MeshCore/CompanionNodes

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Antenna Recommendation

Almost every LoRa device ships with a very basic factory antenna that performs poorly. The Ottawa mesh community has tested many replacements, and the following antenna is highly recommended as a reliable upgrade:

Product	Cost (CAD)	Link
Gizont 167CM 915MHz SMA M	$10.53 CAD	Link
LINX ANT-916-CW-HW-SMA	$14.65 CAD	Link
Taoglas TI.09.A.0111	$17.47 CAD	Link

Pre-Built

This is the easiest way to get started — buy a companion node, flash it with MeshCore, and join the mesh.

We still recommend you buy one of the antennas listed above, as most manufacturers ship poorly tuned antennas with their devices.

This is a companion node and requires a smartphone. The MeshCore app connects to the node over Bluetooth (BLE) and is used to send and receive messages on the mesh.

The following pre-built companion nodes are popular and widely available:

Product	Notes	Link
ThinkNode M1	Compact device powered by the nRF52840 with a 1.54" screen and GPS support. Designed as a ready-to-use companion node for reliable messaging and tracking.	Link
LilyGO T-Echo	Compact device with onboard display and GPS. Good option for those who want something ready to use with minimal setup. Note: Buy the non-flashed version and save yourself a few dollars — it’s easy to load MeshCore firmware using the web flasher.	Link
SenseCAP T1000-E	A slim card-style tracker device from SeeedStudio. Portable and simple form factor (also IP65-rated) — easy to carry as a personal node. Note: The range on this device is more limited than other nodes because it uses built-in antennas.	Link
RAK WisMesh Tag	Rugged, compact device with integrated GPS and antennas. 1000mAh battery, IP66 waterproof/dustproof enclosure, and pre-flashed firmware for instant use. Built for reliable off-grid tracking and messaging. Note: The range on this device is more limited than other nodes because it uses built-in antennas.	Link

Build Your Own

For hobbyists who like to source parts and assemble their own node, here’s an example Ottawa-friendly build (antenna not included here, see above recommendation):

We still recommend you buy one of the antennas listed above, as most manufacturers ship poorly tuned antennas with their devices.

This is a companion node and requires a smartphone.

The MeshCore app connects to the node over Bluetooth (BLE) and is used to send and receive messages on the mesh.

Item	Product Name	Cost (CAD)	Link
LoRa Board	Heltek T114 (Bundle: Screen Case)	$48.18 CAD	Link
Battery	Makerfocus 3.7V 3000mAh Lipo	$10.00 CAD	Link

Approximate total cost (excluding antenna): $58.18 CAD

Take a peek at Alley Cat’s models — they’re excellent 3D-printable cases for custom companion node builds.

Standalone Nodes

There are standalone devices such as the T-Deck, but we recommend starting with a companion node instead. Standalone units are generally more expensive, their user interface is not as polished as the mobile app, and they still have quirks and limitations that can make them challenging for beginners.

We still recommend you buy one of the antennas listed above, as most manufacturers ship poorly tuned antennas with their devices.

Below are some standalone devices available:

Product	Notes	Link
LilyGO T-LORA Pager	A compact standalone LoRa messaging device styled like a classic pager. Useful for simple off-grid communication without needing a smartphone.	Link
LilyGO T-Deck Plus	Updated version of the T-Deck with improved specs and refinements. Designed with Meshtastic/MeshCore in mind for better performance and usability. However, the built-in trackball is considered a huge letdown — many users find it frustrating to use.	Link