📶 PoE Meshtastic Repeater Build Video 📶

Intro video for the PoE (Power over Ethernet) Meshtastic Build
*Note*
Things like Python CLI and potentially other things are not supported over the network. This is primarily for non-JSON MQTT
🗣️ Join in on the conversation on Discord!
/ discord
Etsy Shop:
thecommschannel.etsy.com
Video showing connecting and configuring Meshtastic:
• Getting Started with M...
Please know, I may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the affiliate links below at no cost to you:
================================
===Optional items seen in the video===
================================
Signal Analyzer:
amzn.to/3I4UHej
Amcrest PoE Switch (Confirmed working):
[My model does not show up on Amazon and has been replaced with a newer model that has been reported to not work]
==========================
===Standard Build Parts List===
==========================
Meshtastic Starter Kit
store.rokland.com/products/ra...
Alternative older model Meshtastic Starter Kit (If one above is out of stock)
store.rokland.com/products/ra...
Small Antenna if mounting on top of enclosure:
store.rokland.com/products/al...
Alternative large antenna for mounting on pole:
store.rokland.com/products/9-...
IPEX to N Connector:
store.rokland.com/products/uf...
[Alternatives if out of stock ➡️ Make sure to select a cable length greater than 3"]
amzn.to/3vDM1bQ
www.digikey.com/en/products/d...
IPEX to SMA (optional if preferred over N Connector):
amzn.to/48LSQqc ➡️ (Make sure to select a cable length greater than 3")
KMR240 Cable (Optional if using large antenna)
amzn.to/47HzGRf
Waterproof Enclosure: (Out Of stock - More coming soon)
*MAKE SURE ITS THE FOLLOWING SIZE*
(7.9 * 3.9 * 2.8(200×100×70mm))
If that size isn't available, they're out of stock.
amzn.to/4b0LWiw
Antenna Mount:
amzn.to/3U8mTE6
PoE UPS:
amzn.to/3UsZldp
PoE Splitter:
amzn.to/49pTgCO
Ethernet Cable Gland
store.rokland.com/products/ra...
Alternative Ethernet Cable Gland (2 pack) (M20 CAT 6)
amzn.to/3HTiGgq
Ethernet Cable:
Get whatever length you need to reach
amzn.to/3UMYWm6
============================
===Networked Build Parts List===
============================
Meshtastic Starter Kit
store.rokland.com/products/ra...
Alternative older model Meshtastic Starter Kit (If one above is out of stock)
store.rokland.com/products/ra...
WisBlock Ethernet Module:
store.rokland.com/products/ra...
RAK19018 PoE Module
store.rokland.com/products/po...
Small Antenna if mounting on top of enclosure:
store.rokland.com/products/al...
Alternative large antenna for mounting on pole:
store.rokland.com/products/9-...
IPEX to N Connector:
store.rokland.com/products/uf...
[Alternatives if out of stock ➡️ Make sure to select a cable length greater than 3"]
amzn.to/3vDM1bQ
www.digikey.com/en/products/d...
IPEX to SMA (optional if preferred over N Connector):
amzn.to/48LSQqc ➡️ (Make sure to select a cable length greater than 3")
KMR240 Cable (Optional if using large antenna)
amzn.to/47HzGRf
Waterproof Enclosure:
*MAKE SURE ITS THE FOLLOWING SIZE*
(7.9 * 3.9 * 2.8(200×100×70mm))
If that size isn't available, they're out of stock.
amzn.to/4b0LWiw
Antenna Mount:
amzn.to/3U8mTE6
PoE Splitter:
amzn.to/49pTgCO
PoE Injector
store.rokland.com/products/ra...
Alternative PoE Injector
amzn.to/42yK2BU
Ethernet Cable Gland
store.rokland.com/products/ra...
Alternative Ethernet Cable Gland (2 pack) (M20 CAT 6)
amzn.to/3HTiGgq
Ethernet Cable:
Get whatever length you need to reach
amzn.to/483FswE

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Forgot to mention this in the video but if you're using the PoE UPS, be sure to turn the 24V/48V Selector Switch to the 48V position.

[@Spliner69]

I found several POE adapters that wouldn't work for me and sure enough, they were 24v. They must be 48v to work.

[@maizenbrot]

I found that Ubiquiti make a great $45 outdoor enclosure called "Flex Utility" which is weather proof, has pole mounting bracket in the back, locking screw, nice padded cable clamp thing on the bottom that fits 5 cables which made life a lot easier for me compared to using glands. Even comes with a 60W PoE adapter included. It's my new go-to enclosure for all kinds of maker/IoT projects. No built-in bracket for a solar panel but you can't get everything you want :-)

[@The_Comms_Channel]

I'll have to check that out! Thanks for the heads up!

[@maizenbrot]

@@The_Comms_Channel yeah only downside might be that the inside has two fixed compartments where you are supposed to clip in a power supply and a switch, i personally dremeled mine away but a more elegant way would probably be to 3D print a couple of standardized plates that could slot into those two compartments and then allow for mounting stuff like a wizblock or battery holder. That would allow for toolless removal of the internals for updating etc. Althought the pole mount already offers you to be able to just clip the entire box off and take it inside if you don't use the locking screw

[@EthosAtheos]

Run, don't walk to harbor freight and get a step drill bit. When drilling thin plastic or metal it will change your life.

[@3G3D]

they were just giving them away with a $25 purchase. I grabbed a couple of sets since I use them all the time

[@GeorgeAdams]

Please don’t use a step bit. You’ll very easily make the wrong size hole. If you do insist on using one of these, you’ll need to ensure the step size is larger than the wall thickness of the box.

[@over-engineered]

been using step cutters for 20 years or more, brilliant tool

[@lee2e0wyk60]

Great instructional video. Id just like to add that the Ethernet cable run should be for external use rated as the standard Cat5/6 will degrade quickly under UV light exposure & quickly becomes unusable.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

True. The amazon link I used is for outdoor cable. I forgot to mention this in the video however.

[@Liberty4Ever]

Another great Meshtastic video. I bought the PVC pipes tonight for the masts for my three solar powered nodes to make SHTF FamilyNet. Still waiting on RAK to ship my WisBlocks from China but I now have everything else. Rokland shipped the antennas quickly, good prices and the quality is top notch.

[@AT_68]

Thank you for the great videos. I appreciate any and all information, so yes, please talk about the signal analyzer.

[@PNW1975]

Most antennas require a ground plane to operate properly. I used aluminum tape. It needs to extend at least 1/4 wavelength. Tape extending on 2 sides is normally fine. If you are using an antenna with an internal dipole, it doesn’t need the ground plane.

[@Coffeenerdtools]

Great info as always 👍🏼

[@AmbroseMazionSr]

My new favorite channel.

[@KiLLaDaTa]

What a treat!

[@icepoof]

Great video as usual

[@DOWN_THE_HATCH]

Can't wait for the networked device video! Time to add a new node in Switzerland ;)

[@knightshousegames]

I can't be the only one that has a visceral reaction to the phrase "Ethernet Gland"...

[@ARGAR_GAMES]

It did make me cringe

[@n8mail76]

it's an artifact of the AVE channel. ask the KZbinrs copy his vernacular

[@dirkhandzic]

Great video! A video on LoRa RF power measurement would be interesting. I ran into problem with a T-Echo with very low output power compared to the other T-Echo it is connected to.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Thanks! I will look into doing that!

[@MyTube4Utoo]

Thank you.

[@GH0ST369]

Interested in the SA trouble shooting video. I am a little ways away from being able to set up my own network but at least if I watch how it is done on the easy it will save a ton of time and money. Too bad affiliate links do not link outside US.

[@jamess1787]

The amcrest uses passive poe, thats why its working.

[@ernstwittenschlager8887]

In addition to recharging the batteries with a solar panel, do you know whether we can also use the solar panel connector (1.5mm JST ZHR-2) for standard 5-volt recharging? For example, a USB-C cable-to-JST plug into the solar panel charger? It would be nice to use that one plug for recharging via BOTH solar & conventional means.

[@TeardownOZ2CPU]

Absolutly top quality video.. I loved it .. Greetings from Meshtastic user OZ2CPU Denmark Copenhagen :-)

[@KiLLaDaTa]

Video on a signal analyzer would be great

[@jamess1787]

Buy a Nano SA, get the newer version (does up to 6GHz). Set the start stop frequency, now you can see signals. 🥳. Use a proper antenna to get a better/more realistic signal level.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Will do!

[@Spliner69]

I love your videos, it’s inspired me to try out and begin building my own off-grid comms. What I would like to see is a video series about how, if possible, to protect these nodes from EMP. Right now the only way I can think of would be to have a second node stored in an EMP-proof container ready to be swapped out as necessary but it would be better if protection could be built into the nodes.

[@Liberty4Ever]

There really is no practical way to protect any electrical device that's connected to an antenna from an EMP or Carrington event (or worse, a Miyake event). I'm using the replacement method. Solar panels and WisBlocks are fairly inexpensive. I'll program at least 2n+1LoRa devices for an n node network and store the spares in the tactical galvanized trash can in the basement. For my 3 node FamilyNet, that's a minimum of 7 LoRa devices and 7 solar cells, 3 in use and 4 spares. Also, don't forget the interface devices. Store cheap Android tablets in ammo cans and small solar panels will also be needed to charge those Android devices. Also, for an EMP instead of a Carrington event, it's likely that a second EMP will be used 2-3 weeks later to take out emergency backup systems after they're deployed. 😲

[@Spliner69]

@@Liberty4Ever good thoughts.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Thanks! I'm glad to hear that! I've gotten this question a lot and plan on doing a video on it. Liberty4Ever's comment sums it up though

[@ophello]

Is that even a real concern?

[@Spliner69]

@@ophello EMP is always a real concern. Any off-grid solution would have to consider that a risk factor. Luckily these things are fairly cheap to keep a few protected swap out.

[@Andy-kr9iq]

Thanks for this series! I got a few T-echos and looking for antennas. Did you ever get to test the 17cm Gizont antenna you mentioned on your T-Echo video?

[@GaryStango]

There are many types of POE, thats why the other switches likely didnt work. You will want a "48v at" type injector or a switch capable of powering that. Ussually they list as "POE++"

[@christopherhanes4519]

Thanks!

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Thank you so much for the support!

[@codyy8006]

I like the idea of doing a security video. So quick question I read a comment on an earlier video. It was about a possible breach if some in the private group had the group in the first channel and shared the QR code. your fix was to make the public channel as the first and the private group as the second so the 3rd party can accidentally compromise the encryption and set an admin on the devise. Does having the private channel set to the 2nd spot stop you from sending you location? And can you change location sharing to different channels? As in the public is 1 turn off location sharing but have location sharing on for channels 2 and 3 for different group chats.

[@coastalpoodlerescue]

😊😊👍🏼👍🏼

[@rkneeshaw]

@The_Comms_Channel I think I understand what is happening with the PoE module not working with many PoE switches. The lower power nature of the wisblock board and accessories is causing the RAK19018 to enter a gated pulse mode which means the power signature it provides to the PoE switch/injector is not constant. This causes many "smarter" PoE switches to think the device is constantly disconnecting and reconnecting and therefore the switch keeps shutting off power to the port. The reason some PoE switches/injectors DO work with the RAK19018 is if they are basically "dumb" and just blindly shove power.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Ah, that makes sense. Thank you for this. I've not been able to make much sense of the issue, but I bet this is it.

[@rkneeshaw]

@@The_Comms_Channel Confirmed! Using a 25ohm resister on the 5v output connector of the RAK19018 solved the PoE problem. I'm now successfully powering the Wisblock from my Ubiquiti PoE switch. I used the little pigtail connector you included in the mounting board kit (with battery holder) and soldered the resister between the red and black lead.

[@jamess1787]

Use listed (UL/CSA/etc) devices when connecting to AC Mains. 👍

[@kf5hcr176]

Repeater proximity to UHF,VHF transmitters...CAUTION. FYI, I had a V3 configured as a repeater, had it on my radio tower, very near my VHF J pole. After our radio net I discovered the V3 on longer working. It will flash ok, but will not allow configuration. I suspect my VHF transmissions damaged the V3 So now I'll have to relocate a new repeater, not sure how distant it should be from VHF antenna, I'll try 30 feet and observe. I should have seen that coming.

[@frankaguilar1818]

Really interesting and I'm glad this came up in my feed. Will you be selling a completed PoE repeater in any fashion?

[@Talie5in]

The rubber peice for Ethernet grommets i've used, you put on the otherside and tuck/push towards the back and then screw on - far less fiddly. I think you're putting that rubber grommet on, a bit, back to front.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Good to know! Thanks!

[@benriser4018]

The RAK19017 appears to be just POE with no network as well if you’re just looking to power the WisBlock and not looking for network connectivity.

[@micklaws5520]

Hello all…one question. With outdoor enclosures and the Lithium Ion batteries powering the repeater,what affect does very cold weather have on the battery life and charging? Slowly building out the network here in Rural Kansas. Lots of neighbors want to have some kind of comm out here especially after our near 5 week internet outage ….

[@user-ik1js9nh7y]

Is there anyway you can do a video on meshtastic atak configuration...I would be forever grateful

[@rnkustomz]

Any plans for a small tablet with rugged case Bluetooth connected to a wiz block? I’m trying to think of a rugged container I could build a tablet into for keeping in families cars for off grid coms

[@RogierYou]

There are various kind of POE make sure you use the correct standard

[@souk-tv]

Can I build any kind of lora server via Proxmox/VM using x86/amd64 hardware and a m.2/mini pcie lora card?

[@martijndekeijzer]

nice! i have the problem with this setup that i can't enable Ethernet. do you know how to fix that ?

[@amkazan7821]

Are you familiar with the BlackBerry 850? Is it possible to recreate this device to work in mesh networks?

[@levigruffydh6913]

Is it possible to sideload maps onto a phone for meshtastic use? And is it possible to share pin drops with others without using ATAK?

[@renemchandler1368]

What Meshtastic product would you recommend to track construction site vehicles? like excavators, tractors, etc...

[@beercraftr5555]

Which video do I need to watch to configure my repeater once I have firmware installed?

[@tomasbara8096]

did u tried ethernet cross cable with not working poe switch?

[@chadmerrell2951]

Ok so what am I missing? What plugs into what in order to get the ups to run the poe switch?

[@scarygary3569]

Howdy folks,just a soon to be meshtastic newbie here but I'm curious if there's any surge protection ideas or products for these devices to protect them from solar cme,flares or EMP? I've got all of my other systems and vehicles as protected as possible but who knows, could just be a waste of money but can't say i didnt try.

[@Spliner69]

I have a question. Originally, I had planned a solar build from your video but after reading results from other people typically I see it won't last more than a month or two depending on the size of battery you start with. So, I've ordered the POE adapter and the ethernet adapter to switch to POE. Here's my question, should I still install a battery and the solar panel? Would it do any good if power from the POE failed? If that setup would give me 1-3 months of power after the POE died (using those three power options) that would be ideal. So I would have a POE powered node, with a 10000 mah battery and the 6v 5w solar panel. Thoughts?

[@dr3wster]

Hi great video as always. I have the PoE UPS that you show in the video, but it doesn't look like it provides enough voltage for RAK Silvertel PoE module (it says 36V to 57V input, but the UPS says something much lower)? How did you tackle this?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

There's a selector switch for 24V/48V that you need to set to 48V

[@dr3wster]

@@The_Comms_Channel Doh! I thought we had the *exact* setup, but whilst they look identical, mine is switched between 15v and 24v on the PoE connector. Off to return mine to Amazon. Thanks for the heads up.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

@@dr3wster Sure thing! The one in the video description is what I'm using.

[@ripe_apple]

where do i start on the Meshtastic project?

[@kfamilyvideos1]

Can you make a video on writing firmware to wisblock via Bluetooth? Now that I got my node up, I don't want to take it down to update the code.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Will do!

[@luckyandgrateful8190]

I'm running linux laptops with fire fox would I be able to flash the bios? or will I need googles browser?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Firewox won't work. You'll want to use Chromium or Google Chrome.

[@mediocreman2]

What is the advantage of Ethernet connectivity? Does it allow relaying of messages through the Internet?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

You can do that with MQTT

[@Glock21911]

I am completely new to this! How far will the repeater build get out? I would put it on top of 40 story building where my repeaters are!

[@The_Comms_Channel]

This video should help! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5K9an2YrMqEgMk

[@JMentor]

Is there any concern for lightning protection in a setup like this? I want to roof mount using POE but I'm concerned about lightning strikes. Would mounting it lower than the peak of the roof help?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

A lightning strike that close would likely fry the device so mounting it lower probably wouldn't help much. Love the profile pic BTW, beautiful Pilatus.

[@JMentor]

​@@The_Comms_Channelhaha thanks! I fly the PC-12 but I wish I flew the PC-21 lol. As for the antenna I might just mount it with my ADSB receiver which is already grounded. Might lose range though.

[@UnknownUser-pf9rk]

Does the ethernet cable allow you do to cool stuff with the node via network or why don't you just supply power by USB for example?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

USB cable has a shorter limit on length

[@dr3wster]

Nope - RAK builds DO NOT currently have network control built into Meshtastic. No TCP control via CLI, no web server. Nothing, other than the standard admin channel. I don't even believe it's on the roadmap or tracked on Github as a requested feature - hint hint). Also worth noting that RAK setups don't support 'Save and Forward', so can't disptach stored messages to connected nodes. It's basically just great as a repeater/router, but if you want these extra features, you have to add another ESP32 node to your local setup.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

@@dr3wster MQTT and MNMC works

[@dr3wster]

@@The_Comms_Channel Correct - I actually use MQTT for location updates on my attic RAK setup. You just cannot control the node via TCP unless perhaps you push admin commands to MQTT, but that sounds pretty dodgy, encryption or not. Not sure what MNMC is?

[@BlueCubAdventures]

What would be the advantage of using PoE for the standard build vs. using a 5v backup battery bank? Is it just temperature?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Not sure what you mean by 5v battery bank.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Beautiful cub you got btw. Working on a Kitfox in my spare time.

[@BlueCubAdventures]

@@The_Comms_Channelthat’s awesome, good for you. Like a battery pack you’d charge your phone on…

[@The_Comms_Channel]

@@BlueCubAdventures The main reason for using PoE compared to the solar version I did a video on is temperature. If you live in an area where the inside of enclosure would get too hot or too cold for batteries, then this is a good option.

[@Teeurbo]

So I've built a node with the ethernet module (no POE) but I cannot connect to the node via ethernet? The IP address does nothing. The meshtastic client doesn't seem to work either. What am I doing wrong?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Not sure what you mean when you say the IP address does nothing. Are you trying to connect to a web interface like you do with ESP32 devices like the T-Beam? If so, the RAK equipment are NRF52 devices which don't have it built in. MQTT and Meshtastic Network Management Client (still in early development and has bugs) is what works as far as network connectivity goes at the moment.

[@Teeurbo]

@@The_Comms_Channel I literally just worked that out as you replied. Thanks for your help I assumed the Rak stuff would behave the same as ESP32 stuff. Might make another remote node instead.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

@@Teeurbo Sure thing! They're a bit different between the two platforms unfortunately. NRF52 doesn't have as much room for things like the build-in web interface like the ESP32 stuff.

[@GreasypoleNation]

What is the advantage of the poe and splitter?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Not sure what you mean

[@BLUESKYS4EVE]

Rokland increased the price of the RAK meshtastic stater kit by 2dollars. 😢.

[@jinks6410]

Question, say 20 users are on the mesh, can there be multiple private chats, or can everybody see the same chat?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

You can have multiple private chatrooms

[@jinks6410]

@@The_Comms_Channel thanks, I'm getting it now. Last question, does it only jump three nodes, or does it go to whom ever you are messaging as long as it has a mesh path?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Only 3 hops, but the furthest away node gets to retransmit each hop to ensure it gets as far as possible.

[@ZeroDayJames]

How often do these need firmware updates to continue functioning? I have a mast on my roof I want to throw this on with constant power but it is going to be extremely difficult to access… the mast goes up soon and ideally I would like to never have to take it down again

[@The_Comms_Channel]

They will continue functioning as repeaters until version 3.0 comes out (will be some time). If you're using it as a client, sometimes when there's an update to the app it will need a firmware update. If you don't want to run into this issue, you will want to not update the app. If you do want to update the firmware on the device, there is a way to do so over Bluetooth so you don't have to take it down.

[@waterskipilot145]

Whats the status of the ETSY store?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

I'll have a restock Wednesday

[@Glock21911]

Are you going to have any more kits for sale?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Sure am. Just finished putting some together. I'm leaving Etsy and hope to have a new place to sell them early next week. If nothing progresses with that, I'll throw them up on Etsy though so I don't leave anyone hanging.

[@Glock21911]

Thanks for info. Will be looking at 2. I will be watching for updates!

[@Glock21911]

@@The_Comms_Channel ordered my mounts and already shipped!

[@williamgonzalaez229]

Signal analyzer. Hmmmm

[@ophello]

It’s kind of silly to cram the POE splitter inside the box. You should just have that splitter at the source, then run the eth cable from that directly into your box.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

That makes no sense. The splitter is there to provide power to the USB port on the WisBlock.

[@dfgdfg_]

Why are we doing this? People are saying its 80 people before you get a saturated network so advertising it literally kills your mesh

[@The_Comms_Channel]

It's my understanding that the 80 people used to be a set limit of nodes that could fit in the NodeDB. When that filled up, it would cause the devices to crash. That has since been fixed and now it just deletes the oldest node in the DB.

[@ARGAR_GAMES]

Why the fuck hasn't the Americans gone metric yet? LOL But a very useful video.

[@mediocreman2]

Oh you mean like the UK that still uses it in every non formal situation? Or like airplanes that all use feet? Besides, the sciences in the US already use metric mostly. The reason is pretty simple. It will cause more confusion than anything. Look at the UK. They still haven't really converted in reality. It would take 100 years to fully change. That's a lot of pain and money spent. Anyone that grew up with Imperial system can't just learn a new system. They just convert it mentally. So that's a massive change to get to the younger generation that doesn't convert. Besides, look at their president. He's fumbling around as it is. Imagine him trying to force a new system. Not only that, but metric is inferior for ambient temperature. You have to use decimal points to convey what is a normal number in fahrenheit. Not only that, but who cares? If you can't convert in your head, then you should probably not be watching videos from America.

[@ARGAR_GAMES]

@@mediocreman2 fair point. We're about 75% metric. Road signs are in miles per hour and yards.....wtf is a yard?!

[@micklaws5520]

@@ARGAR_GAMESA yard? Errrrr 3 feet Vice a Meter that is 3.3 feet..rounded up.

[@elesjuan]

PoE switches can be, well, a pain.. especially if you're using non-standard style network endpoints. My Unifi switch has 802.3at standard and doesn't like to power some devices in default configuration using PoE+. If you set the port to "passive" it'll generally power the picky PoE devices. Oddly enough, my first Unifi WAP required that to avoid using a power injector.

[@dickdaigle383]

Cant you just use the USB side of the POE splitter to connect to the USB-C slot on the board for power?

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Yes, that is an option.