Repeaters¶
Repeaters form the stable backbone of the Ottawa MeshCore network.
You can choose between pre-built repeaters or DIY builds, and both are great options.
Pre-built units have improved a lot in reliability and price, while DIY builds remain popular for those who like full control over their hardware.
Upgrade the repeater antenna
The included antenna performs poorly on all of these models. Plan to replace it, and upgrade to at least the ALFA 5.8 dBi. See: Recommended Antennas
Important Note for nRF52-Based Repeaters¶
If you plan to use a nRF52 board for a repeater, you must update it to the OTAFIX bootloader firmware.
Without this fix, if an OTA update fails over BLE, the repeater will enter an unusable state and require physical access to recover.
See more infomation in the repeater flashing instructions page.
Pre-Built¶
These options come fully assembled; simply flash MeshCore and mount them in a high location to expand the mesh.
Pre-Built Repeater Options¶
SenseCAP Solar Node P1 Notes
To build out a SenseCAP Solar Node P1, you need to purchase the 4 items below: the node itself, batteries, an upgraded antenna, and the correct pigtail cable.
| Product | Notes | Link |
|---|---|---|
| SenseCAP Solar Node P1 w/o GPS & Battery | Solar-powered communication node using the XIAO nRF52840 Plus + Wio-SX1262 LoRa module. Includes a 5W solar panel, IPX5 waterproofing. | RobotShop (Canadian Store) |
| Batteries for SenseCAP Solar Node P1 (Local Store) | Four button-top 18650 cells, required if you purchase the P1 model without GPS & Battery. | Motion Power & Witt Supply Co. |
| LoRa Antenna for SenseCAP Solar Node P1 | External antenna for the node. | Amazon.ca |
| RP-SMA to N-Type Cable (Type 2, 30 cm) for SenseCAP Solar Node P1 | Pigtail cable for connecting the node to an external antenna. Make sure to select Type 2 (RP-SMA) and 30 cm when ordering. | AliExpress |
Build Your Own¶
A robust build using a purpose-built weatherproof enclosure.
Recommended Parts List¶
| Item | Product Name | Cost (CAD) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enclosure | WisMesh Unify Enclosure 910422 | $72.50 | AliExpress |
| LoRa Board (Small) | RAK WisBlock RAK19003/RAK4631 (Type 6) | $36.38 | AliExpress |
| Antenna | ALFA AOA-915-5ACM | $34.99 | Amazon |
| Antenna Coax Cable | N Female to IPX | $6.79 | AliExpress |
| Battery - Option 1 | 3000mAh Li-ion - Makerfocus (Pack of 4) - Ships from China | $34.10 | Makerfocus |
| Battery - Option 2 | 3000mAh Li-ion - Amazon US store (Pack of 4) | $40.92 | Amazon |
| Battery - Option 3 | 3000mAh Li-ion - Sold at Local store (Space Hedgehog) | $11.00 | Space Hedgehog |
| Battery Protection ^ | VoltaicEnclosures Li-ion PCM | $7.50 | Etsy |
| Vent | Waterproof Vent Plug (M12X1.5-10) | $6.12 | AliExpress |
^ If you're using the Makerfocus flat battery: This already includes a PCM, the VoltaicEnclosures PCM is an added safety measure. If you're using unprotected batteries (e.g., 18650 button top), then you will need to purchase a PCM.
Approximate total cost: $180 CAD
Build Instructions: 300mW Solar Repeater Build Guide