Dual node Meshtastic and MeshCore. I think both networks have their benefits, and now I don't have to choose. We'll see how two nodes does in the winter. But right now a single solar panel is plenty to keep the battery constantly topped up.
V2 of my Repeater Node Build
19 Comments
linuxguy@lemmy.gregw.us · 7 pts · 290d
Those antenna are so close for being on the same frequency. Quarter wavelength is typical, right? Maybe one out the top and one out the bottom?
ramielrowe@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 290d
Yea, it's definitely not ideal for a high traffic repeater. My area's got pretty minimal traffic, so I don't expect there's enough traffic to cause interference right now. When I get to a V3, I'll probably be upgrading to a wider enclosure to get better spacing. The same company has a 200mm tall box I could mount horizontal, and put the antennas on the long side.
avidamoeba@lemmy.ca · 6 pts · 290d
Those antennas might not be what you want. I'm on the 9th floor and used a plastic RAK dipole antenna with great reception catching nodes 15km away in urban environment. I then tried a couple of high gain antennas to see if I'd get better reception. The signal got worse. I was only able to connect to the closest, strongest nodes. Many of the further ones wouldn't connect at all. It seems like the signal shape that the higher gain created made it more difficult to reach nodes that aren't on the same height. If you haven't thought of that, think about it, and either way test with regular 2dBi dipole.
ramielrowe@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 290d
That makes sense. My understanding is gain is expressed relative to a perfect omnidirectional antenna. So, higher gain means you're making trade-offs in the area covered by the antenna. I've ordered some 2 dBi antennas to test with before deploying these.
avidamoeba@lemmy.ca · 1 pts · 289d
Yeah, if you're not too knowledgeable in RF, just try different antennas and see which ones get more nodes. I'm not so that's what I did. :D
ramielrowe@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 285d
Little update. Tried out this 2 dbi antenna tonight, and got probably about a 50% improvement in range. About 4500 feet before, to 1.25-1.5 mile depending on direction. So, definitely appreciate the suggestion!
avidamoeba@lemmy.ca · 1 pts · 285d
Damn. I wonder how many poor sods like you and me buy the bigger antennas and never know.. 😅 It was pure luck for me that I decided to try both.
Steamymoomilk@sh.itjust.works · 4 pts · 289d
Sick build!
Ive been building a offgridish server i plan to have dual nodes on. 1 meshtastic The other Rnode
I though it would be cool to make the rack have a DIY PDU that i could run off wall power or solar. My plan is to have a rapi 400 run a propagation node for reticulum and have a client for meshtastic, its so much fun to get messages from airplanes :)
I like both technologys antennas are tricky tho :|
ramielrowe@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 289d
Awsome! Yea, I've still got a lot to learn about antennas. I've been working towards my general HAM license, and antenna design starts to come into play at that point.
I've also been trying to incorporate a raspberry pi into another node I'm working on, but it's a pi zero 2w. I'd like to build a fully off grid, solar powered ADS-B node. The current build is too much for even 3 18650s. Not sure it'll ever work out. The ultimate goal is a mesh repeater set up with a pi for occasional serial control and updates. We'll see if I ever get there.
Professorozone@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 290d
Judging by the length, I'm pretty sure those antennas are too close together.
ramielrowe@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 290d
Yes, as mentioned in another comment, I understand the impact. The mesh traffic in my area is extremely light, and I expect cross node interference to be extremely rare. But, it's something I plan to address in the next version.
slazer2au@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 289d
I do have to ask, why is the left antenna connected to the right circuit board and the right antenna to the left circuit board?
ramielrowe@lemmy.world · 6 pts · 289d
In terms of layout, there were a few decisions. For antennas, it's because I didn't want to put too tight of a bend in either cable, preventing a crimp. Not sure if it matters. Likewise, the rak boards are pushed up as far as I can to keep enough room to easily access the USB ports should I need serial access.
glimse@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 289d
That's some really good forethought especially for something that will be in the cold
fedditter@feddit.org · 2 pts · 289d
Stupid question.. Why does your left side of your brain control your right side of the body and vice versa, duuh!?..
slazer2au@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 289d
Because human wiring is a mess.
Hule@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 289d
Axial twist theory (Wikipedia)
Professorozone@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 290d
Gotcha, I haven't kept up, just saw this one post. Carry on, good sir, and best of luck. I love these kinds of projects.
mesamunefire@piefed.social · 1 pts · 290d
Interesting! First time I've seen a dual repeater! Nice job.