Skip to content

Build Guides

Field-tested builds and design principles for MeshCore nodes, repeaters, and fixed stations.

Core design principles

Every reliable build shares the same foundations:

Height over power

Antenna placement is the single highest-leverage improvement you can make. A well-placed antenna at 6 m beats a high-power radio at ground level every time. For repeaters, prioritise elevated rooftop or mast positions with clear horizon angles.

Stable power

An intermittent power supply is the most common cause of repeater failure. Size your battery for at least 48–72 hours of reserve, use a quality MPPT charge controller with solar, and verify that your power bank does not auto-shutoff under low load. See Power & Solar for sizing guidance.

Weatherproofing

For any outdoor build, assume moisture will find a way in unless you actively prevent it. Use a rated IP enclosure, weatherproof coax connectors with self-amalgamating tape, and add desiccant packs to the enclosure interior. See Enclosures & Weatherproofing for specifics.

Minimum viable complexity

Start simple. A single-board device with a good antenna and reliable power will outperform an over-engineered build that takes longer to deploy and is harder to maintain. Add features (telemetry, remote monitoring, GPS) once the fundamentals are working.

Build types

Companion / portable node

Goal: reliable personal carry device for messaging.

Key choices: - Antenna: external SMA whip or upgraded stub; avoid relying on internal PCB trace antennas - Power: integrated battery (always-on or charge-then-use pattern)

Tips: - Mount the antenna vertically, away from your body when transmitting - Keep the device in a consistent location (bag exterior pocket) for predictable signal - Test range before relying on the node in the field

Fixed home/site node

Goal: persistent always-on presence at a home or fixed site.

Key choices: - Device: ESP32 or nrf52 based modules - Antenna: fiberglass vertical on mast or rooftop bracket - Power: mains-powered via USB adapter or PoE splitter

Tips: - Mount the antenna above the roofline; even 1–2 m of mast makes a difference - Use a short, high-quality coax run (LMR-240 for runs over 3 m) - Consider a watchdog reset circuit or firmware auto-reboot timer for long-running nodes

Rooftop or mast repeater

Goal: extend mesh coverage from an elevated fixed site.

Key choices: - Device: D5 KeepTeen, prefer nrf52 for solar installs - Antenna: 5–6 dBi fiberglass vertical at the highest practical point; avoid 9 dBi unless terrain is flat - Power: solar + LiFePO4 for off-grid sites; mains or PoE where available - Enclosure: IP66-rated box with UV-stable polycarbonate or ABS

Tips: - Align the antenna plumb (vertical) — a tilted collinear degrades the radiation pattern - Keep the coax runs as short as possible; use N-type connectors outdoors, not SMA - Record GPS coordinates and RSSI baselines at commissioning for future reference - Install in a way that allows the hardware to be serviced without full enclosure disassembly

Testing and commissioning

Before leaving a new installation:

  • Verify solar or mains power is charging correctly (check battery voltage under load)

After deployment: - Check back in 24–48 hours to confirm sustained operation - Review uptime and any reboot events via status or monitoring