[LEARC] Meshtastic information

[David Lattan]

Thanks for this information!

73,

Dave, W9PFD



On Wed, May 15, 2024 at 5:52 AM Kenny Ray <kenny.j.ray at gmail.com> wrote:

> Good Morning All,
>
>        Below is a list of resources and materials I used to build the Mesh
> network.
>
> Meshtastic's main page includes updated information about Mesh, FAQ's,
> community forums, firmware updates, and a client interface for your device.
> https://meshtastic.org/
>
> West Central IL Meshtastic FB Page:
> https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557697718437
> I don't post on here as much as I should. However there is information
> about the network and the progress it has made.
>
> The Comms Channel on YouTube has an excellent series on getting started
> with Meshtastic. They also have an advanced series, building a solar node
> video, and building a power over ethernet node.
> https://youtube.com/@The_Comms_Channel?si=SjrkqvWHYYVIHtpg
>
> Rokland is a supplier that offers a lot of Meshtastic devices and parts.
> The Wisblock starter kit is what I have built all of my solar nodes with.
> https://store.rokland.com/pages/meshtastic-hardware-rak-lilygo
>
>
> Heltec V3: This is the cheap node I have been using as my personal device.
> You can get two on amazon for $50. You can also get them on Ali Express for
> about $16 a piece but they come over on a slow boat. They come with a cheap
> case and antenna. You have to power it with a USB C cable or come up with a
> battery pack to go with them. I am in the process of getting 3d printed
> cases that will house the device, battery, and an upgraded antenna.
> https://a.co/d/316H72Y
>
>
> Things to look for when buying a device:
>
> Operating frequency in the US is 915Mhz. Different countries have
> different frequency space just make sure that whatever device you buy
> operates in the 900mhz range or says “US915”
>
> Look for compatibility with “Meshtastic LoRa”. There are a few other types
> of mesh systems out there but my network is Meshtastic and its the most
> common.
>
> Firmware. Setting up a device is really easy. Connect it to a computer via
> the usb cable. Go to flasher.meshtastic.org select the device type from
> the first drop down, select the most recent version from the second drop
> down, and hit flash. I usually select the “erase all before flashing”
> option so I know the device has fresh firmware on it.
>
> Setting up a device:
> The Comms Channel video does a goo job explaining this. A few key items:
> The default Bluetooth pin is usually 123456 on devices without a screen.
> Some have a random pin that shows on the screen. Punch either option in
> when connecting to a device with your phone and the meshtastic app.
> It will ask you right away to set your region, select United States.
> Settings menu:
> The lora tab is probably the most important. You want to have the
> following settings:
>
> -Region: United States
> -Presets: Long Rage- Fast
> -Frequency Slot: 20
>
> That will configure the device to operate on the existing network that I
> have built.
>
> The other tabs will allow you to create a channel, change the name of your
> device, and turn on/off GPS information, etc.
>
> I think that is enough to make you dangerous. I should have some client
> devices made up in a few weeks for people who don’t want to build their
> own. If you have any questions or want to play with a device before you buy
> something, let me know.
>
> Attached are some pictures from my solar node builds and installs.
>
>
>
> -Kenny
>
>