Hardware/Companion Nodes: Difference between revisions

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| Gizont 167CM 915MHz SMA M
| Gizont 167CM 915MHz SMA M
| $10.53 CAD
| $10.53 CAD
| AliExpress
| www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004607615001.html
|}
|}


Line 30: Line 30:
| Heltek T114 (Bundle: Screen Case)
| Heltek T114 (Bundle: Screen Case)
| $48.18 CAD
| $48.18 CAD
| [https://heltec.org/project/mesh-node-t114/ Link]
| www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007916299029.html
|-
|-
| Battery
| Battery
| Makerfocus 3.7V 3000mAh Lipo
| Makerfocus 3.7V 3000mAh Lipo
| $10.00 CAD
| $10.00 CAD
| Amazon/AliExpress
| [ https://www.makerfocus.com/products/makerfocus-3-7v-3000mah-lithium-rechargeable-battery-1s-3c-lipo-battery-pack-of-4?variant=44823607541998 Link ]
|}
|}
''Approximate total cost (excluding antenna): $58.18 CAD''
''Approximate total cost (excluding antenna): $58.18 CAD''

Revision as of 19:54, 21 August 2025

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Companion Nodes

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 www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004607615001.html

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):

Item Product Name Cost (CAD) Link
LoRa Board Heltek T114 (Bundle: Screen Case) $48.18 CAD www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007916299029.html
Battery Makerfocus 3.7V 3000mAh Lipo $10.00 CAD [ https://www.makerfocus.com/products/makerfocus-3-7v-3000mah-lithium-rechargeable-battery-1s-3c-lipo-battery-pack-of-4?variant=44823607541998 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.

Pre-Built

For users who want to skip sourcing individual parts, the following pre-built companion nodes are popular and widely available:

Product Notes Link
LilyGO T-Echo Compact device designed for Meshtastic/Meshcore with onboard display and GPS.

Good option for those who want something ready to use with minimal setup.

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.

Link

Standalone Nodes

Product Notes 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.

Link