Hardware/Repeaters
If you plan to use a RAK for a repeater (as recommended), please update 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 will require physical intervention.
Download the OTAFIX firmware here: 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). Below are some example build lists from the community.
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
Solar Node – Cheaper Enclosure
A more budget-friendly build using a re-purposed enclosure.
| Item | Product Name | Cost (CAD) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enclosure | Solar Oxygenator Pump | $32.00 | Link |
| SMA Male to N Type Female Adapter (required for cheaper enclosure) | SMAJ-NK | $2.94 | 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 | $7.00 | Link |
| Vent | Waterproof Vent Plug (M12X1.5-10) | $6.12 | 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.
| Item | Product Name | Cost (CAD) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Better Antenna | HOgardenME 12 dBi Fibreglass | $36.36 | Link |
| Antenna Mount | Double Antenna Mast Clamp | $19.99 | 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 | $10.00 | Link |
| Antenna Adapter – Enclosure to Antenna (if mounted directly) | N Male to N Male Connector | $13.00 | Link |
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 | $10.00 | Link |
| Antenna Adapter – Enclosure to Antenna (if mounted directly) | N Male to N Male Connector | $13.00 | Link |