weather station. I want that weather station to incorporate a Geiger counter. If radiation gets to high send alarm message. -- How to tune for battery life. A video which shows if you use setting slow long settings you get messages about ?? Second and it uses ??mj of energy. Etc. -- How to use PN532 to only allow authorize operators to use t-deck. Not a video, but... -- what do you want for a t-deck shell? I'm thinking of designing one which accepts optional GPS, allows for a pile of 18650's and a solar panel. I guess it might also include the PN532.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Thanks for the ideas! I'll look into these. I like the Geiger counter idea, but not sure how possible it will be. For the T-Deck I'm mostly after an external antenna and maybe a holder for an 18650 due to it being a battery hog

[@jaredharvey1511]

@@The_Comms_Channel I've started messing around with the model from lilygo. Do you know onshape? I can share the model if you're interested. It's not much now. I plan to release it as open source. What do you think about batteries underneath vs to the side? I'm tempted to keep it thin, but make it wider. Putting the batteries to the sides.

[@jaredharvey1511]

I've got a rough 3D model for a case in onshape. If you're interested let me know I'll share how to find the model. I seem to be having trouble posting. Perhaps issues with posting external links or something like that. I'm not sure what's up. I've posted a similar post to this 2 times already and they keep disappearing. Fingers crossed this one makes it.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Nice! Not sure it will allow links, but feel free to email me. Email is on the channels about page. I'm not familiar with onshape, but I'll see if I can import it to something I'm familiar with!

[@lelandherzog]

Newbie here, but ESP32 can still mesh with NRF52 controllers?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Welcome! Yep, they can communicate together

[@WorldRobotNews]

Hi I'm in Australia and I'm getting interested in meshtastic but have some questions can it be used like wifi networks sharing videos pictures or files

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Not enough bandwidth. LoRa/Meshtastic is text only

[@xxentre]

I just received 4 of the T1000-E Meshtastic devices.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Nice! Have fun with them!

[@BobBob-il2ku]

Will you test/show a directional/yagi antenna?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Sure can. I'll cover this in the antenna video.

[@KateHikes1933]

What's the difference bewteen LoRa and Meshtastic?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

LoRa is a digital radio protocol and Meshtastic is software that can be flashed on radio hardware that uses LoRa

[@jimj227]

For the RAK in a remote/permanent setup, do you use the bluetooth to get the messages, or do you have to add ethernet or wifi? I am thinking I should put it up 30 or more feet.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

If you're setting one up outside your home, you should be able to connect to it via Bluetooth. The Bluetooth range on the RAK is great and I can pick it up throughout my house with one on the roof. If you're setting one up in a remote location beyond the 200-300 feet Bluetooth range, you would need another device at home to send/receive messages and the remote one would act as a repeater.

[@Sparky400]

For offline systems, I sure I am worried about sudden support drop. When they are unsupported, does that mean they don't get software updates or are they full dead and can't talk to newer updated ones?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Valid concern! The devs are careful to not have any breaking changes except for a major version change. For example, Meshtastic is on version 2.x and they wouldn't make any updates that would potentially break devices in the wild until version 3.x comes out and that's a ways away. Thanks for the great question!

[@DavidWitkowski]

Does the WisBlock do Power-over-Ethernet?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Yep! You can get the Ethernet interface add-on and there's an add-on for the Ethernet interface to give it PoE ability.

[@dougbas3980]

great overview thanks.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@williamdanks9934]

just learning this stuff. is it possible to mount in a vehicle for mobile use?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Sure can! I have one that I keep in my vehicle.

[@blunderingbushcraft9067]

Any PoE options ?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Yep, you can add this to the Ethernet module for PoE. store.rakwireless.com/products/rak19018-poe-module-for-rak13800

[@blunderingbushcraft9067]

​@The_Comms_Channel Thanks that seems like it could be handy for some deployments

[@EpiclyReckless]

Will the ESP32 and NRF modules communicate with each other? Im sure the chirp stuff is all done by the Radio chip but just want to make sure.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Yep! They both use the LoRa protocol and are able to communicate with each other. Thanks for the question!

[@EpiclyReckless]

@@The_Comms_Channel thanks!

[@EpiclyReckless]

@@The_Comms_Channel love the videos.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

@@EpiclyReckless Sure thing! I'm glad you're enjoying the videos! The next one will be coming soon.

[@TheDudeway]

Sooooo…is it more secure than smartphones?

[@petittoto7433]

Hello, little question : so you know if Meshtastic works if there is no GPS coverage ?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Thanks for the question! GPS coverage is not required. This operates from device to device. GPS is just an option if you want to share your position with others.

[@petittoto7433]

@@The_Comms_Channel Thank you for your answer. I search a system to send a few messages to about 40 miles (with a repeater on high ground) in case of major disaster. This seems a good solution.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

@@petittoto7433 Sure thing! We're doing the same thing at about that distance. I'll eventually be doing a video on planning the setup that may be helpful.

[@jamespick3007]

Forgive my ignorance, I'm completely new to this technology. Are the different devices able to communicate within the same network or would the same model of device be required for all units connected? Thanks

[@The_Comms_Channel]

No worries! The devices are all compatible with each other. As long as one of these LoRa devices can be flashed with the Meshtastic firmware, they can communicate with other Meshtastic devices. Thanks for the question!

[@southfldaniel]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eobdZ5aMiMaGopY T-Beam kzbin.info/www/bejne/eobdZ5aMiMaGopY T-Echo kzbin.info/www/bejne/eobdZ5aMiMaGopY T-Deck kzbin.info/www/bejne/eobdZ5aMiMaGopY RAK Wireless WisBlock kzbin.info/www/bejne/eobdZ5aMiMaGopY Heltec LoRa 32

[@emmettkelly7465]

Is the SX1276 / 1278 better than the 1262 you mention?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

No. The 1262 is newer and has better transmit and receive performance.

[@xdermott147]

how can i get into this type of stuff i cant tell where the begining is

[@The_Comms_Channel]

If you're unfamiliar with Meshtastic, this video gives an explanation of it kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGrVqZ2oiK6na9Usi=JJhvjT71mpGuc1kX And then here is a playlist to this series kzbin.info/aero/PLshzThxhw4O5JTOACGHzYSSd3soDhoXKK

[@matthewhopkins7042]

Doesn't lower Mhz travel more F.A.R.S.?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

This is true. LoRa modulation is unique though and can receive signals well beneath the noise floor for more F.A.R.S compared to standard voice or even data on AM/FM/SSB. Would love to see what LoRa could do on VHF, but the only equipment that can do it is UHF

[@pombass]

Can i use a m5stack cardputer to mesh?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

I believe so. I saw where they recently had a post on X about this

[@rmp5s]

Fantastic vid.

[@jacob1628]

Fantastic information, thank you!

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Sure thing! Glad you found it helpful!

[@carlosbruno4142]

Nice and concise!

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Thanks! Did you have any luck with getting your issue resolved?

[@carlosbruno4142]

I have to admit. I put it on the back burner for now. Thanks for checking!

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Hopefully it's just a bug or something that will get fixed in an update and it will work when you try it out again.

[@nunyabidness9257]

Thankyou for putting the work into this video!

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Sure thing!

[@DigitalAndInnovation]

00:30 don't call me Shirley

[@PBerBlueCobra]

Yeeeessssss!

[@Corteum]

Why would you even want one of these devices? What can they actually do, or what are they for?

[@brianwelch8456]

Basically, you become your own 'cell tower'. In an emergency, cell comms can get clogged or the towers themselves could be attacked by malicious actors/taken down by natural forces such as fire or tornado. Options are always good, imo.

[@Corteum]

@@brianwelch8456 But isn't the limitation that you can only communicate with other such devides and not regular mobile/or smart phones?

[@Corteum]

@@brianwelch8456 But does it work for with only meshtasstic devices or cann it also communicate with other comms devices?

[@ShreddinSleds]

What have I stumbled across? My algorithm has been mostly laser engraving and Arduino stuff, now it’s steering me towards whatever these are 😅

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Welcome to the rabbit hole 🐇 🙂

[@x81reaper]

für alle deutsche hier die sich damit befassen wir brauchen hier die 868 MHz Version empfehlen kann ich den tbeam mit integrierter Ladeelektronik und GPS es ist quasi das all in one gerät wer es ohne GPS und Ladeelektronik besonders klein möchte dem empfehle ich das t3-s3 Board und ganz wichtig es sollte der sx1262 Chip verbaut sein dieser hat richtig viel power.der Kostenpunkt liegt bei 17.12 $ und 29.50$ also wirklich günstig

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Danke