Meshtastic For Dummies AND Heltec V3 Setup for $10

[@DoItYourselfDad]

Heltec V3 on Amazon: amzn.to/3VOkC0U Heltec V3 on Aliexpress: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_omz... Heltec T114 on Amazon: amzn.to/4fv64tZ Heltec T114 on on Aliexpress: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_ol0... T Deck Plus on Amazon: amzn.to/4gNyEI2 T Deck Plus on Aliexpress: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_olV... Upgraded Antenna on Amazon (check what antenna you need below): amzn.to/3 Files to print my 3D printed case: www.thingiverse.com/thing:6896664

[@MR-nl8xr]

I fry stuff all the time; so glad you repeated not to plug it in first (I did all the time to too to see what happens) and why not to.

[@MRMR-MRMR-MRMR]

I posted here multiple times and they are gone now. I can email you if you like, the issues I am running into with the Flasher.

[@MRMR-MRMR-MRMR]

Can you make a video on how to troubleshoot issues Flash Meshtastic? It seems like there are additional steps needed for some PC/Laptops like installing drivers for proper USB connection.

[@DoItYourselfDad]

@@MRMR-MRMR-MRMR which board are you using?

[@MRMR-MRMR-MRMR]

@@DoItYourselfDad Both V2 & V3. I can send you an email if you like, this platform doesn't stop from taking my writings down. It's literally just error codes.

[@tech53tjw77]

I really appreciate the way you explained it. I have been on the fence about meshtastic because I didn't really understand it. I'm going to order my 1st board now and dive in. Thank you!!

[@DoItYourselfDad]

Have fun! It’s addictive!

[@TangoTexan]

Awesome vid. Thank you. Been looking for a short, strait forward video for dummies. Learned more watching you than other videos. Guess I’m a dummy. LOL.

[@DoItYourselfDad]

Glad we could help! I had to sort through a lot to figure out the basics.

[@thebnbaldwin]

The term "long range" is relative term. It's a real Space Odyssey. Thanks for a great getting started video.

[@brendonmason5750]

Very nice reference video! One of the very few on the subject matter that shows the flashing of the device, and definitely extra points for utilizing the packing/case as the project case. Good stuff!

[@DoItYourselfDad]

Thanks for watching and glad you found it useful!

[@DIYDad1]

I'm just starting to get into meshtastic and researching this, seems like a great off grid comms idea. It's tough to navigate this space when there really isn't any standards yet. Great channel name by the way 😋😁

[@DoItYourselfDad]

Thanks! Yours as well! Just checked out your stuff and sub’d!

[@KA7EII]

Thank you for the excellent, easy to understand introduction to Meshtastic! I can't wait to start experimenting.

[@DoItYourselfDad]

Happy meshing!

[@ExpediteTravels]

I have 2 heltec v3s and just got a tdeck plus this is a cool hobby to get into for cheap. You're right about the tdeck I have the stock firmware on it I'm waiting on the fancy GUI release thanks for the video I'm from the Windsor Ontario Canada 🇨🇦 area

[@efuller6770]

Goals ro learn this year. Looked into it last year and didnt know where to start. Still not enough time, but this was a good primer video

[@theautisticrabbi]

Good video! This is something I'd like to look into some more. As soon as I saw the names pop up and saw "HAL", 2001: A Space Odyssey was the first thing I thought of. 😁

[@DoItYourselfDad]

Thank you!

[@Eastcoastoverdose_]

This was extremely informative, thank you for taking the time to make this video!

[@highwaymen1237]

Well explained. I needed this.

[@Rad_Radster_Experience]

Very cool! You did a awesome job explaining this. Now I want to get a few dozen of these things!

[@prevostmiller9745]

Great video! You did an awesome job with your explanations. Keep up the great videos.

[@DoItYourselfDad]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Active-gm9gg]

Not a bad idea to have for a bugout bag.

[@PortugalCarp]

Nice video. Wait till the end of March, Lilygo are hoping to launch their "T-Ultima", a souped-up version of their T-Echo.

[@oldarchillies163]

Enjoyed the campfire case construction. Very fun. Wondering though, why would it matter what 5 volt power supply you use? Hi power or not, the Heltec board should only draw as much power as it needs shouldn't it? Are there engineering issues at play here perhaps?. :)

[@MotownBatman]

I've been looking at getting 2 of these, I havent looked too far into them yet, besides buying 2 kits that looked like old blackberries. Which brings me to my next point, I was Incorrectly gussing they were using that old signal

[@DoItYourselfDad]

The old blackberries are the T Decks, once the new Fancy UI is in beta it will be a great solution.

[@murrij]

Thank you for the link to the v2 flasher. They don't make it easy to use the older boards.

[@DoItYourselfDad]

You are welcome, I was frustrated with it myself, I had to dig around to find that link.

[@bpp5507]

I love seeing things like this, and learning new ways to build out networks... but almost all the ones I've seen are just like this with text only. Are there any where you could maybe utilize Voice and text?

[@DoItYourselfDad]

The amounting of data that can be transmitted via LORA is too small for voice. For voice you’d be better off with GMRS and repeaters.

[@bpp5507]

@DoItYourselfDad do you have any recommendations for hardware I can look at that's similar to this, that would be capable of Voice

[@DoItYourselfDad]

@ Are you looking for radios with repeaters? The only things I have experience with are CB, HAM, and GMRS. Of the three I'd recommend GMRS. I don't know enough to be comfortable recommending hardware. For that check out NotARubicon Productions here on youtube, here's his GMRS 101 Video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jISbaWeqmJmHaLM

[@dallassmith1006]

HAL to Dave, "Open the pod doors!"

[@jotalucas5504]

La resurrección avanzada del beeper?

[@jesuspadilla3498]

Hello how are you, incredible video I really liked it. I have a question I would like to enter the discord but I can not find the invitation link, what happens is that I want to set up a monitoring station for some crops using this technology LoRa, that indications, and recommendations could give me, just acquired two plates Heltec V3 TYVM

[@Kqiros4447]

how did you connect it to the computer? USB-c - regular USB to computer?

[@Larry-Golade]

USB classic, it's safe.

[@DoItYourselfDad]

This

[@MR-nl8xr]

Make sure that the cable can do transfer too. I can confirm now that if the USB c cable is a charge only cable, it will not recognize the Meshtastic device after clicking Flash. For version V2.

[@MarkRomo365]

Thank you for a very informative video. If I have two personal devices, can a “Man in the middle” capture the message? And, is the any encryption between devices? Going to research now.

[@DoItYourselfDad]

There is end to end encryption, I can't speak to how good the encryption is though. Since this is all OTA it could be intercepted.

[@JosephRicciardi]

If you can tell me where HAL came from......I'm sorry Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that

[@wallacewillard7131]

Great vid, will a mac book work for flashing?

[@DoItYourselfDad]

Yup! That's what I've used, just make sure to use Chrome.

[@---nw9qu]

Great video. Think I'm going to finally pull the trigger and order. Do you happen to have a link to an STL file to 3D print a case for the Heltec V3 and battery?

[@MRMR-MRMR-MRMR]

there's other channels out there (here in yt land) that have that link. I haver a printer but I am just going to buy it now for the sake of time.

[@DoItYourselfDad]

This was the case I used as as starting off point: www.thingiverse.com/thing:6579551 I modified the design to clear larger plugs and added a larger battery compartment. I plan on getting the remix uploaded soon.

[@CraigMullins1]

I want to keep one of these outside for more range. Are there any waterproof ones or what antenna connections that i cna use that are waterproof if i put it in a container or are there any ready made waterproof ones? Are there maps that show what settings to use for my area that shows popular channels? Is there a default channel to typically use with certain settings? Any that have larger batteries and can also connect it to power and able to use it and keep battery charged at the same time

[@DoItYourselfDad]

I just made one out of an old water tight box and used silicone caulk to seal the antenna and solar wire. There are also some off the shelf options, check out Rak Wireless, I have also seen some for sale on Etsy.

[@DoItYourselfDad]

Shoot, just saw the rest of your question. Yes, there are maps that can help you figure out how high to mount things to get the best range. There are are a lot of resources on the Meshtastic website that can help you out with that. In regards to batteries, there are several other options. You can go with a larger battery than what I used, and the solar note that I just made I used two 18650 batteries and a repurposed 5 W solar panel. With those batteries running a Wisblock bored I can pretty much run the note indefinitely.

[@JessieS]

@@DoItYourselfDadsounds like a video to me 😅

[@DoItYourselfDad]

@@JessieS Probably will be 😀

[@saimonbrunopereira1888]

Amigo muito obrigado por disponibilizar videos com dublagem 🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@lspdfarmer7194]

Hey looking to make a few of these and I’m wondering if we can use any old cell phone or tablet that doesn’t have connection other then wifi to download app

[@DoItYourselfDad]

Yup! I’ve got the node I leave at home paired to an old phone that is only running on WiFi…. You don’t even need the WiFi, just Bluetooth to connect to the node.

[@lspdfarmer7194]

@ so once I download the app on the device turn off the wifi and just run off Bluetooth to node and I can communicate ?

[@DoItYourselfDad]

@@lspdfarmer7194 Correct, all you need is a bluetooth connection.

[@klaytotoo3652]

Hi-- VE RY INTERESTING---- CAN this be used to to turn something on or off a a small distance? my shop is a few blocks away -turn a light off/on etc

[@DoItYourselfDad]

I haven't gone that far into it, but I believe there are ways using these boards. The boards have pinouts that can be used for additional devices, sensors etc. I don't know if meshtastic would be the right services to use, but the LoRa boards would do the trick.

[@geesharp6637]

Edge works as well as Chrome.

[@DoItYourselfDad]

Edge is chromium based so that makes sense

[@MR-nl8xr]

Not sure about that. using latest Version of Edge on V2, and after clicking " Erase Flash & Install ", I keep getting "No compatible devices were found, window message.

[@jtderby]

Can you have it both plugged in and using the battery? Use case: plugged into a usb port in the car charging while driving then using the battery when the car is off?

[@DoItYourselfDad]

Yup! That’s exactly how I have the one is my truck setup.

[@jtderby]

@@DoItYourselfDadthanks. About how long does it run on a full charge and how long does it take to recharge from empty?

[@DoItYourselfDad]

The V3 will run 8-10 hours on a 1000mah battery, it’s pretty much charged back up on my hour drive into work.

[@keithrunge4095]

The STL file for the front cover is corrupt. The image even shows it missing.

[@DoItYourselfDad]

Just fixed it, thank for the heads up!

[@LLoouukkaass112233]

Will Apophis hit us, so we need a monitored low level/power communication system?

[@DoItYourselfDad]

One can dream…

[@DJ_Hozer]

Im sorry Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that

[@DoItYourselfDad]

Bingo!

[@DJ_Hozer]

@@DoItYourselfDad just ordered the t114s and some batteties Thank you. 😎👍

[@syn4057]

I just pick up a fault in the AE35 unit. It is going to go 100% failure in 72 hours.

[@JustAGuyYaKnow42]

What firmware are you using on that lilygo? It looks very different from mine. Good video.

[@DoItYourselfDad]

Currently running “Fancy UI”

[@ShakaluMD]

​@@DoItYourselfDaddo you recommend the t-deck now you are using the fancy ui? Also, does this fix the butt dialing issue? Thanks!

[@DoItYourselfDad]

@ShakaluMD fancy UI is still under development. I wouldn’t recommend it until fancy UI is in beta. I fixed the butt dialing issue by 3D printing a cover for it. Hoping it’s more sorted when it gets officially released.

[@graphguy]

do you have links for 3D stl files for cases?

[@DoItYourselfDad]

This is the one I used: www.thingiverse.com/thing:6579551 Soon I'll have a remix of it posted with larger battery compartment, better access to the USB C port, and a loop for a carabiner. Edit.... here's my remix: www.thingiverse.com/thing:6896664

[@justinterested5819]

Sadly, I didnt saw your Video 2 weeks ago when I bought 2 heltec v3, 2 20000mAh USB Power bank and a 15€ USB Solar Panel :-| Well, I know better for my next nodes lol

[@DoItYourselfDad]

V3's are still great boards, I've got a bunch of them running.

[@CCTVAGENDA]

So how 10$ again

[@nicke.3011]

probably the price of the book...used.

[@DoItYourselfDad]

I’ve got several in the last few weeks on Aliexpress in their dollar express sales…. Gotta shop around

[@bankruptsee]

From china directly

[@cole638]

scot greening has a great mode for the t deck the vied is called "This device makes Meshtastic the BEST off-grid tech" level 2 jeff

[@DoItYourselfDad]

He’s running “fancy UI”, which is what I’m running now. Once Fancy UI is in beta I would agree with him, but as it stands right now Fancy UI is extremely buggy, and not even in alpha yet. Once Fancy UI gets finished, and released it Beta it will be great, but not as it is currently.

[@pablolopezrivas3522]

So. It's basically an uhf/vhf radio

[@mntrken2001ify]

HAL name the computer in the movie 2001

[@domvdg]

I'm sorry Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that.

[@AdmV0rl0n]

I think meshtastic and its limited capabilities are way overblown. That being said, I wanted to comment on this video. If I was to recommend a basic how to on Meshtastic and have it be a really good one - this is it. There is a plethora of kits and parts, and just having someone outline 'use this and this, and this is how' is excellent.

[@СергейЖерлицын-ж5г]

What is the power of standard device? How I can understand is near another users before buying equipment?

[@DoItYourselfDad]

Some nodes are mapped, which you can find on the Meshtastic website, unfortunately many are not mapped so checking there may show none when there are nodes. My area looked empty on the maps but there are at least a dozen within one hop from me.

[@СергейЖерлицын-ж5г]

@@DoItYourselfDad thank you

[@barnowl6807]

Just check your sources today, 12-29-24. No less than about $17.00.

[@DoItYourselfDad]

Like I mentioned in the video, use the links as a jumping off point. Keep an eye on Aliexpress in the Daily Deals. I just got V3’s with antennas last week for $10 each, V2s were $8.

[@andyspoo2]

You want to get the frequency right because not doing so could mean that you are transmitting on an illegal frequency in your country.

[@nathanetzel7633]

Is anyone concerned about buying and setting up Chinese boards to broadcast in the US?

[@DoItYourselfDad]

Why would there be any concern? The hardware is Chinese, the software is not.

[@oldarchillies163]

I would guess that any concern would revolve around the phone app rather them the ESP32 which would not carry much of interest to anyone. Location data I suppose. Unless you are using the mesh system for something security related, like unlocking your house.

[@OnlyDayzfanz]

What i find hilarious about all this is that we have to source this from china for a shtf situation to be in contact n safe in these situations, says a lot of how our country is going they should provide ways but no there literally against us there the ones we should be worried about!

[@vincentwilkes9611]

That Chrome browser is now spying on you on behalf of Google

[@DoItYourselfDad]

Now? lol..... it's been that way for decades.

[@mntrken2001ify]

This technology from 10+ yrs ago.

[@DoItYourselfDad]

Really almost any RF tech is from 10+ years ago

[@mntrken2001ify]

It was mentioned in a magazine article about a new mesh military communication system.

[@DoItYourselfDad]

If you're talking about LORA, yes, it was first developed in france and patented 11 years ago. Meshtastic as a protocol is far newer than that. Military mesh communication systems have been around since the 60's.

[@jamesridge7982]

My name is Hal and i hate carbon based lifeforms

[@kenpong9070]

Can we use this in China ? Given no censorship yet - irony is many of these are made in China

[@DoItYourselfDad]

Sure can, there are two frequencies in China CN470-510 from 470 to 510 MHz and the CN779-787 from 779 to 787 MHz

[@TaigiTWeseDiplomat--Formosan]

０．０

[@drewpaschal9294]

They are $20-25 now. Days of $10 nodes are gone.

[@DoItYourselfDad]

They’re definitely not gone. I just got $10 Heltec’s from Aliexpress this week.

[@Trident-91]

Who in the rite mind is going to do all that!. Makes me want to get off grid even more!, probably save money by not having to get a laptop to program a ten bucks Bluetooth dongle!, that no one will be on!. Anyway would be a good video if it had different content 🤔🤷🏻‍♂️

[@DoItYourselfDad]

Judging by your spelling, grammar, and punctuation, the mesh is better off without you. 😂

[@Trident-91]

@ What are you?, the spelling police 👮🏿

[@DoItYourselfDad]

@@Trident-91 Loose the comma, capitalize the "T" and throw a question mark after police. You're almost there buddy.

[@Trident-91]

@ It’s showing that you live in your moms basement and play with tomagchas

[@DoItYourselfDad]

@@Trident-91 Moms should be mom's, it's possessive. There should be a period after tomagchas, also, it's spelled tamagotchis. Why don't you just come out and tell us you can't afford a laptop.

[@justawfulgamer7738]

Meshtastic is mostly useless. Change my mind.

[@DoItYourselfDad]

So are most of our hobbies... but.... I can communicate from work, to home, to my kid at school, without needing cell signal. Living in eathquake county having a backup isn't a bad idea.

[@justawfulgamer7738]

@@DoItYourselfDad you must live in a closely populated area. i'm in farm country. totally useless for me.

[@DoItYourselfDad]

I live in a hilly area, two mountain top solar nodes are all I need to get signal from home to work.

[@TheGribbleReport]

@@justawfulgamer7738I live in a very remote mountain area in the Rockies. We use it to communicate across not only our land (over 500 acres) but with our neighbors also. To each their own.

[@justawfulgamer7738]

@@TheGribbleReport would a gmrs radio not do the same thing?