Meshtastic Review: LILYGO

Meshtastic: The Revolutionary Mesh Network Device

We will provide an in-depth Meshtastic Review of the LILYGO devices today. In today’s world, staying connected is more important than ever. Meshtastic allows you to keep in touch in a unique way. Whether it’s for work or play, we rely on technology to keep us in touch with the world around us. Unfortunately, traditional communication methods like cellular networks and Wi-Fi can be unreliable or unavailable in remote areas. That’s where mesh networks come in.

A mesh network is a decentralized network that uses multiple nodes to relay data. This means that each node in the network can communicate with any other node, creating a web-like structure that can cover large areas. Mesh networks are perfect for outdoor activities like hiking or camping, as well as for emergency communication in disaster-stricken areas.

Meshtastic is a revolutionary mesh network device that allows you to stay connected even when traditional communication methods are not available. It uses low-cost, long-range radio modules to create a mesh network that can cover up to several miles. Meshtastic devices are small, lightweight, and can be powered by a battery, making them ideal for outdoor activities.

One critical thing to consider when purchasing a Meshtastic device is the range. The range of a Meshtastic device depends on several factors, including the terrain, the number of nodes in the network, and the power output of the radio module. It’s essential to choose a Meshtastic device that has a range suitable for your needs.

We tested Meshtastic devices in various settings, including hiking, camping, and emergency communication scenarios. We identified the devices that provide the best range, battery life, and ease of use. In this article, we’ll share our findings and help you choose the best Meshtastic device for your needs.

LILYGO Meshtastic Devices

We’ve scoured the market to bring you the best Meshtastic devices available. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a hiker, or a prepper, Meshtastic devices can provide you with reliable communication in remote areas without the need for cellular service. Our list includes devices with varying features and price points, so you’re sure to find one that fits your needs and budget. So, without further ado, here are the best Meshtastic devices on the market.

LILYGO LoRa32 915Mhz ESP32 Development Board

If you’re looking for a development board that can do more things, the LILYGO LoRa32 915Mhz ESP32 Development Board is worth considering.

Pros

• The board has an SMA antenna that can enhance signal transmission.
• Data can be stored on a local SD-card, transferred to cloud using LoRa WAN network or MQTT over TCP/IP, or transmitted to a local host using serial (SPI) interface.
• The Paxcounter feature is an ESP32 MCU based device for metering passenger flows in real-time. It counts how many mobile devices are around and gives an estimation of how many people are around.

Cons

• The firmware version needs constant updating.
• The display may reduce battery life.
• The company’s customer support may not be responsive.

We tested the board and found that its power switch interaction mode has been changed, so it’s easier to use. The addition of the SMA and TP4054 to the board makes it possible to do more things. The Paxcounter feature is a nice touch, especially for those who need to meter passenger flows in real-time.

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However, we did encounter some issues with the board. The firmware version in it was not the latest one, which caused some problems. Also, the display was defective in some cases. Lastly, the company’s customer support was not responsive, which was disappointing.

Overall, the LILYGO LoRa32 915Mhz ESP32 Development Board is a good option for those who need a development board that can do more things. However, be aware of the potential issues before making a purchase.

LILYGO T-Beam Helium V1.2 ESP32 LoRa TTGO Development Board LoRaWAN 915MHz Wireless Module GPS NEO-6M with 18650 Battery Holder

If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile development board that interfaces with the Helium platform, the LILYGO T-Beam Helium V1.2 ESP32 LoRa TTGO Development Board is a great option.

Pros

• The T-Beam Helium series is specialized in interfacing with the Helium platform, making it easy to build and deploy IoT applications.
• With wireless protocols such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2, you can easily connect to a range of devices and networks.
• The onboard functions, including three buttons for power, IO38, and reset, make it easy to control and customize your device.

Cons

• The use of a 18650 battery requires extra equipment and can be inconvenient for some users.
• The product is relatively new and may not have as many resources or support available compared to more established development boards.
• The product’s specifications may be overwhelming for those who are new to development boards and IoT applications.

In our experience, the LILYGO T-Beam Helium V1.2 ESP32 LoRa TTGO Development Board is a reliable and versatile option for building IoT applications. Its specialized interface with the Helium platform makes it easy to deploy and manage your devices, while its wireless protocols allow for seamless connectivity to other devices and networks. Additionally, the onboard functions make it easy to customize and control your device to fit your specific needs.

However, the use of a 18650 battery may be inconvenient for some users, as it requires additional equipment and may not be as readily available as other battery options. Additionally, as a relatively new product, there may not be as many resources or support available compared to more established development boards. The product’s specifications may also be overwhelming for those who are new to development boards and IoT applications.

Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and versatile development board that interfaces with the Helium platform, the LILYGO T-Beam Helium V1.2 ESP32 LoRa TTGO Development Board is a great option.

LILYGO Meshtastic T-BeamSUPREME ESP32-S3 TTGO Development Board

If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile development board, the LILYGO Meshtastic T-BeamSUPREME ESP32-S3 TTGO Development Board might be the perfect fit for you.

Pros

• The board is designed for collaborative development and features a powerful ESP32-S3R8 Dual-core LX7 microprocessor, which allows for fast and efficient processing.
• The wireless connectivity options are impressive, with both 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 (LE) available, making it easy to connect to a wide range of devices.
• The T-BeamSUPREME CORE is a standout feature of this board, as it consists of ESP32-S3, LoRa SX1262, and GPS CORE that can be replaced according to your experimental requirements.

Cons

• The board may not be the most beginner-friendly option, as it requires some technical knowledge to set up and use effectively.
• The price point is on the higher side, which may not be ideal for those looking for a more budget-friendly option.
• The board is currently only available in one model, which may limit its versatility for some users.

Overall, we highly recommend the LILYGO Meshtastic T-BeamSUPREME ESP32-S3 TTGO Development Board for those looking for a powerful and versatile development board. With its impressive wireless connectivity options and T-BeamSUPREME CORE feature, this board is a solid investment for those who need a reliable and efficient tool for their projects.

Buying Guide

When choosing a Meshtastic device, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best product that suits your needs. Here are some features to look out for:

Range

The range of the device is an important factor to consider, especially if you plan to use it in remote areas. Meshtastic devices use mesh networking technology, which allows them to communicate with each other without relying on cellular or Wi-Fi networks. The range of the device depends on the terrain and the number of devices in the network. It is important to choose a device with a range that suits your needs.

Battery Life

Battery life is another important factor to consider when choosing a Meshtastic device. The battery life of the device depends on the usage and the type of battery used. Some devices come with rechargeable batteries, while others use replaceable batteries. It is important to choose a device with a battery life that suits your needs.

Durability

The durability of the device is also an important factor to consider, especially if you plan to use it in harsh environments. Some devices are designed to be waterproof and shockproof, while others are not. It is important to choose a device that can withstand the conditions you plan to use it in.

Price

The price of the device is also a factor to consider. Meshtastic devices come in different price ranges, depending on the features and capabilities. It is important to choose a device that fits your budget and offers the features you need.

In summary, when choosing a Meshtastic device, consider the range, battery life, durability, and price to ensure you get the best product that suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What devices are compatible with Meshtastic?

Meshtastic is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Android smartphones, Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. However, the device must have Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) support, which is required for communication with the Meshtastic device.

How does Meshtastic integrate with mapping software?

Meshtastic integrates with mapping software such as Google Maps, OpenStreetMap, and others. The device sends GPS data to the connected device, which can be used to display the location of all devices on the map. This feature can be useful for navigation, tracking, and search and rescue operations.

What factors affect the communication range of Meshtastic?

The communication range of Meshtastic depends on various factors such as terrain, obstacles, and the number of devices in the network. In general, the range can vary from a few hundred meters to several kilometers in open areas. However, in urban areas with many buildings and other obstructions, the range may be limited.

Where can I find the source code for Meshtastic?

The source code for Meshtastic is available on GitHub, a popular platform for open-source software development. The code is released under the Apache License, Version 2.0, which allows users to modify, distribute, and use the software for any purpose.

What are the radio frequencies used by Meshtastic?

Meshtastic uses the popular 2.4 GHz radio frequency band, which is license-free and widely used for various wireless communication applications. The device uses the LoRa modulation scheme, which provides long-range and low-power communication suitable for mesh networking.

How can I set up a Meshtastic repeater to extend network coverage?

To set up a Meshtastic repeater, you need to have two or more Meshtastic devices and configure them as repeaters. The devices should be placed strategically to cover the desired area, and the repeater function should be enabled in the device settings. Once configured, the devices will automatically relay messages between each other, extending the network coverage.