Hardware/Repeaters: Difference between revisions

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[[Main Page|← Home]]
[[Main Page|← Home]]


If you plan to use a '''RAK''' for a repeater (as recommended), please update to the '''OTAFIX bootloader firmware'''.   
Repeaters form the stable backbone of the Ottawa MeshCore network. 
Without this fix, if an OTA update fails over BLE the repeater will end up in an unusable state and will require physical intervention.
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:   
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]


Repeaters form the stable backbone of the Ottawa MeshCore network and are less common in Meshtastic (where companion nodes handle most packet forwarding).   
== Pre-Built ==
Below are some example build lists from the community.
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]
|}


== Solar Node – Recommended Enclosure ==
== 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 60: Line 86:
* [[Hardware/Repeaters/BuildRepeater1|Build Instructions]]
* [[Hardware/Repeaters/BuildRepeater1|Build Instructions]]


== Solar Node – Cheaper Enclosure ==
=== Better Antenna – Tested & Recommended ===
A more budget-friendly build using a re-purposed enclosure.
 
{| class="wikitable"
! Item
! Product Name
! Cost (CAD)
! Link
|-
| Enclosure
| Solar Oxygenator Pump
| $32.00
| [https://aliexpress.com/item/1005005292297937.html Link]
|-
| SMA Male to N Type Female Adapter (required for cheaper enclosure)
| SMAJ-NK
| $2.94
| [https://aliexpress.com/item/1005006063342722.html Link]
|-
| LoRa Board (Small)
| RAK WisBlock RAK19003/RAK4631 (Type 6)
| $36.38
| [https://aliexpress.com/item/1005008285698839.html Link]
|-
| Antenna
| ALFA AOA-915-5ACM
| $27.74
| [https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08H8J6ZV6 Link]
|-
| Antenna Coax Cable
| N Female to IPX
| $6.79
| [https://aliexpress.com/item/1005001920963497.html Link]
|-
| Battery
| 3000mAh + Battery
| $16.00
| [https://www.amazon.com/3000mAh-Rechargable-Protection-Insulated-Development/dp/B08T6GT7DV Link]
|-
| Battery Protection
| VoltaicEnclosures Li-ion PCM
| $7.00
| [https://www.etsy.com/listing/1421193059 Link]
|-
| Vent
| Waterproof Vent Plug (M12X1.5-10)
| $6.12
| [https://aliexpress.com/item/1005006370919409.html Link]
|}
 
''Approximate total cost: $135.00 CAD''
 
== Better Antenna – Tested & Recommended ==
This antenna setup has been tested by a local RF enthusiast and showed great results for the price.
This antenna setup has been tested by a local RF enthusiast and showed great results for the price.


Line 125: Line 99:
| $36.36
| $36.36
| [https://a.co/d/99ZiR10 Link]
| [https://a.co/d/99ZiR10 Link]
|-
| Antenna Mount
| Double Antenna Mast Clamp
| $19.99
| [https://a.co/d/j1GZmcP Link]
|-
|-
| Antenna Coax Cable – Node to Enclosure Mount
| Antenna Coax Cable – Node to Enclosure Mount
Line 135: Line 104:
| $6.79
| $6.79
| [https://aliexpress.com/item/1005001920963497.html Link]
| [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)
| Antenna Cable – Enclosure to Antenna (if mounted separately)
| N Male to N Male Cable (12") — shorter = better
| N Male to N Male Cable (12") — shorter = better
| $10.00
| $???
| [https://aliexpress.com/item/1005002862006827.html Link]
| [Placeholder]
|-
| Antenna Adapter – Enclosure to Antenna (if mounted directly)
| N Male to N Male Connector
| $13.00
| [https://aliexpress.com/item/1005005275644347.html Link]
|}
|}


== Better Antenna – May Not Be Worth the Cost ==
=== 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.
This alternative antenna is more expensive and may not provide significantly better performance compared to the option above.


Line 168: Line 137:
| Antenna Cable – Enclosure to Antenna (if mounted separately)
| Antenna Cable – Enclosure to Antenna (if mounted separately)
| N Male to N Male Cable (12") — shorter = better
| N Male to N Male Cable (12") — shorter = better
| $10.00
| $???
| [https://aliexpress.com/item/1005002862006827.html Link]
| [Placeholder]
|-
|-
| Antenna Adapter – Enclosure to Antenna (if mounted directly)
| Antenna Adapter – Enclosure to Antenna (if mounted directly)

Latest revision as of 19:38, 2 September 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

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

Build Your Own

Solar Node – Recommended Enclosure

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 $27.74 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

Better Antenna – Tested & Recommended

This antenna setup has been tested by a local RF enthusiast and showed great results for the price.

Item Product Name Cost (CAD) Link
Better Antenna HOgardenME 12 dBi Fibreglass $36.36 Link
Antenna Coax Cable – Node to Enclosure Mount N Female to IPX $6.79 Link
Antenna Mount (if mounted separately) Double Antenna Mast Clamp $19.99 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.

Item Product Name Cost (CAD) Link
Better Antenna Rokland Fibreglass 8 dBi $74.59 Link
Antenna Coax Cable – Node to Enclosure Mount N Female to IPX $6.79 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 Link
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