📻 Devices for the Mesh
ETX Mesh uses MeshCore to power the mesh.
In order to connect to this network, a relatively low-cost device is required. You'll often hear these devices referred to as nodes.
Contents
Device Options
Pocket / Portable Nodes
Portable nodes are designed to be carried with you and are ideal for hiking, camping, travel, field testing, and everyday use.
RAK Wireless
| Model | Complexity | Estimated Total Cost | Links | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tony G 19007 | Buy: 1 Build: 3 |
$50–100 | Docs & Purchase Links 3D Printer Files Etsy Store |
|
| Tony G 19003 | Buy: 1 Build: 4 |
$50–100 | Docs & Purchase Links 3D Printer Files Etsy Store |
|
| Tony G Pocketmesh | Buy: 1 Build: 4 |
$50–100 | Docs & Purchase Links 3D Printer Files Etsy Store |
|
| Generic 19007 | Buy: 1 Build: 3 |
$50–100 | Docs & Purchase Links 3D Printer Files Etsy Search |
|
| Generic 19003 | Buy: 1 Build: 3 |
$50–100 | Etsy Search 3D Printed Files Search |
|
| WisMesh Pocket | Buy: 1 | $100 | RAK Wireless Store |
T-Beam
| Model | Complexity | Estimated Total Cost | Links | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tony G v1 | Buy: 1 Build: 3 |
$50–100 | Docs & Purchase Links 3D Printer Files Etsy Store |
|
| Alleycat TB1 | Build: 3 | $50–70 | Docs & Purchase Links 3D Printer Files |
|
| Generic T-Beam | Buy: 1 Build: 3–5 |
$50–100 | Etsy Search |
Heltec
| Model | Complexity | Estimated Total Cost | Links | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tony G v3 | Buy: 1 Build: 3 |
$40–60 | Docs & Purchase Links 3D Printer Files Etsy Store |
|
| Alleycat HT Pocket | Build: 3 | $40–60 | Docs & Purchase Links 3D Printer Files |
|
| Generic Heltec | Buy: 1 Build: 3–5 |
$50–100 | Etsy Search |
Seeed Studio
| Model | Complexity | Estimated Total Cost | Links | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SenseCAP Card Tracker T1000-E | Buy: 1 | $40 | Seeed Studio Store T1000-E Datasheet |
|
| Tracker L1 | Buy: 1 Build: 2 |
$30–50 | Seeed Studio Store Enclosure |
Base Model: OLED Screen Lite: No Screen E-ink: 2.1" E-ink Pro: Ready to use |
LilyGo
⚠️ Note: Some LilyGo models have separate versions for Meshtastic and MeshCore. Make sure you purchase the version appropriate for the firmware you intend to use.
| Model | Complexity | Estimated Total Cost | Links | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Echo | Buy: 1 | $60–80 | Meshtastic | |
| T-Deck Plus | Buy: 1 Build: 3 |
$45–80 | Meshtastic MeshCore |
Base model: Dev Kit Plus model: Prebuilt |
| T-Deck Pro | Buy: 1 | $85 | Meshtastic MeshCore |
|
| T-Watch S3 Plus | Buy: 1 | $45 | Meshtastic MeshCore |
|
| T-Lora Pager | Buy: 1 | $80 | MeshCore Meshtastic |
Stationary / Solar Nodes
Stationary nodes are designed to remain in one location and can be used to provide additional coverage to the mesh.
Solar-powered nodes can be particularly useful for remote locations where mains power isn't available.
| Name | Power | Type | Estimated Total Cost | Links | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlavox Beacon Solar Mesh Node | 22 dBm (158 mW) | Solar | $236 | Atlavox Store | Ruggedized portable solar node |
| B&Q Consulting Station G2 | 35 dBm (~3.2 W) | Stationary | $110 | B&Q Store | Recommended for HAM Radio Operators only! |
| Heltec MeshTower | 21 ± 1 dBm (125 mW) | Solar | $150 | Heltec User Manual Datasheet |
|
| Heltec Solar Kit | Varies | Solar | $43–45 | Heltec | Dev kit — must select radio |
| PeakMesh | 22 dBm (158 mW) | Solar | $90–145 | PeakMesh Etsy Store | Prebuilts using RAKwireless RAK4630 |
| RAK Wireless 1W Booster Kit | 30 dBm (1 W) | Stationary | $40–50 | RAK Wireless Store Rokland Store |
Radio kit only; potentially solar with the right setup |
| Seeed Studio Solar Node P1 Pro | 22 dBm (158 mW) | Solar | $75–96 | Seeed Studio Store | Pro version includes batteries and GPS module |
📡 Choosing a Device
There are several factors to consider when choosing hardware for your MeshCore node.
Portable Nodes
Portable nodes are ideal when you want to carry your device with you.
Consider:
- 🔋 Battery life
- 📱 Size
- 🖥️ Display
- 📍 GPS
- 📡 Antenna connector
- 🔌 Charging options
- 🧰 Enclosure
Stationary Nodes
For a node that will remain in one location, consider:
- 📡 Antenna quality
- 🗼 Antenna height
- 🔌 Power availability
- ☀️ Solar exposure
- 🌧️ Weather protection
- 🔋 Battery capacity
- 📍 Line of sight
The best node isn't necessarily the most expensive node.
Location, antenna placement, and a good installation can make a significant difference.
🧰 Accessories
Depending on your device and installation, you may also need:
- 📡 External antenna
- 🔌 USB cable
- 🔋 Battery
- ☀️ Solar panel
- 🔋 Battery/charge controller
- 🧰 Weatherproof enclosure
- 🔩 Mounting hardware
- 📻 Coaxial cable
- 🖨️ 3D-printed enclosure
🚀 New to MeshCore?
If you're building your first node, don't overcomplicate things.
A pre-built portable device is generally the easiest way to start.
Once you're familiar with MeshCore, you can experiment with stationary nodes, solar power, external antennas, and higher-elevation installations.