Hardware/Companion Nodes

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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

Companion Node Overview

Companion nodes require a smartphone and use Bluetooth (BLE) to connect. You then use the MeshCore or Meshtastic app on your phone to control the node and send messages into the mesh.

There are standalone devices such as the T-Deck, but we recommend starting with a companion node instead. Standalone units have quirks and limitations that can make them challenging for beginners.

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	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.

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