Rak wireless module with battery/solar.
My question is…now what? I’m in Seattle, I can pick up 121 nodes, but there no traffic.
Is everybody using private channels? Or is nobody talking? I don’t see many messages and got one reply to a general CQ I sent out, but no response to the follow up.
I guess I was kind of hoping for what I get over ham radio, occasional chats, evening nets, etc.
Am I running into a technical limitation? Or is that the gist of Meshtastic?
As a follow-up, can I easily see if my router is handling other people’s traffic? I’d like to know if I’m helping.
One question, as i am not into meshtastic yet. Is it possible to install a kind of router/repeater as on your photo with an outdoor antenna and then connect and use a second meshtastic device inside home? Can the seconde mobile device connect to the repeater for sending bigger distances?
Yeah, that’s kind of the idea. They used to have a profile specifically for that application, but it’s deprecated. Basically all nodes do what you’ve suggested.
And how do they connect? Wifi? Bluetooth? Presumanbly the mesh itself. Is there any Link for documentation?
They connect over the mesh network. That’s the whole concept. Every device will relay messages to every other device in range. If your rooftop router is the best route between your device and the target, that’s the way it’ll end up going.
If you plan on keeping it up for a while, some coax-seal might be ideal on the antenna connector since you are in Seattle. It’s some nasty stuff to work with, but it’ll save you some maintenance.
A local mesh group where I live hosts meet-ups that they occasionally announce on 220/440, so keep your ears open for that in your area.
(I am in Denver, so I am a little out of your range. Or maybe not? High solar activity does strange things… Once, I keyed about 4-5 repeaters on 2M from my house, so anything is possible.)
Side question… Do you know if that coax-seal is similar/better to 3m splice tape or just standard rubber splice tape?
I have no idea. Using coax-seal is just what I have always used and just have been blindly following what my dad always used since I was a kid.
There are probably better options these days. If it’s rubber-like and sticky, it should work fine.
Does the length of that coax have a negative effect on the antenna signal?
Possibly. I’ve ordered a higher end cable. Waiting for the weather to clear before installing.
