Delaware Valley Mesh

Build a Repeater

Repeaters help extend the range and coverage of the network. We'd like as many repeaters as possible, but if at all possible, please follow these general guidelines.

Pre-requisites

If you haven't already read the section on Meshtastic vs MeshCore, please familiarize yourself with the differences. To summarize, the goals of Delaware Valley Mesh is to provide MeshCore coverage, but if we can, also support the legacy Meshtastic system.

Join the Discord to see the list of currently deployed repeaters and repeaters we have on request. If you have access to one of these requested locations, we might offer to provide the equipment for free. Even if your accessable locations are not on the list, your repeater may still provide meaningful coverage. In this case, you may build your own.

General Guidelines

To build the ideal infrastructure supporting node, there are a few general guidelines that we recommend. These, in our opinion, will generate the most value for the mesh for the cost and effort required.

Location

Position your node as high as possible. If not on a mast or on a roof, place in your attic as high as possible. LoRa is extemely effective with proper line of sight, but will quickly be unusable if positioned too low relative to surroundings.

We place bounties for locations that are high enough to cover considerable areas. Low lying locations do not provide much benefit to the mesh.

Power

Have tolerance for power outages. This means having a sufficient battery. Ideally, the battery is capable of providing operating power for over a week with zero charge. Repeaters are generally solar powered in combination with a battery to have separation from grid outages.

Hardware provided free for ideal requested locations will always be solar powered. Grid power is a plus in combination with solar.

Radio

Use an nRF-based radio. These are extremely power efficient which help to keep the node alive continuously on solar with a sufficient battery. RAK WisBlock 4630 or Heltec T114 v2 are both great options, as long as they do not have extra modules such as GPS attached.

Antenna

Use an outdoor rated omni-directional antenna. The ALFA 915 (5dBi) or a fiberglass antenna (10dBi) are both good options. Use the shortest length of wire possible. Ideally, the radio is placed within 6 inches of the antenna. Do not use stock PCB or rubber duck antennas.

Dual Support

While Delaware Valley Mesh recommends MeshCore for its reliability, it is important to support the Meshtastic network. If you are lucky enough to have a high level location that may reach a wide area, consider a dual node deployment.

All hardware provided for requested locations will have two radios, and two antennas. These will run off the same battery and solar panel. One radio and antenna pairing will run MeshCore, while the other set will run Meshtastic.

Other

If your location is in a non-private location, consider adding identification to the node. This can be as simple as a label or sharpie. The idendification should say something similar to the following: "LoRa Radio for MeshCore & Meshtastic. Apart of the DRMe.sh project"

The "Ideal" Build

  • Location: On a rooftop of a home built on a high elevation. Face south towards a clear view of the sky.
  • Power: 8w+ (10w preferred) solar panel paired with 10000mAh (20000mAh preferred) battery.
  • Radio: nRF-based radio (Dual radio for MeshCore & Meshtastic preferred).
  • Antenna: ALFA 915 (2x for Dual Deployment preferred)
  • Other: Water proof enclosure with proper identification.

Coordination

While not required, we encorage you to join the Discord server before building and deploying your repeater. We can provide suggestions for ideal hardware selection, coordinated naming, and role selection on meshtastic for dual deployments.