Options to get you started
Keep in mind, there are MANY options for Meshtastic devices, but these are ones we’ve hand picked for their ease of use and build quality.
Personal Devices
These devices are intended to be carried on your person, in a bag, purse, coat or pocket. You can store these in your glovebox or keep it nearby in case normal communications fail.
Nano G2 Ultra – $
This device needs to be paired to your cell phone (like a set of earbuds). You’ll use the Meshtastic app on your phone to send messages through this device. You’ll also need a compatible battery to install. You can find the battery here: https://tinyurl.com/24a8db4k
What we like: the antenna design of this unit is optimized for being close to the human body. It’s simple and reilable.
What we don’t like: it doesn’t have a built in keyboard, so it’s less versatile as the all-in-one devices.
LILYGO T-Deck Plus – $$
This unit can either pair to your cell phone or can be used without a phone thanks to its keyboard. It comes with everything you need to get started including the case, battery, keyboard and antenna.
What we like: This unit can operate with or without a cell phone which makes it more versatile.
What we don’t like: The antenna works best away from your body and performance will degrade if kept in a pocket.
Spec5 Ranger – $$$
This unit is arguably overpriced and features most of the same core components as the LILYGO T-Deck, but it has good reviews for it’s build quality and touchscreen. It’s also assembled in Texas!
What we like: The reviews on build quality are quite good, and it also has a touchscreen which is a more familiar way to interact with a device.
What we don’t like: It’s the most expensive unit despite having a lot in common with the T-Deck.
Neighborhood Boosters
These devices should be mounted as high as practical and will extend the reliability and range of the mesh network in your area. These should be left in the default CLIENT mode to prevent network issues.
SOLD OUT – Weatherproof Solar +4dbi Node – $$$
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1702170362/weather-resistant-meshtastic-lora-solar
Made in Hayward California, this weatherproof, ready to deploy unit has a long lasting battery and solar panel. If mounted with the solar panel facing the South, this unit should just run indefinitely. The seller has 5 star reviews and appears to offer great support.
What we like: The solar panel articulates independently from the main box and antenna which will allow you to tilt the panel for optimum power from the sun (usually between 30 and 45 degrees depending on where you are) while leaving the antenna perfectly vertical which is ideal. It also comes with a better antenna.
What we don’t like: This unit is more expensive than the others, but based on the reviews, the longer runtime, the better antenna, and the build quality, it’s probably worth it!
Garth’s All-in-one Solar Node – $
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1048791528/all-in-one-waterproof-solar-powered-off
This unit is solar powered, marketed as “waterproof” and contains everything necessary to deploy. It doesn’t have as big of a battery or solar panel, but it generally has good reviews.
The builder of this unit is one of the main members of the Meshtastic iOS app team. He runs an online shop for Meshtastic powered devices which carry the “Powered by Meshtastic” and “Chirpy” logo.
What we like: It’s made by a reputable member of the Meshtastic team and has a small footprint. It’s also less expensive than the first option.
What we don’t like: Mounting this for optimal solar power generation will be more awkward than the first option because the solar panel does not articulate separately from the box. Without optimal sun, this unit may not run continuously and will require manual intervention and charging.
Easy-deploy Solar Node – $$
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1679363121/meshtastic-solar-repeater-s1
This all-in-one unit is arguably the easiest to mount on the side of your house, a tree or high fence post. It also has great reviews on etsy and the seller is very responsive in the comments section – a good sign that the product is supported. Thanks to a higher battery capacity, this unit should run indefinitely if the solar panel is appropriately mounted South facing at 30-45 degrees.
What we like: The form factor and mounting approach make this quick and easy to deploy in a suburban environment, and the solar panel can be articulated to an optimal angle with ease.
What we don’t like: One review was 4 out of 5 stars because the customer felt the mount was not strong enough, but the consensus in the reviews is that this is a sturdy enough unit.
Do you have access to a very high area of elevation for your region or county?
You may be a good candidate to setup a core infrastructure node.
Contact us to learn more.