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Our Equipment

This page will host Freq51 Mesh builds and their approximate coverage maps. Use them to align your setup if you’re inside coverage areas (red). Note that different nodes may run different software. Some builds will run the meshing around BBS system. These are select router nodes with high remote power requirements and recommended to be spaced within 5 hops of each other for consistent relaying. Other nodes are low power. We currently prefer NRF52 based infrastructure nodes for <1W TX power or femtofoxes and Nebra custom miner nodes for 1W TX power. All routers must feature a filter. Filtering is optional on non infrastructure nodes.

Here is a list of hardware many of us use - Freq51 Hardware

NRF52 Mobile Node Example

The SenseCAP Card Tracker T1000-E is a compact, NRF52-based mobile Meshtastic node designed for lightweight, on-the-go use. Built around the nRF52840 MCU and an LR1110 LoRa transceiver, it combines low-power mesh communication with integrated GPS/GNSS inside a rugged, credit-card-sized enclosure. Its small size, IP65 rating, and simple charging interface make it ideal as a mobile, personal, or asset-tracking node within an NRF52-based mesh network.

Pros

  • NRF52 Platform (nRF52840): Aligns well with NRF52-focused mesh architectures.
  • Integrated GPS: Provides location reporting with no external modules required.
  • LoRa (863–928 MHz): Compatible with Meshtastic regional configs.
  • Ultra-portable: ~credit-card size, lightweight, easy to carry or mount.
  • Rugged: IP65 dust/water resistance for outdoor mobility.
  • Fully supported by Meshtastic firmware.

Cons

  • Battery life depends on GPS + reporting interval (700 mAh internal battery).
  • LR1110 radio has partial compatibility limits with older SX127x nodes (mainly receiving).
  • Lower TX power and internal antenna = less range than full-sized infrastructure nodes.
  • Not suitable as a router node — best for handheld/mobile deployment.

NRF52 Static/Roof Node Example

  • RAKwireless WisBlock Meshtastic Starter Kit US915 Base RAK19007 + Core RAK4631
  • ABS 7.9“ x 3.9“ x 2.8“ enclosures are a great size/price/quality (or similar).
  • Butyl tape OR LEXEL seals antenna passthroughs and is great for making outer seals as lexel sticks to itself (don’t block included gaskets).
  • Adafruit bq25185 USB / DC / Solar Lithium Ion/Polymer charger modules are handy for charging packs while radios are disconnected/in storage and its a great small MPPT (remove charge LED for small solar if needed).
  • “Soshine” solar panels with regulated 5 V output are convenient and include a mounting pole.
  • UV-protect plastics & seal passthroughs: LEXEL has worked well.
  • Use the battery connector as a service “switch” inside; add an external waterproof switch only when tool-access enclosures demand it.
  • Add a small weep hole on the bottom for pressure equalization and drainage. This is also useful if you have weather sensors. Add a small fabric baffle and place the sensor behind it. We like Bosch BME680’s for weather data.
  • Lube gaskets (e.g., silicone grease) to reduce drying/cracking and improve seals.
  • After many trials, Alfa 5 dBi omni antennas have been a solid value: short (less wind load), N-male fits through-panel connectors, reliable wide beam.

We are going to fill out standard builds as we improve the documentation. Feel free to drop by the discord and suggest yours

Femtofox Node Example

TBA

Nebra Node Example

PiZero Node Example

TBA

Bird House Node Example

TBA

Tips for placement

TBA