🔌 Mesh Network Hardware & Power Guide

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Core Meshtastic Devices

These are the radios your network runs on.

Device	Role	Typical Price	Notes
LilyGO T-Beam V1.1	Standard handheld node	$60–$80	Built-in GPS, USB-C, long range (5–10 km with good antenna). Recommended for most pod members.
Heltec V3 LoRa	Compact node/relay	$35–$50	Small, no GPS, good for scouts or hidden stationary relays.
RAK WisBlock / ESP32-based Relay	Fixed coverage relay	$80–$120	Needs steady power (AC or solar). Perfect for rooftops or semi-permanent installs.

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Antennas & Range Boosters

Stock antennas are weak. Upgrades can double or triple range.

Antenna Type	Use Case	Price Range	Range Impact
3–5 dBi whip	Handheld upgrades	$10–$20	Good balance for urban pods.
6–9 dBi directional (Yagi or panel)	Rooftop/relay use	$20–$50	Extends rural line-of-sight to 15+ km.
Mag-mount antennas	Vehicle-based relays	$25–$40	Improves mobile relay performance.

Mounting tips:

• Always keep antennas vertical and clear of metal obstructions.
• For rooftops, use tripod mounts or weatherproof housings.

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Battery Packs & Solar

Keeping nodes powered is critical, especially for multi-day ops.

For Pod Members (Handheld Nodes):

• 10,000–20,000 mAh USB-C power bank ($20–$40): Runs a T-Beam for 12–24 hrs.
• Carry 2 per active member during long events.

For Relays:

• 20,000–50,000 mAh battery banks ($50–$120): For stationary relays.
• 20–40W solar panels ($60–$150): Trickle-charge relays during daytime.

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Accessories & Spares

Every pod should budget for:

• Weatherproof cases (IP65 or higher) for relays – $20–$60 each.
• USB-C multi-chargers (5–10 port) – $25–$60.
• Quick-disconnect mounts (tripods or magnetic bases) – $20–$40.
• Coded labels and inventory tags (avoid real names).
• Spare USB-C cables (braided or reinforced) – $10–$15 each.

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Typical Costs Per Pod

Small Pod (5–8 Nodes):

• 5× T-Beams @ $70 = $350
• 1× Relay Node (RAK) + antenna = $150
• 5× Power Banks (20,000 mAh) = $150
• Misc accessories = $100
  Total: ~$750–$850

Medium Pod (10–15 Nodes):

• 10× T-Beams @ $70 = $700
• 2× Relay Nodes (RAK) + high-gain antennas = $300
• 10× Power Banks (20,000 mAh) = $300
• Solar kits (for relays) = $300
  Total: ~$1,500–$1,700

Large Network (30–50 Nodes):

• Scale linearly, but add 2–4 backup relays, extra batteries, and dedicated solar arrays (~$2,500–$4,000).

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Sourcing Tips

• Official Meshtastic forums and GitHub list trusted vendors.
• Look for LoRa devices with 915 MHz support (for US use).
• Avoid unknown resellers on large marketplaces unless verified (counterfeits are common).
• Buy extra cables, antennas, and power banks – these fail most often.

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Checklist for Deployment

• Each node has a spare battery and tested antenna.
• Relays mounted in weatherproof containers with backup batteries.
• Solar panels positioned for 6+ hrs/day sun exposure.
• All devices labeled with code names, not real names.
• At least 1 spare relay and 2 spare power banks per pod.