Best Beginner Meshtastic Radio on a Budget | Cheap, Fast, Versatile

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👉 Buy a case: atlavox.com/products/case-for...
👉 Compare pricing on a WisBlock Meshtastic Starter Kit: atlavox.com/products/wisblock...
👉 Buy an "Always On" Power Bank: geni.us/hz23kQW
👉 Buy a 3.7v LiPo Battery for Case: geni.us/bKmOH
👉 Buy a Rak WisMesh Pocket: geni.us/WisMeshPocket
This is the best beginner radio for getting started with Meshtastic. All you need is the WisBlock Meshtastic Starter Kit, this case, and you've got yourself a functional handheld radio. It's the best bang for your buck, and you can always upgrade down the road if you want to. It doesn't require any additional tools, soldering, parts, accessories, or any special knowledge about radios or Meshtastic.
Have a 3D printer? Print this model yourself: www.printables.com/model/6234...
Much gratitude towards www.printables.com/@pdxlocs for licensing his model under Creative Commons (4.0 International License) creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
00:00 Intro
00:18 WisBlock Meshtastic Starter Kit
00:40 Cases
01:06 Best Beginner Case
01:52 Modules
02:15 Battery
03:12 USB Power
03:49 No Display
04:25 WisMesh Pocket
04:55 3D model
05:21 Buy a Case
05:52 Buy a WisBlock
07:13 Solar Node Project
#meshtastic #wisblock #prepping

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Опубликовано:

27 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 79

@Scout339th Месяц назад

Thoroughly excited for that solar node being around the $100 mark, I would love to stick some in some trees around my local area set up as relays.

@dougdaniels 2 месяца назад

Add a GPS module and the "beginner kit" is perfect for attaching to a dog collar for tracking your pet.

@mattreviewsit 2 месяца назад

Damn. That’s a use case I haven’t thought of. Genius

@EA1FRU 2 месяца назад

I think that for this case of use, is best Lorawan and TTN.

@thehaguefortnite_163 2 месяца назад

Good job on the solar node, i'm following

@ForTheEraOfLove Месяц назад

I appreciate you for co-creating a beautiful future 🙏

@DRCK-sp2gt 8 дней назад

hope your throwing the designer some kickback.

@mattreviewsit День назад

I offered to pay a royalty fee, but he was not interested. Instead he suggested I make a donation to the Meshtastic fund, so I have donated $100 to the Meshtastic Open Collective.

@DRCK-sp2gt День назад

@@mattreviewsit even better. Thank you for your transparency. Doing good work.

@edwardfletcher7790 2 месяца назад

This case is a beautiful minimal masterpiece 👍😁

@mattreviewsit 2 месяца назад

I agree, much love towards @pdxlocs for the beautiful design.

@wx7slc Месяц назад

An exciting view of Meshtastic progress and new products. I have one concern with 18650 cells operating/charging at temperatures below freezing. LiFePO4 batteries must have low temp sensing to protect the battery cells - no charging if the cells are below freezing and an extended low temp operating range within reason below freezing. I am looking to set up a mesh of nodes in outside conditions. Today was close to 100 degrees in SLC, but I can't trust the WX for winter months. This is really exciting, though, please keep up the progress. I'm going to pursue the RAK products, as my T-beams are older and a bit klunkier. TNX

@DirtyD786 2 месяца назад

sick ,keep it up

@IndependentNewsMedia Месяц назад

Nice overview video, God bless.

@vica153 2 месяца назад

+1 on the solar node.

@Mark-TBH 2 месяца назад

I have LoRa. I just wish more people in my area used it. It would be cool to chat to others around me without the possibility of "Big Brother" listening in on my conversation.

@artemkalinchuk 2 месяца назад

Big Brother has the possibility to listen. The encryption is not that great.

@lightofhopeph 2 месяца назад

awesome kit, do you have a link to the waterproof usb c connector ?

@vrfrir 2 месяца назад

When is the video about installing your outdoor antena on your roof coming?

@howardbernier2289 2 месяца назад

Would you add a lanyard so you can clip it to clothing?

@justinnkim Месяц назад

Wow, very excited to see that solar node complete. Get it done and take my money

@mattreviewsit День назад

Solar node is complete! Here's the video overview if you're still interested: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-6D_yDFxfE0M.html You can buy one here: geni.us/AtlavoxS4

@meteors63 4 дня назад

Any news on the solar node project? Looking forward to buying some from you if you sell them. Let me know please.

@juergenw7495 Месяц назад

i mean.. it has a pretty good reason that "most cases have antenna connectors for different antennas" and "for a beginner" is not really a thing come on, were not talking about reparing a car.. yes its a cool case but thats the end of the story lol if youre capable of ordering the correct battery with the correct connector you are also capable of ordering a suitable sma connector and antenna.. even if youre a "beginner". the solar thingy is cool :D

@ExpediteTravels 2 месяца назад

Very cool Does a starter kit come pre flashed with meshtastic installed?Already

@mattreviewsit 2 месяца назад

Yes it does. Just power it up, connect Bluetooth and your golden

@Isaacmantx 14 дней назад

Well dang.... I was about ready to give up on Meshtastic nodes...

@Isaacmantx 14 дней назад

Your solar node has me interested, though... especially if you end up doing it with an N type antenna connection.

@jamest.5001 Месяц назад

Tell me someone has made a communicator from Star Trek case for these! That would be awesome! Have power switch to power on when flipped open, with another override switch to allow use while closed

@meteors63 4 дня назад

Tried to buy from you but you don't ship to Canada???

@charlesvrogers Месяц назад

Hi Matt, Have you tryed the t-watch s3 . Just setup my WisBlock today. This is what Ineeded. Thanks.

@mattreviewsit Месяц назад

No I haven't tried the T-watch. Do you have one?

@charlesvrogers Месяц назад

@@mattreviewsit Yes, but still working on it.

@rowe39425 2 месяца назад

Would you consider selling just a parts kit without the plastic so basically just a solar panel and the board so we can just 3D print it ourselves.

@mattreviewsit 2 месяца назад

I was planning on selling an all in one kit with the WisBlock and everything, but that’s a good idea. I could basically sell it as an enclosure and you can add your own WisBlock and batteries. The 3D printed bracket is super cheap, idk if it makes sense not to include that, unless you’re implying you want to use the enclosure for something different?

@rowe39425 2 месяца назад

@@mattreviewsitI'm sorry I wasn't more clear I was speaking of the solar node you introduced at 7:20... So just the solar panel and circuit boards allow us to print enclosure to contain it all. So I was thinking just the board for the power bank the board for the solar charge controller the solar panel and The wisblock... I don't mean to disparage your existing design or anything it's just that we have a lot of different locations which will require different enclosures completely. We can break it down and remove the boards that's not a big deal but since that was the plan maybe it would save some trouble on your end. And perhaps some overall cost savings since it's just the circuit boards and nothing else... We normally don't use springs for the 18650s on outdoor projects spot welding seems to hold up longer and provide a better connection.

@zerofox3d Месяц назад

That is a nicely designed case! I'm a bit biased though when I say the Bender case for the HeltecV3 is a great choice too :D Drop me an email and I'll send you the files to try out.

@Wayneburg Месяц назад

Subscribed because of this video. Great presentation and addressing customer needs. I am a complete newbie to this tech. Why hasn't anyone made a model that requires no assembly or mods, just buy one item or multiples of that item and done? Why isn't there a product that is just off the shelf ready. If for example i want a toaster, i go to the store and select a toaster. I'm not given a bunch of parts to figure out how to assemble into a toaster?

@mattreviewsit День назад

What you're looking for is the RAK WisMesh Pocket: geni.us/WisMeshPocket

@knobblyknob 2 месяца назад

The Heltec V3 is cheaper, has an OLED, online flasher, case from printables, easily add gps with a $7 gps module.

@mattreviewsit 2 месяца назад

Biggest thing is the battery life is far superior with the WisBlock. It’s like a week. Heltec only gets 1-2 days. It also has online flasher and cases available on printables. It’s modular so you can add whatever you want.

@jdsan6009 2 месяца назад

Just consider that adding any plastic so close to the antenna detunes it, affecting the RF performance.

@Siskiyous6 2 месяца назад

Some plastics, certainly not all.

@juststeve7665 Месяц назад

@@Siskiyous6 all dielectric material will change the tuning

@drivewithsafe Месяц назад

Hey bro, great video. Are you interested in reviewing car dashcam? Is there any way to connect you?

@tomgarciaaz 2 месяца назад

Just add GPS, this is awesome.

@mattreviewsit 2 месяца назад

Idk if I'd even worry about a GPS, because you can just have the Meshtastic app use the GPS on your phone. If you're setting up a stationary solar node, you can just set a static location in the app. The only application I feel like it's really needed to have on-board GPS is either a tracker node, or a dedicated mobile node on a vehicle. Maybe there are some other use cases I'm not thinking of?

@tomgarciaaz 2 месяца назад

@@mattreviewsit I'm thinking along the lines of lost hiker scenario.

@mattreviewsit 2 месяца назад

@@tomgarciaaz In that case, wouldn't the hiker have their phone? Or are you saying just as a redundancy in case the phone battery dies?

@confuseatronica 2 месяца назад

@@mattreviewsit I'm using one for putting on r/c aircraft and rovers- it will help me find a lost model and also will be a node on the mesh to get distant contacts with the extra altitude. Every OTHER unit I have, yeah I've realized the GPS is kinda pointless and I'm turning it off next time I update the firmware.

@tomgarciaaz 2 месяца назад

@@mattreviewsit With or without phone. Both are possible.

@anlpereira 2 месяца назад

Half of time is merchandise about the case

@rickymcdaniel6708 2 месяца назад

How is it an off grid or a private radio if it requires a cellphone? So, without a cellphone, it will not work? Why not just call who you want to talk to? It's just another cellphone bluetooth device to carry around when you can just call..

@mattreviewsit 2 месяца назад

It’s off grid because it doesn’t use internet or cell towers. The phone connects to the radio via Bluetooth, then transmits directly to other nodes via radio waves.

@rickymcdaniel6708 2 месяца назад

@@mattreviewsit thanks that helps understand a little better

@flyinryanfpv8763 2 месяца назад

@@rickymcdaniel6708 You also don't need a phone. It just gives you more functionality by giving you an advanced interface. This device would be hard to use for anything other than GPS tracking by others, without a Bluetooth device. But you can add a screen and rotary dial, or a couple buttons, or even a full keyboard. Then you can use the device as a stand alone coms device. The T-Deck is the most complete standalone option at the moment. Still limited in function compared to connecting to a phone, tablet or computer though.

@rickymcdaniel6708 2 месяца назад

@flyinryanfpv8763 so it only does text and no voice audio Communications? Just trying to figure out if it's any better than my gmrs setup.

@flyinryanfpv8763 2 месяца назад

@@rickymcdaniel6708 yes sir, as of now it’s only text based communication. Although audio is being worked on actively. I have my gmrs license as well and I find this to be a great compliment to that setup. This gives me a lot more range while also acting as gps trackers, plus it’s a mesh network. So every node acts as a repeater and extends your coverage. I have 3 solar nodes setup around my area (1 on a tower at home and 2 in town on building rooftops) and I can keep track and stay in contact with my 8 year old anywhere within a 40 mile radius. My girlfriend and I also have mobile nodes setup in our vehicles with rooftop antennas. Which further extends coverage and ensures the little guy can always reach us. Messages come directly to my phone when he texts and he has a T-deck like I mentioned earlier, so he doesn’t need another device. I mainly did this to avoid needing to get him a phone at his age and this has been working great. Now anyone else in my area who’s interested can utilize the network infrastructure I’ve already setup.

@jimmarco9764 Месяц назад

Nice concept but poorly executed...Board does not sit flat is tray...Causes USB-C connector to be cockeyed and unusable...Not enough room for the recommended battery without stressing the board...Case needs to be deeper...Not sure if there is room for GPS module and antenna...There are better choices out there for the same money...

@Clembassador 2 месяца назад

The stock antenna that comes with the Wisblock is hot garbage, it’s got low efficiency and high swr, replacing the antenna at the very least is going to give you the best performance.

@mattreviewsit 2 месяца назад

Yeah, it's not great. It's just one of those barriers of entry though to upgrade the antenna. Not only do you have to research antennas, gain, connector types, you also need to buy a cable that goes from the WisBLock to the antenna. I just appreciate this case because you literally don't need to buy anything or research anything else other than the WisBlock Meshtastic Starter kit. It's great to get started and play around with.

@n6cid 2 месяца назад

Why 800 or 900 mhz? Those two bands are the worst of the bands available...

@mattreviewsit 2 месяца назад

Idk, you probably know more than me. But it uses LoRa, so it’s long range, low power, and since 915 doesn’t require a license that’s important. Another benefit is it “blends in” to other ioT devices making it more stealthy if that’s a concern.

@BrandonJ131 2 месяца назад

ISM bands. Keeps it legal in the FCC eyes

@jhlewis10 Месяц назад

If you think printing supports is tricky you should not be 3d printing.

@mattreviewsit День назад

It's not the printing of supports that's hard, it's the removal of them that sucks. You can easily scratch your finished print, and they sometimes leave behind a poor surface. I like to avoid them if possible, it's one less step to deal with when printing out a ton of parts.

@TheOpticalFreak Месяц назад

Really ? You stole his design and you are now selling it for 20 dollar! 😑 How t are you giving back to him!? You should at least give him 5 dollar for each sold item!! 🤷🏻‍♂️

@mattreviewsit Месяц назад

Did you miss the part where I said I spoke with the designer? 5:12 I didn't steal the design. I originally offered to pay him to license his design. He said he didn't want money and said he'd be happy to change his license to allow for commercial use. The designer allows anyone to sell it. In honor of that I decided to donate $100 to the Meshtastic Open Collective, which you can view here: opencollective.com/meshtastic

@religionisapoison2413 10 дней назад

He's not selling the design he's selling the cost of manufacturing the case which is basically nothing in material but tedious bs with printing it, shipping, labeling. That whole thing probably takes 2+ hours to print. So just on one machine you're only getting $10/hr - labor/hr.