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| links:meshcore:part2 [2026/10/29 20:05] – [Installing a Bootloader] va7fi | links:meshcore:part2 [2026/10/30 17:16] (current) – created - external edit (Unknown date) 127.0.0.1 |
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| </WRAP> | </WRAP> |
| </WRAP> | </WRAP> |
| This is the second part of the Meshcore Guide. See the [[part1|first part]] to get started. | This is the second part of the Meshcore Guide. See the [[part1|first part here]]. |
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| ====== Repeaters ====== | ====== Repeaters ====== |
| <WRAP centeralign> | * Install a repeater like the //SenseCAP Solar Node P1-Pro// from [[https://www.seeedstudio.com/SenseCAP-Solar-Node-P1-Pro-for-Meshtastic-LoRa-p-6412.html|Seeed Studio]] or [[https://ca.robotshop.com/products/sensecap-solar-node-p1-pro-for-meshtastic-w-gps-battery |RobotShop]] |
| {{ :links:meshcore:meshcore1.png |}} | * Use an antenna like: |
| </WRAP> | |
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| As mentioned in the [[#part1 |first part]], repeaters are used to extend the range of companions. With radios, the range roughly depends on three factors: | |
| * The antenna characteristics of **both** radios, their heights above the ground, and the line of sight between them. | |
| * The transmitting power of **both** radios. | |
| * The frequency used. | |
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| Let's highlight here that it doesn't make sense to talk about the range of //one// radio. For example, I might be able to reach Bob at a maximum distance of 1 km, while reaching Alice 2 km away. That's because Alice might have a better antenna or be higher up than Bob. If one person improves their antenna, height, or line of sight, it helps everyone communicating with them. | |
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| That's not so with power. If Bob increases his power, everyone will hear him better, but that won't help him hear anyone else better. It's like if two people on opposite sides of a football field tried to talk to each other: one with a megaphone, and one without. | |
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| As a rule of thumb, everyone should use roughly the same power, and focus on improving their antenna, line of sight, and height. | |
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| With that in mind, to be effective, a repeater should have a good antenna, be as high as possible, and have a clear line of sight to other repeaters and companions. | |
| <WRAP pagebreak /> | |
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| ====== Equipment ====== | |
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| * A repeater like the //SenseCAP Solar Node P1-Pro// can be purchased from [[https://www.seeedstudio.com/SenseCAP-Solar-Node-P1-Pro-for-Meshtastic-LoRa-p-6412.html|Seeed Studio]] or [[https://ca.robotshop.com/products/sensecap-solar-node-p1-pro-for-meshtastic-w-gps-battery |RobotShop]] | |
| * The antenna can be upgraded with one like: | |
| * [[https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08H8J6ZV6 |ALFA Network AOA-915-5ACM 5 dBi]] | * [[https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08H8J6ZV6 |ALFA Network AOA-915-5ACM 5 dBi]] |
| * [[https://www.amazon.ca/Waterproof-Fiberglass-SenseCAP-EasyLinkIn-SyncroB/dp/B09N2H166D/|5.8dBi Meshtastic Lora 915MHz Fiberglass Antenna]] | * [[https://www.amazon.ca/Waterproof-Fiberglass-SenseCAP-EasyLinkIn-SyncroB/dp/B09N2H166D/|5.8dBi Meshtastic Lora 915MHz Fiberglass Antenna]] |
| * [[https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0FDB2BN1R/ |Superbat N Type Female to SMA Male RG316 Coaxial Cable 15cm]] | * [[https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0FDB2BN1R/ |Superbat N Type Female to SMA Male RG316 Coaxial Cable 15cm]] |
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| ====== Flashing the Firmware ====== | |
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| ===== Installing a Bootloader ===== | ===== Installing the Bootloader for the First Time. ===== |
| This step is optional, but it allows future updates to be performed over-the-air (OTA) via Bluetooth instead of wired via USB. <wrap important> It is **not** required for (or compatible with) ESP32 devices like the Heltec V or T beam.</wrap> | This step is required to be able to perform future updates over-the-air (OTA) via Bluetooth. <wrap important> It is **not** required for (or compatible with) ESP32 devices like the Heltec V or T beam.</wrap> |
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| If you already have MeshCore installed (but not the bootloader), download your current settings: | If you already have MeshCore installed (but not the bootloader), download your current settings: |
| * Enter the "''Antenna Coverage''" tool | * Enter the "''Antenna Coverage''" tool |
| * Where it says "''0 Coverage Layers''", click on <key>**⋮**</key> and select "''Import JSON''" | * Where it says "''0 Coverage Layers''", click on <key>**⋮**</key> and select "''Import JSON''" |
| * Import this {{:links:meshcore:coverage_layers_2026-03-27-221828.json |json file}} | * Import [[:links:meshcore:coverage_layers_2026-03-27-221828.json |this file]] |
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