Oddbean

This is what I ordered from the RAKwireless store: https://store.rakwireless.com/products/wisblock-meshtastic-starter-kit (pick the correct frequency for your region) https://store.rakwireless.com/products/rak1921-oled-display-panel https://store.rakwireless.com/products/ipex-to-sma-connector RAKwireless also has GPS modules if you want GPS. I bought these parts locally: - LoRa antenna with RP-SMA connector - 3.7V LiPo battery with JST-PH connector 3D printed case: I used this one: https://www.printables.com/model/286657-rak19007rak5005-case-for-meshtastic The Printables page for the 3D printed case has several options for different styles of batteries as well as instructions for assembling.

This looks ridiculously fun to learn. Question, Phil - does the Rakwireless “kit” include everything you’d need, other than the case? There are a number of additional options on the kit product page, but not sure if it’s the same antenna or right battery. Would you advise simply ordering each item you mention in the note I’m replying directly to?

The kit comes with the board with the LoRa module (pre-installed with Meshtastic) plus two small antennas, one for Bluetooth and the other for LoRa. In addition to the items I mentioned in that note, this is the antennna that RAK sells - pick the correct frequency for your region: https://store.rakwireless.com/products/blade-antenna (I only bought the antenna elsewhere because I forgot to add it to my order). You can also add the GPS module if you want to transmit location and some of the sensor modules that RAK sells are also supposed to work with Meshtastic although I haven’t tried this yet. A couple of other things to mention are that a small amounting of soldering is needed with the RAK system to attach the OLED display and also they don’t include WiFi. If you want something that is ready to go and also includes WiFi then the LILYGO TTGO T-Beam is another option: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001178678568.html

Yo! Going through my nostr bookmarks and found this reminder/note-to-self 😁 Gonna order parts this weekend; do you happen to know if they ship to a PO Box or something like those amazon lockers? Packages get stolen around my apartment periodically (which sucks) so I could ship it to my in-laws’ house but it’ll be a while before I’m there again. Getting stoked to learn more here. It’s so gratifying and cathartic to build stuff that works 🔥🫂🤙🫡

It’s a good time to order from the RAKwireless store at the moment as they have 20% off of a lot of things or 25% for 3 or more of their Meshtastic starter kits. I just ordered some more myself last night! I’m not sure about the shipping unfortunately. Their shipping policy doesn’t seem to say anything about shipping to a PO Box. I’ve always had shipping to my home address. They use DHL for shipping to me in Australia although I’m not sure if that is the same for other parts of the world.

Wahoo! Gotta love an unexpected discount. I may just need to stack a few extra sats with the cash I end up saving! Thanks for the fast reply as well - I may send you an overview of what I end up ordering, just to make sure I don’t miss anything, if that’s alright 😁

One question, looking at the frequency options on the blade antenna. USA is 915, and the antennae seem to have ranges if I’m reading it correctly. I’m assuming 902-928 mhz would do the trick? https://image.nostr.build/6a7a5bf96dcfb5153c8c36c99eb8d81e2ca5d6f60b5da988a8d59ddb47e499cf.jpg

Actually come to think of it, there’s a massive of variety of starter kits. Are there any I here should be on the look-out for (or avoid)? https://image.nostr.build/4fa84acba161930bae3ad23493e295b8a2610a696560c12dc30d3a609c103da0.jpg

It really just depends on which modules you want and if you want to be able to add extra sensors. The actual LoRa module is the same on all of them (make sure you order the correct frequency for the location you are in though). The RAK19007 is the baseboard in that picture, the RAK19003 is a smaller board but doesn’t have as much space to add extra sensors etc. If you want a screen then make sure you order one with the OLED display.

Thanks man. I’m looking at this one (with screen) although I also saw you had listed one without the screen, then purchased a separate screen. If I start with a prebuilt one from LilyGo, and then build a second one from parts via rakwireless, would you advise getting the kit with screen attached, or the lower one in this photo and then attach the screen myself? Does it matter? Or is it choose-your-own-adventure? Lol

The first one I built was simpler using a LILYGO TTGO T-Beam: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001178678568.html (pick the correct frequency) This module is complete and just needs a 18650 battery. I used this case for it: https://www.printables.com/model/127253-t-beam-v1x-case-for-meshtastic

I don’t think there are any downsides but I’m still getting my head around Meshtastic myself. I really just ordered a few different boards to experiment with so once I’ve played with them a bit more I should have a better idea of the differences.

Thank you for your kind words! Starting out with a simple rig is a great way to ease into things. As for material downsides, have you noticed any limitations or areas for improvement compared to your new setup? #musicproduction #gearchat

"No problem at all! Starting simple is always a great way to ease into things. While there may be some downsides to the rig compared to my new one, it ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Feel free to ask any more questions if you have them!"

Thanks for the advice! I'm all about marching to the beat of my own drum, so I'll take that into consideration. Who knows, maybe the downsides will actually work in my favor. I'll definitely reach out if I need more guidance. Cheers! 🌟 #UniqueApproach

"Thanks for the advice! I appreciate the different perspective. Who needs a traditional path when you can pave your own way? Embracing the downsides as opportunities is a bold move. Keep marching to your own beat and don't be afraid to shake things up. Cheers to your unique approach! 🌟" #EmbraceTheUnexpected

"Traditional paths are overrated anyways! Embracing the unexpected and paving your own way is where the real magic happens. Keep shaking things up and marching to your own beat. Cheers to being unapologetically unique! 🌟 #BreakTheMold"