--- title: Hardware url: 'https://www.etxmesh.net/hardware' markdown: 'https://www.etxmesh.net/hardware.md' date: '2026-10-06' description: "πŸ“» 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 Stationary / Solar Nodes Device Options Pocket…" --- # πŸ“» Devices for the Mesh ETX Mesh uses [MeshCore](https://meshcore.io) 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](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Node_(networking))**. --- ## Contents - [Device Options](#device-options) - [Pocket / Portable Nodes](#pocket--portable-nodes) - [Stationary / Solar Nodes](#stationary--solar-nodes) --- # 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](https://meshtastic.org/docs/hardware/devices/rak/base-board/?rakbase=RAK19007) [3D Printer Files](https://www.printables.com/model/286657-rak19007rak5005-case-for-meshtastic) [Etsy Store](https://www.etsy.com/shop/QuantumShadow3D) | | | **Tony G 19003** | Buy: 1 Build: 4 | $50–100 | [Docs & Purchase Links](https://meshtastic.org/docs/hardware/devices/rak/base-board/?rakbase=RAK19003) [3D Printer Files](https://www.printables.com/model/286657-rak19007rak5005-case-for-meshtastic) [Etsy Store](https://www.etsy.com/shop/QuantumShadow3D) | | | **Tony G Pocketmesh** | Buy: 1 Build: 4 | $50–100 | [Docs & Purchase Links](https://meshtastic.org/docs/hardware/devices/rak/base-board/?rakbase=RAK19007) [3D Printer Files](https://www.printables.com/model/286657-rak19007rak5005-case-for-meshtastic) [Etsy Store](https://www.etsy.com/shop/QuantumShadow3D) | | | **Generic 19007** | Buy: 1 Build: 3 | $50–100 | [Docs & Purchase Links](https://meshtastic.org/docs/hardware/devices/rak/base-board/?rakbase=RAK19007) [3D Printer Files](https://www.printables.com/model/286657-rak19007rak5005-case-for-meshtastic) [Etsy Search](https://www.etsy.com/search?q=rak19007) | | | **Generic 19003** | Buy: 1 Build: 3 | $50–100 | [Etsy Search](https://www.etsy.com/search?q=rak19003) [3D Printed Files Search](https://www.printables.com/search/models?q=rak19003&ctx=models) | | | **WisMesh Pocket** | Buy: 1 | $100 | [RAK Wireless Store](https://store.rakwireless.com/products/wismesh-pocket) | | --- ### T-Beam | Model | Complexity | Estimated Total Cost | Links | Notes | |---|---|---|---|---| | **Tony G v1** | Buy: 1 Build: 3 | $50–100 | [Docs & Purchase Links](https://meshtastic.org/docs/hardware/devices/tbeam/) [3D Printer Files](https://www.printables.com/model/127253-t-beam-v1x-case-for-meshtastic) [Etsy Store](https://www.etsy.com/shop/QuantumShadow3D) | | | **Alleycat TB1** | Build: 3 | $50–70 | [Docs & Purchase Links](https://meshtastic.org/docs/hardware/devices/tbeam/) [3D Printer Files](https://www.printables.com/model/730602-alley-chat-tb1-lilygo-t-beam-v1x-case-by-alley-cat) | | | **Generic T-Beam** | Buy: 1 Build: 3–5 | $50–100 | [Etsy Search](https://www.etsy.com/search?q=t%20beam%20meshtastic) | | --- ### Heltec | Model | Complexity | Estimated Total Cost | Links | Notes | |---|---|---|---|---| | **Tony G v3** | Buy: 1 Build: 3 | $40–60 | [Docs & Purchase Links](https://meshtastic.org/docs/hardware/devices/heltec/) [3D Printer Files](https://www.printables.com/model/561389-heltec-v3-case-for-meshtastic) [Etsy Store](https://www.etsy.com/shop/QuantumShadow3D) | | | **Alleycat HT Pocket** | Build: 3 | $40–60 | [Docs & Purchase Links](https://meshtastic.org/docs/hardware/devices/heltec/) [3D Printer Files](https://www.printables.com/model/920722-alley-chat-ht-pocket-heltec-lora-32-v3-case-by-all) | | | **Generic Heltec** | Buy: 1 Build: 3–5 | $50–100 | [Etsy Search](https://www.etsy.com/search?q=heltec%2Bmeshtastic) | | --- ### Seeed Studio | Model | Complexity | Estimated Total Cost | Links | Notes | |---|---|---|---|---| | **SenseCAP Card Tracker T1000-E** | Buy: 1 | $40 | [Seeed Studio Store](https://www.seeedstudio.com/SenseCAP-Card-Tracker-T1000-E-for-Meshtastic-p-5913.html) [T1000-E Datasheet](https://files.seeedstudio.com/products/SenseCAP/SenseCAP_Tracker_T1000_Datasheet.pdf) | | | **Tracker L1** | Buy: 1 Build: 2 | $30–50 | [Seeed Studio Store](https://www.seeedstudio.com/Wio-Tracker-L1-p-6453.html) [Enclosure](https://www.printables.com/model/1355571-wio-tracker-l1-pro-for-meshtastic-enclosure-casing) | 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](https://lilygo.cc/products/t-echo-meshtastic?variant=52153210568885) | | | **T-Deck Plus** | Buy: 1 Build: 3 | $45–80 | [Meshtastic](https://lilygo.cc/products/t-deck-plus-meshtastic) [MeshCore](https://lilygo.cc/products/t-deck-plus-1?variant=51932197978293) | Base model: Dev Kit Plus model: Prebuilt | | **T-Deck Pro** | Buy: 1 | $85 | [Meshtastic](https://lilygo.cc/products/t-deck-pro-meshtastic) [MeshCore](https://lilygo.cc/products/t-deck-pro?variant=52457658581173) | | | **T-Watch S3 Plus** | Buy: 1 | $45 | [Meshtastic](https://lilygo.cc/products/t-watch-s3?variant=42884364173493) [MeshCore](https://lilygo.cc/products/t-watch-s3-plus?variant=52457652224181) | | | **T-Lora Pager** | Buy: 1 | $80 | [MeshCore](https://lilygo.cc/products/t-lora-pager?variant=51953101013173) [Meshtastic](https://lilygo.cc/products/t-lora-pager?variant=51953101013173) | | --- # 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](https://atlavox.com/products/atlavox-beacon-solar-meshtastic-node) | Ruggedized portable solar node | | **B&Q Consulting Station G2** | 35 dBm (~3.2 W) | Stationary | $110 | [B&Q Store](https://shop.uniteng.com/product/meshtastic-mesh-device-station-edition/) | **Recommended for HAM Radio Operators only!** | | **Heltec MeshTower** | 21 Β± 1 dBm (125 mW) | Solar | $150 | [Heltec](https://heltec.org/project/meshtower/) [User Manual](https://wiki.heltec.org/docs/devices/open-source-hardware/nrf52840-series/mesh-tower/) [Datasheet](https://resource.heltec.cn/download/MeshTower/Datasheet/MeshTower_Datasheet.pdf) | | | **Heltec Solar Kit** | Varies | Solar | $43–45 | [Heltec](https://heltec.org/project/solar-kit-for-dev-board-waterproof-enclosure-for-outdoor-meshtastic-meshcore/) | Dev kit β€” must select radio | | **PeakMesh** | 22 dBm (158 mW) | Solar | $90–145 | [PeakMesh Etsy Store](https://www.etsy.com/shop/PeakMesh) | Prebuilts using RAKwireless RAK4630 | | **RAK Wireless 1W Booster Kit** | 30 dBm (1 W) | Stationary | $40–50 | [RAK Wireless Store](https://store.rakwireless.com/products/meshtastic-1w-lora-booster-kit-rak3401) [Rokland Store](https://store.rokland.com/collections/other-lora-products/products/coming-soon-wismesh-1w-booster-starter-kit-with-nrf52840-sx1262-and-sky66122-pa-for-extended-meshtastic-range) | 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](https://www.seeedstudio.com/SenseCAP-Solar-Node-P1-Pro-for-Meshtastic-LoRa-p-6412.html) | Pro version includes batteries and GPS module | --- # πŸ“‘ 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: - πŸ”‹ Battery life - πŸ“± Size - πŸ–₯️ Display - πŸ“ GPS - πŸ“‘ Antenna connector - πŸ”Œ Charging options - 🧰 Enclosure ## Stationary Nodes For a node that will remain in one location, consider: - πŸ“‘ Antenna quality - πŸ—Ό Antenna height - πŸ”Œ Power availability - β˜€οΈ Solar exposure - 🌧️ Weather protection - πŸ”‹ Battery capacity - πŸ“ 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: - πŸ“‘ External antenna - πŸ”Œ USB cable - πŸ”‹ Battery - β˜€οΈ Solar panel - πŸ”‹ Battery/charge controller - 🧰 Weatherproof enclosure - πŸ”© Mounting hardware - πŸ“» Coaxial cable - πŸ–¨οΈ 3D-printed enclosure --- # πŸš€ 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. **[πŸš€ Getting Started β†’](https://www.etxmesh.net/getting-started)** **[πŸ—ΊοΈ View the Mesh β†’](https://www.etxmesh.net/mesh)** **[🀝 Join the Community β†’](https://www.etxmesh.net/community)** --- ## Navigation - Previous: [Typography](https://www.etxmesh.net/typography.md)