Meshtastic is a great project which can be used in a variety of ways. One of these is to create off-grid mesh networks. Meshastic should not be confused with Mesh Net software which directly links phones together via onboard WiFi or Bluetooth. Meshtastic devices are a separate means of accomplishing mesh networking. This video helps explain the meshtastic approach to mesh networking Here's the link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqAsWtIjHUY
The 915MHz ESP32 LoRa OLED 0.96 SX1276 Transceiver Module + LoRa Antenna U.FL IPEX to SMA + 2P 1.25mm Connector for Arduino LoraWan IOT (Pack of 2)
are on amazon.ca ... $68 for a pack of 2
Power supply options....
These devices use public domain frequencies, 915 mhz and limited to 25mW. A 6db antenna is permitted.
At 10V input voltage, the current draw was 0.099 A (or 9.99mA). – 0.099A = 99mA
At 5V, the current draw was a little higher, at 0.128 A (or 12.8mA). – 0.128A = 128mA
https://techexplorations.com/guides/esp32/begin/power/
Finally got my Heltec V3, solar panel, & meshtastic antenna up.
Its on my network with its own IP address via WiFi.
I can issue commands to it from the command line in Linux or also configure via meshtastic app on phone.
Working on linking to MQTT next. Learning as I go.
![[Image: mesh1.jpg]](https://i.postimg.cc/v4Lr4m1C/mesh1.jpg)
![[Image: mesh2.jpg]](https://i.postimg.cc/p9sKB1JZ/mesh2.jpg)
![[Image: mesh3.jpg]](https://i.postimg.cc/Mc6yV8VH/mesh3.jpg)
![[Image: mesh4.jpg]](https://i.postimg.cc/WdPmpZ4M/mesh4.jpg)
Getting this Heltec V3 working with MQTT has taken me a couple of days working on it off and on. Flashed firmware like 4 times and finally the last one 2.6.7 alpha seemed to stick and work. This is the one with longer antenna and up on a pole with battery & solar charging. I'm now starting to see my own nodes on the map along with other ones in Canada and beyond. Currently my node is showing up on the maps, but I'm thinking it might disappear if I shutdown the Android or PC that is running the mqtt client. I'll have to figure out which one to leave running. Again, I'm just cutting my teeth on this and still have a lot to learn. Anyway, see if the node shows up on the links below:
See
https://map.mt.gt/#1127921772
And
https://meshtastic.liamcottle.net/?lat=4...506&zoom=8
This
https://wiki.mt.gt/ site was most helpful.
I will continue to post on my progress from time to time.
(2025-05-01, 18:12:35)Bobby_ve3pav Wrote: [ -> ] (2025-05-01, 12:17:21)Mark VA3VBE Wrote: [ -> ]Finally got my Heltec V3, solar panel, & meshtastic antenna up.
Its on my network with its own IP address via WiFi.
I can issue commands to it from the command line in Linux or also configure via meshtastic app on phone.
Working on linking to MQTT next. Learning as I go.
that looks great,i'm working on one also.what frequency are you using.
906.72 MHz I think. I'll double check.
Sorry, I was wrong. I'm using the standard presets which are fine in my area because of low congestion etc.
Channel # Frequency (MHz)
0 903.08
(2025-05-07, 21:46:37)Mark VA3VBE Wrote: [ -> ]Sorry, I was wrong. I'm using the standard presets which are fine in my area because of low congestion etc.
Channel # Frequency (MHz)
0 903.08
Meshtastic Project Update May 24, 2024
I currently have two
Heltec LoRa 32 V3 devices configured for Meshtastic, each powered by a
3.7V LiPo battery, though I’m exploring more robust and efficient long-term power solutions.
- Node 1 (Wi-Fi/MQTT Gateway):
This unit is configured with a static IP over Wi-Fi and has MQTT functionality enabled, serving as a bridge between the LoRa mesh and the internet via an MQTT broker. It was previously installed in a semi-permanent outdoor setup within a weatherproof electrical enclosure, powered by a solar panel and paired with a high-gain external antenna. However, due to inconsistent charging performance under solar, I’ve temporarily removed the solar panel and antenna mount. I'm reserving this outdoor hardware for a future deployment using a RAK-based device, which is expected to offer improved power efficiency and be better suited for continuous outdoor router/repeater roles. In that configuration, the Wi-Fi-enabled Heltec unit will remain indoors, continuing its role as the MQTT gateway interfacing the mesh with the broader internet.
- Node 2 (Mobile/Companion Node):
This device is configured for Bluetooth operation and is currently paired with a Chromebook running the Meshtastic Android app (via the Android Runtime for Chrome OS). It functions as a portable node for field use, offering convenient access to the mesh without requiring physical connections. Like the first device, it is powered by a 3.7V LiPo cell.
Both Heltec V3 nodes feature the
Semtech SX1262 LoRa transceiver and an integrated
OLED display for real-time telemetry and status. As part of ongoing improvements, I am evaluating a switch to
protected 18650 Li-ion cells, which offer better energy density, stability, and charging compatibility—particularly in solar-powered scenarios.
You can find detailed info on Meshtastic networking, MQTT setup, and regional coordination at the
Canadaverse Mesh Wiki:
https://wiki.mt.gt. My
MQTT-connected Heltec V3 node in
Mildmay, Ontario is visible on these public Meshtastic maps:
https://meshview.mt.gt/map,
https://map.mt.gt, and
https://meshtastic.liamcottle.net. All devices use the
public MQTT broker at "mqtt.mt.gt".
.
My Neverending Meshtastic project is slowly getting closer to completion...
The Heltec V3 and how I was powering it with a single 3.7v LiPo battery ended up not working too well. Had the unit fall into a boot loop where there was just enough juice to power up but then not enough so it shut down. I think my Heltecs are great when paired with a phone but not the best for my solar node. Got some help from one very experienced meshtastic user who recommended nRF52840-based device.
Apparently they use ten times less power than the Heltecs. So the new unit I bought was the Wisblock Starter Kit with RAK19007 Base Board + RAK4631 Core Module LoRa + BLE (nRF52840-based), Arduino-compatible.
I also ended up getting some 18650 Sony batteries that will power the device and get charged by the solar panel. Here are some pictures of the new setup. I will put the pole up tomorrow for further testing.
Oh, and this device uses 906.875 Mhz
https://zikes.ca/photos2025/public/galle...lW4wf1EXxJ
![[Image: image-(1).png]](https://i.postimg.cc/YjyjKxn6/image-(1).png)
![[Image: 1-114993369-sensecap-card-tracker-t1000-...tastic.jpg]](https://i.postimg.cc/Z9TJy97g/1-114993369-sensecap-card-tracker-t1000-e-for-meshtastic.jpg){kind=tracking}