Description
In this series, we explore LoRa mesh networking with Meshtastic and MeshCore, two open-source projects that let you send encrypted text messages and sensor data over several kilometers without cell service, Wi-Fi, or a satellite subscription. Over six episodes, we'll flash and configure nodes for both protocols, build a solar-powered repeater to extend the network's range, connect a sensor to a Meshtastic node to transmit telemetry, and finally bridge the mesh to a Home Assistant server over MQTT so you can log and visualize that data. If you've been hearing buzz about these protocols but don't know where to start, this series is for you.
To follow along with the series, you will need the following hardware:
SenseCAP Card Tracker T1000-E: https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/seeed-technology-co-ltd/114993369/24814479
XIAO ESP32S3 & Wio-SX1262 Kit: https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/seeed-technology-co-ltd/102010611/25835813
XIAO nRF52840 & Wio-SX1262 Kit: https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/seeed-technology-co-ltd/102010710/26553900
SenseCAP Solar Node P1-Pro: https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/seeed-technology-co-ltd/114993633/26834458
Raspberry Pi 4 or 5 (for Home Assistant in the final episode): https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/raspberry-pi/SC0195-9/12159401
Note that LoRa hardware is region-specific. Check the frequency band for your country before ordering. The United States and most of the Americas use 915 MHz, while Europe uses 433 MHz and 868 MHz. The SenseCAP P1 Pro's included antenna covers 868 to 915 MHz.
You can read a full write-up of everything we cover in this video here: https://www.digikey.com/en/maker/tutorials/2026/intro-to-lora-mesh-part-3-setting-up-a-meshtastic-repeater
If you've been running Meshtastic from inside a house or office, you've probably noticed your range is disappointing. Walls attenuate LoRa badly, and a card tracker sitting on a desk often can't reach the wider mesh at all. In this episode, we fix that by building a solar-powered, weatherproof repeater and mounting it on the roof. We're using the Seeed Studio SenseCAP Solar Node P1-Pro, which includes rechargeable batteries and a built-in GPS module. These additions are worth having in something you'll be installing somewhere inconvenient to reach.
We start with assembly, including the small but important trick of threading the SMA connector through the keyed hole in the mounting bracket so it can't work loose over time. From there we flash the latest firmware using the same erase-then-flash sequence we used for the other nRF52840 boards, then configure the node in the app. The key setting is the device role: switching from Client to Router means the node always rebroadcasts, rather than holding off when it hears a neighbor sending the same message. That's exactly what you want from a well-placed repeater, but a badly-placed one will just contribute to network flooding, so it's worth being honest about your location before flipping that switch. We also cover why Meshtastic deprecated the old repeater role in favor of Router, and what the Unmessagable flag tells other users.
We then install the P1 on the roof. We cover mounting height, getting line of sight to other repeaters in your area, why plastic sewage vent lines make a good mounting point and metal ones don't, and how to angle the solar panel for your hemisphere. Finally, we test the whole thing: driving to a park about a kilometer and a half away and sending a message that hops through the rooftop repeater and lands on a node back at the house.
In the next episode, we'll turn a Meshtastic node into an IoT sensor that broadcasts telemetry data across the mesh.
Learn more:
Maker.io - https://www.digikey.com/en/maker
DigiKey’s Blog – TheCircuit https://www.digikey.com/en/blog
Connect with DigiKey on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/digikey.electronics/
And follow us on X: https://x.com/digikey
0:00 Intro
0:46 What is a Meshtastic repeater?
2:03 Recommended hardware
2:34 Hardware setup
3:06 Flash Meshtastic firmware to the repeater
5:05 Configure repeater node with Meshtastic app
7:35 Test communication with repeater
8:09 Install repeater on roof
9:20 Test communication distance
9:56 Conclusion