Hardware/Repeaters
Repeaters
Repeaters form the stable backbone of the Ottawa MeshCore network and are less common in Meshtastic (where companion nodes handle most packet forwarding). Below are some example build lists from the community.
Solar Node – Expensive Enclosure
A robust build using a purpose-built weatherproof enclosure.
| Item | Product Name | Cost (CAD) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Enclosure | WisMesh Unifiy Enclosure 910422 | $72.50 | aliexpress.com/item/1005008369061766.html |
| LoRa Board (Small) | RAK WisBlock RAK19003/RAK4631 (Type 6) | $36.38 | aliexpress.com/item/1005008285698839.html |
| Antenna | ALFA AOA-915-5ACM | $27.74 | [www.amazon.ca/dp/B08H8J6ZV6 Link] |
| Antenna Coax Cable | N Female to IPX | $6.79 | aliexpress.com/item/1005001920963497.html |
| Battery | 3000mAh + Battery | $16.00 | [www.amazon.com/3000mAh-Rechargable-Protection-Insulated-Development/dp/B08T6GT7DV Link] |
| Battery Protection | VoltaicEnclosures Li-ion PCM | $7.50 | [www.etsy.com/listing/1421193059 Link] |
| Vent | Waterproof Vent Plug (M12X1.5-10) | $6.12 | aliexpress.com/item/1005006370919409.html |
Solar Node – Cheaper Enclosure
A more budget-friendly build using a re-purposed enclosure.
| Item | Product Name | Cost (CAD) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheaper Enclosure | Solar Oxygenator Pump | $32.00 | aliexpress.com/item/1005005292297937.html |
| SMA Male to N Type Female Adapter (required for cheaper enclosure) | SMAJ-NK | $2.94 | aliexpress.com/item/1005006063342722.html |
| LoRa Board (Small) | RAK WisBlock RAK19003/RAK4631 (Type 6) | $36.38 | aliexpress.com/item/1005008285698839.html |
| Antenna | ALFA AOA-915-5ACM | $27.74 | [www.amazon.ca/dp/B08H8J6ZV6 Link] |
| Antenna Coax Cable | N Female to IPX | $6.79 | aliexpress.com/item/1005001920963497.html |
| Battery | 3000mAh + Battery | $16.00 | [www.amazon.com/3000mAh-Rechargable-Protection-Insulated-Development/dp/B08T6GT7DV Link] |
| Battery Protection | VoltaicEnclosures Li-ion PCM | $7.00 | [www.etsy.com/listing/1421193059 Link] |
| Vent | Waterproof Vent Plug (M12X1.5-10) | $6.12 | aliexpress.com/item/1005006370919409.html |
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 | [a.co/d/99ZiR10 Link] |
| Antenna Mount | Double Antenna Mast Clamp | $19.99 | [a.co/d/j1GZmcP Link] |
| Antenna Coax Cable – Node to Enclosure Mount | N Female to IPX | $6.79 | aliexpress.com/item/1005001920963497.html |
| Antenna Cable – Enclosure to Antenna (if mounted separately) | N Male to N Male Cable (12") — shorter = better | $10.00 | aliexpress.com/item/1005002862006827.html |
| Antenna Adapter – Enclosure to Antenna (if mounted directly) | N Male to N Male Connector | $13.00 | aliexpress.com/item/1005005275644347.html |
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 | [store.rokland.com/collections/802-11ah-wi-fi-halow/products/8-dbi-omni-outdoor-915mhz-fiberglass-antenna-for-lora-halow-application Link] |
| Antenna Coax Cable – Node to Enclosure Mount | N Female to IPX | $6.79 | aliexpress.com/item/1005001920963497.html |
| Antenna Cable – Enclosure to Antenna (if mounted separately) | N Male to N Male Cable (12") — shorter = better | $10.00 | aliexpress.com/item/1005002862006827.html |
| Antenna Adapter – Enclosure to Antenna (if mounted directly) | N Male to N Male Connector | $13.00 | aliexpress.com/item/1005005275644347.html |