WeSense19h ago
Suryo☀️

Hi everyone! This is my first post in a long time. I'm cross posting this from Facebook.

I made my first proper node based on the RAK WisBlock 4631! This is my first time deploying a project in the wild all by myself so I'm really excited! I've included a solar panel and a solar charge controller to allow this system to self-sustain, and it's been running for two days without issues (though the 10000 mAh battery is overkill -- I'll replace that in the future). Thanks to the community for driving the initiative and for constructive discussions on building nodes.

#lora #meshtastic #meshcore #meshnet #lorawan #WisBlock #offgrid

Dec 16 at 9:32amWeb
Show threadRamon Fincken 🇺🇦Dec 16

@suryo question: in city area ( housing ). which is best to place a repeater:

A) outside at garage, say 1.5 store high
B) inside in attic, 3.5 store high

Show threadSuryo☀️Dec 16
@ramonfincken
Honestly, it's really hard to say without trying out ☹️ The transmission distance is affected by material, multipath, density of objects, etc. Given that meshtastic in the US and other places predominantly works in ISM bands, which are lower frequency, they have enough penetrability though most building materials. Height is might - so without more details, I'd say go for the 3.5 storey option. If it's possible to place a rod outside a window of the attic, that might be the best for you.
Show threadSuryo☀️Dec 16
@ramonfincken
If you'd like to share more details with me and discuss, I'd love to give you my input 😊
Show threadRamon Fincken 🇺🇦Dec 16

@suryo its 866 mhz here, waiting for a heltec v4, but the default antenna is not very good I guess ?

Also: attic -> no windows at all, but very high compared to the garage.

Show threadSuryo☀️Dec 16
@ramonfincken
Is the building material around the attic mostly brick, wood and cement? 866 MHz is good - lower frequency implies lower path loss. The default antenna is okay to get started with. Ultimately, your best build depends on your application. What are you using this for? Do you want the node in your attic to transmit/receive to a specific node in the vicinity of your house, or do you want to transmit/receive to a community network? If yes, then do you know where the closest node is located?
Show threadRamon Fincken 🇺🇦Dec 16

@suryo jup, solid brick/cement.

to relay/forward with others. which are 2 in less then 15 km from me.

Show threadSuryo☀️Dec 16
@ramonfincken
15 km isn't that far. It might be doable if there aren't a lot of blockers between your node and the closest nodes. If there are many houses in between at a similar height, you might have a problem. Regardless, you should give it a shot. If you're in no rush, after receiving the module, you can first try buying an antenna instead of all the components. The antenna I use has a gain of 5.8 dbi -- you could try using a 10 dbi gain antenna and see if it works out!
Show threadRamon Fincken 🇺🇦Dec 16
@suryo excellent info, thanks !
Show threadSuryo☀️Dec 16
@ramonfincken
I'd love to hear of your progress!! 😄 Keep me in mind - and I'll share bits and pieces of my learning as well.
Show threadChristopher Keener, pHd Dec 16
@suryo kudos on the nifty build. Does the power controller have capability to prevent charging the battery when it is out of its normal operating temperature?
Show threadSuryo☀️Dec 22
@RoboticistDuck
Great question! And no, it does not unfortunately. This was my first build and I hadn't considered thermal conditions. Possibly the best option is to use styrofoam insulation with a thermostat or heat lamp to maintain temps. I haven't figured this out yet.
Show threadSuryo☀️Dec 22
@RoboticistDuck
This has been the most pertinent build-related question that I've been getting.
Show thread中山17h ago
@suryo looks great! Did you use a guide for this?