Setting up a Meshtastic node & making a basic case

First published 27.03.26
Last updated 27.03.26

I'd been interested in Meshtastic for a bit (it's off-grid, lightweight & useful, particularly on an island) & took the plunge when someone gave me a nudge & showed me their own node.

So I bought a basic Heltec V3 from eBay for about 20 pounds & made a very makeshift case using the plastic box it comes in (following this video). You just have to drill a hole & make a couple of cuts & you're good.

Getting online is easy (plenty of guides available). It's fun to message people & fun to see how many other nodes you can pick up & from how far away - mine's managed around 170 miles so far.

My favourite spot so far has to be a node called ImaBoat in the Irish Sea.

It's an inexpensive little hobby & worth exploring - & one day it might even come in useful too.

Enjoy! O.

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Things I learned...

- I'm quickly discovering all the tasty upgrades out there - a proper battery, a new case, an air quality monitor...

- Getting one node is a surefire gateway to getting a second. I'm wondering about making a DIY solar node next time.