MeshCore/Repeaters: Difference between revisions

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Created page with "__NOTOC__ ← Home Repeaters form the stable backbone of the Ottawa MeshCore network. Below are two main options for getting started: '''Pre-Built''' or '''Build Your Own''' While pre-built devices can be convenient, we strongly recommend building your own repeater for the best reliability, flexibility, and long-term maintainability. == Important Note for RAK-Based Repeaters == If you plan to use a '''RAK''' board for a repeater, please update it to..."
 
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Download the OTAFIX firmware here:   
Download the OTAFIX firmware here:   
[https://github.com/oltaco/Adafruit_nRF52_Bootloader_OTAFIX/releases/download/0.9.2-otafix1/update-wiscore_rak4631_board_bootloader-0.9.2-otafix1_nosd.uf2 OTAFIX Bootloader UF2 File]
[https://github.com/oltaco/Adafruit_nRF52_Bootloader_OTAFIX/releases/download/0.9.2-otafix1/update-wiscore_rak4631_board_bootloader-0.9.2-otafix1_nosd.uf2 OTAFIX Bootloader UF2 File]
== Pre-Built ==
These options come fully assembled; just flash MeshCore and mount them in a high location to expand the mesh. 
We still recommend upgrading the antenna for best performance. Ideally, use an N-Type connector and upgrade to at least the ALFA AOA-915-5ACM. 
'''NOTE: These pre-built repeaters have not been thoroughly tested by the Ottawa community, but we have seen reports of others using them with great success.'''
{| class="wikitable"
! Product
! Notes
! Link
|-
| SenseCAP Solar Node P1 Pro
| Solar-powered communication node integrating the XIAO nRF52840 Plus controller and Wio-SX1262 LoRa module. 
Comes with a 5W solar panel, IPX5 waterproof rating, 4×18650 (3350 mAh each) lithium batteries, and a 2 dBi rubber antenna. 
Batteries support both Type-C and solar charging. Includes onboard GPS (XIAO L76K).
| [https://www.seeedstudio.com/SenseCAP-Solar-Node-P1-Pro-for-Meshtastic-LoRa-p-6412.html Link]
|-
| WisMesh Solar Repeater Mini
| Compact outdoor repeater built around the RAK4631 (nRF52840 + SX1262) core module with a WisBlock mini base board. 
Housed in an IP67-rated Unify enclosure with integrated solar panel, 3200 mAh Li-ion battery, and a WisMesh blade antenna (902–928 MHz). 
| [https://store.rakwireless.com/products/wishmesh-meshtastic-solar-repeater-mini Link]
|}


== Build Your Own ==
== Build Your Own ==
=== Solar Node – Recommended Enclosure ===
A robust build using a purpose-built weatherproof enclosure.
A robust build using a purpose-built weatherproof enclosure.


Line 58: Line 34:
| Antenna
| Antenna
| ALFA AOA-915-5ACM
| ALFA AOA-915-5ACM
| $27.74
| $29.52
| [https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08H8J6ZV6 Link]
| [https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08H8J6ZV6 Link]
|-
|-
Line 86: Line 62:
* [[Hardware/Repeaters/BuildRepeater1|Build Instructions]]
* [[Hardware/Repeaters/BuildRepeater1|Build Instructions]]


=== Better Antenna – Tested & Recommended ===
== Pre-Built ==
This antenna setup has been tested by a local RF enthusiast and showed great results for the price.
These options come fully assembled; just flash MeshCore and mount them in a high location to expand the mesh. 
We still recommend upgrading the antenna for best performance. Ideally, use an N-Type connector and upgrade to at least the ALFA AOA-915-5ACM.


{| class="wikitable"
'''NOTE: These pre-built repeaters have not been thoroughly tested by the Ottawa community, but we have seen reports of others using them with great success.'''
! Item
! Product Name
! Cost (CAD)
! Link
|-
| Better Antenna
| HOgardenME 12 dBi Fibreglass
| $36.36
| [https://a.co/d/99ZiR10 Link]
|-
| Antenna Coax Cable – Node to Enclosure Mount
| N Female to IPX
| $6.79
| [https://aliexpress.com/item/1005001920963497.html Link]
|-
| Antenna Mount (if mounted separately)
| Double Antenna Mast Clamp
| $19.99
| [https://a.co/d/j1GZmcP Link]
|-
| Antenna Cable – Enclosure to Antenna (if mounted separately)
| N Male to N Male Cable (12") — shorter = better
| $???
| [Placeholder]
|}
 
=== Better Antenna – May Not Be Worth the Cost ===
This alternative antenna is more expensive and may not provide significantly better performance compared to the option above.


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Item
! Product
! Product Name
! Notes
! Cost (CAD)
! Link
! Link
|-
|-
| Better Antenna
| SenseCAP Solar Node P1 Pro
| Rokland Fibreglass 8 dBi
| Solar-powered communication node integrating the XIAO nRF52840 Plus controller and Wio-SX1262 LoRa module. 
| $74.59
Comes with a 5W solar panel, IPX5 waterproof rating, 4×18650 (3350 mAh each) lithium batteries, and a 2 dBi rubber antenna. 
| [https://store.rokland.com/collections/802-11ah-wi-fi-halow/products/8-dbi-omni-outdoor-915mhz-fiberglass-antenna-for-lora-halow-application Link]
Batteries support both Type-C and solar charging. Includes onboard GPS (XIAO L76K).
| [https://www.seeedstudio.com/SenseCAP-Solar-Node-P1-Pro-for-Meshtastic-LoRa-p-6412.html Link]
|-
|-
| Antenna Coax Cable – Node to Enclosure Mount
| WisMesh Solar Repeater Mini
| N Female to IPX
| Compact outdoor repeater built around the RAK4631 (nRF52840 + SX1262) core module with a WisBlock mini base board.
| $6.79
Housed in an IP67-rated Unify enclosure with integrated solar panel, 3200 mAh Li-ion battery, and a WisMesh blade antenna (902–928 MHz).
| [https://aliexpress.com/item/1005001920963497.html Link]
| [https://store.rakwireless.com/products/wishmesh-meshtastic-solar-repeater-mini Link]
|-
| Antenna Cable – Enclosure to Antenna (if mounted separately)
| N Male to N Male Cable (12") — shorter = better
| $???
| [Placeholder]
|-
| Antenna Adapter – Enclosure to Antenna (if mounted directly)
| N Male to N Male Connector
| $13.00
| [https://aliexpress.com/item/1005005275644347.html Link]
|}
|}

Latest revision as of 14:00, 16 October 2025

← Home

Repeaters form the stable backbone of the Ottawa MeshCore network. Below are two main options for getting started: Pre-Built or Build Your Own While pre-built devices can be convenient, we strongly recommend building your own repeater for the best reliability, flexibility, and long-term maintainability.

Important Note for RAK-Based Repeaters

If you plan to use a RAK board for a repeater, please update it to the OTAFIX bootloader firmware. Without this fix, if an OTA update fails over BLE, the repeater will end up in an unusable state and require physical intervention.

Download the OTAFIX firmware here: OTAFIX Bootloader UF2 File

Build Your Own

A robust build using a purpose-built weatherproof enclosure.

Item Product Name Cost (CAD) Link
Enclosure WisMesh Unifiy Enclosure 910422 $72.50 Link
LoRa Board (Small) RAK WisBlock RAK19003/RAK4631 (Type 6) $36.38 Link
Antenna ALFA AOA-915-5ACM $29.52 Link
Antenna Coax Cable N Female to IPX $6.79 Link
Battery 3000mAh + Battery $16.00 Link
Battery Protection VoltaicEnclosures Li-ion PCM $7.50 Link
Vent Waterproof Vent Plug (M12X1.5-10) $6.12 Link

Approximate total cost: $173.03 CAD

Pre-Built

These options come fully assembled; just flash MeshCore and mount them in a high location to expand the mesh. We still recommend upgrading the antenna for best performance. Ideally, use an N-Type connector and upgrade to at least the ALFA AOA-915-5ACM.

NOTE: These pre-built repeaters have not been thoroughly tested by the Ottawa community, but we have seen reports of others using them with great success.

Product Notes Link
SenseCAP Solar Node P1 Pro Solar-powered communication node integrating the XIAO nRF52840 Plus controller and Wio-SX1262 LoRa module.

Comes with a 5W solar panel, IPX5 waterproof rating, 4×18650 (3350 mAh each) lithium batteries, and a 2 dBi rubber antenna. Batteries support both Type-C and solar charging. Includes onboard GPS (XIAO L76K).

Link
WisMesh Solar Repeater Mini Compact outdoor repeater built around the RAK4631 (nRF52840 + SX1262) core module with a WisBlock mini base board.

Housed in an IP67-rated Unify enclosure with integrated solar panel, 3200 mAh Li-ion battery, and a WisMesh blade antenna (902–928 MHz).

Link
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