I have the Muzi Works T114 device. Love it and excited to get the gen 2 hardware to fix the low power transmission issue. Muzi Works has EXCELLENT customer service BTW.
You mention RAK a lot, but it's worth pointing out that the RAK's are using nRF52840 which is the reason they're so low power - there's other nRF52840 based devices available and they're also just as low powered.
Like the design and form factor. I searched the comments and didn't notice anything about weather resistance. Not that I want to mount these but instead be able to wear them in rain or snow, or maybe a mobile mesh base station camping.
I really like the form factor of the R1. makes for a simple and slim item to keep in my pocket and then not having to worry about battery life for a week has been nice compared to the H1s
4:08 I set Button BPIO to Pin 31. I have a Heltec V3.2. It rebooted the device and I was not able to connect again. I have no idea what button GPIO Pin 31 does but doesnt work great on a Heltec. Reflashing the firmware brought it back to normal.
I don't have my ham license yet but I'm interested in getting it. I enjoy the videos and want to eventually get a license. My question is what does this device do? I can text from my phone already so what advantages do you get from this? A map with other users, more range or is it just like a handheld radio with dmr linked to your phone via Bluetooth? ( Essentially an antenna with tx/rx) Do I need a license to use this? There's so many things out there that are feature specific it's kinda hard for a new person to figure out what is going to be for everyday use.
No need for a license. Think of these as off grid texting. Say you and a buddy are in the woods where there’s little or no service. If you each have one, you can msg each other. If you both have ones with GPS integrated, you can share your location with each other.
I agree with you entirely. Its cliche, but start with a baofeng analog radio. I was super overwhelmed, didn't want to spend uninformed dollars. *Bang* Baofeng!
I came here to ask the same, if it charges C2C - too many products on the market that do not follow USB type C standard specs. Perhaps @HamRadioCrashCourse can enlighten us?
I'm not an expert, not even a user yet, but everything I've read so far indicates that the answer is...depends. If you don't plan on giving your deployees a device to send or read messages, then an installed gps module will track them. However, if the intent is to two-way communicate then the presumed gps in the device, tablet let's say, is sufficient.
Nice quality looking case - thanks for the review. I noticed the option for 'Licensed Operator' when you were showing settings - what impact does checking that box have (I noticed you didn't check the box)
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Thanks - I assumed it turned off encryption, so wondered if the impact of that is that you cannot see Long Fast messages from non-licensed users, if you checked it?
4:02 Obviously he meant button, not buzzer. Had me excited for a second - I have the original R1, and this video was my introduction to the model with an external antenna - and then he went and said "buzzer" and I'm like... it's got a buzzer too?! Nope, just a slip of the tongue unfortunately. :(
I get a tinge of excitement then I realize, I don't know how to use it. I feel compelled to install on on top of my house but I live way outside the city and not sure what purpose it would serve. I was into some 2.4 Ghz mesh systems but lived to far away from they other members of the group I was in. Bought a high gain dish antenna and could see some AREDN nodes but they wanted nothing to do with us. I feel this would just be the same patern of frustration, buy marginally expensive equipment to sit unused on the top of my house.
Anything that certain shape you're just associating with whatever object is most well known and shares the same architecture. I'm lost as to why this bothers you? They should design it NOT to look like a vape, and not use the simplest architecture possible? It's just simple form follows function, I don't see the issue. All the people who don't vape, don't associate it with a vape. It's just a shape.
@@NA-rr7jl Since he mentioned it, I can see the similarity too. But if he's worried that people will see it and think it's a vape case hanging...wherever.... then you probably didn't hide it very well. I'd wonder what the thing with the antenna was even more if I didn't think it was a vape. It's like they'd hang a red one next to a major trail then be like "it got stolen cuz someone thought it was a vape" When other explanations clearly exist.
A little off topic but my biggest goal rn is to be able to reliably communicate without internet with my buddy that is a 1.5h drive away. i want to try APRSdroid with my 8w feng and a directional antenna, then try dropping some cash for a budget HF if that doesnt work. Any tips to reach out that far without repeaters?
If your buddy is over the horizon UHF/VHF is not an option. The signal runs off the earth into space. I would go with HF. Unless you have many locations you could drop these nodes, but at that point you may have a bit of cash into nodes.
They deliberately tend to brush over the utility of these devices because there isn't a great deal. I've concluded that it's primarily of interest to radio ham types who love carrying radio gear around with them and communicating with others who share that inclination.
I’m on the toilet, opening up UA-cam, with intent to look up a meshtastic video. And look who just posted a video 29 minutes ago!
Same
Just got home from work and while I wasn't looking for meshtastic it's certainly helping with my daily poo 💩👍
Me 2 😅
… and toilet break here also looking at the video! 🤦🏻♂️which means that when you use the device, most likely you will be on the toilet!! 😂
TMI!
Great video Josh. You always make very clear and informative videos, which make doing our hobby enjoyable!!! Keep it up!!! 73.
Thanks 👍
Great info! I've been wanting to get into meshtastic the last few days and felt overwhelmed with the diy kits
On 4:00 you did say buzzer but I think that you meant button, as you had it setup.
Great video! 73
The new Heltec T114 uses the same power efficient chip as the RAK. Another excellent option.
I have the Muzi Works T114 device. Love it and excited to get the gen 2 hardware to fix the low power transmission issue. Muzi Works has EXCELLENT customer service BTW.
I too use their H2T. Very nice
Oh nice. I didn’t realize that. Thank you!
I don't need another node, I don't need another node, I don't need another node.. fine I'll buy one
I’ve been waiting for an in depth video about these for aaaagesss. Thank you for making one. 😂
Love the clean and small form factor.
You mention RAK a lot, but it's worth pointing out that the RAK's are using nRF52840 which is the reason they're so low power - there's other nRF52840 based devices available and they're also just as low powered.
i bought a couple heltac v3s a couple weeks ago and can connect to a bunch of nodes but am not sure what to do with them now XD
Very simple and helpful. Thank you
Like the design and form factor. I searched the comments and didn't notice anything about weather resistance. Not that I want to mount these but instead be able to wear them in rain or snow, or maybe a mobile mesh base station camping.
It’s not sealed. You need to wear it under a jacket.
As always great video but more importantly that shirt is amazing.
I really like the form factor of the R1. makes for a simple and slim item to keep in my pocket and then not having to worry about battery life for a week has been nice compared to the H1s
4:08 I set Button BPIO to Pin 31. I have a Heltec V3.2. It rebooted the device and I was not able to connect again. I have no idea what button GPIO Pin 31 does but doesnt work great on a Heltec. Reflashing the firmware brought it back to normal.
messaging off-the-grid within small apartment = great!
I don't have my ham license yet but I'm interested in getting it. I enjoy the videos and want to eventually get a license. My question is what does this device do? I can text from my phone already so what advantages do you get from this? A map with other users, more range or is it just like a handheld radio with dmr linked to your phone via Bluetooth? ( Essentially an antenna with tx/rx) Do I need a license to use this? There's so many things out there that are feature specific it's kinda hard for a new person to figure out what is going to be for everyday use.
No need for a license. Think of these as off grid texting. Say you and a buddy are in the woods where there’s little or no service. If you each have one, you can msg each other. If you both have ones with GPS integrated, you can share your location with each other.
I agree with you entirely. Its cliche, but start with a baofeng analog radio. I was super overwhelmed, didn't want to spend uninformed dollars. *Bang* Baofeng!
Just got a muzi case for one of my heltecs. Pretty neat!
Do you have any advise for using Meshtastic in a rural area with lots of hills?
Put 1 node on the top of the tallest hill for a start (with permission from land owner of course). It should be a solar powered node.
Love my T114v2 pocket pro it's an absolutely amazing little tiny little pocket mesh
Usb-c with PD? I ask because I dont have usb-a devices anymore
I came here to ask the same, if it charges C2C - too many products on the market that do not follow USB type C standard specs. Perhaps @HamRadioCrashCourse can enlighten us?
What kind of range could be expected with these with and without the external antenna?
For atak would you still recommend building out your own helltecs with gps unit? Would these and your phone's gps even work with atak? thanks
Curious as well.
I'm not an expert, not even a user yet, but everything I've read so far indicates that the answer is...depends.
If you don't plan on giving your deployees a device to send or read messages, then an installed gps module will track them. However, if the intent is to two-way communicate then the presumed gps in the device, tablet let's say, is sufficient.
Problem with using the phone as a screen is that the government, that controls Apple and Google, can block use of the app anytime they want. Or snoop.
Don't people often replace primary channel as their private channel? They usually have position on by default on channel 0.
Great "getting started" video. Will be sharing it widely, thank you
4:04 you say buzzer, i see button. which one should it be?
Button!
I have the heltech H1 from Muzi works. Only complaint i have is that is the battery doesn't last but a day
This is the problem with the Heltec V3 and every other ESP32 based device, it uses much more power than the nRF52840 based devices.
Josh, is there a way to see how many nodes are in the area or is it just the people i share my channel with? I just dot the lilygo T-echo.
Good information, thank you!
Nice quality looking case - thanks for the review. I noticed the option for 'Licensed Operator' when you were showing settings - what impact does checking that box have (I noticed you didn't check the box)
I believe it can up the power output. But not where you are transmitting at 915 MHz. I’ve played with it and it’s not worth the effort.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Thanks - I assumed it turned off encryption, so wondered if the impact of that is that you cannot see Long Fast messages from non-licensed users, if you checked it?
I believe it does that too!
4:02 Obviously he meant button, not buzzer. Had me excited for a second - I have the original R1, and this video was my introduction to the model with an external antenna - and then he went and said "buzzer" and I'm like... it's got a buzzer too?! Nope, just a slip of the tongue unfortunately. :(
No matter how many times i see videos on meshtastic...i still can't get excited.
I get a tinge of excitement then I realize, I don't know how to use it. I feel compelled to install on on top of my house but I live way outside the city and not sure what purpose it would serve.
I was into some 2.4 Ghz mesh systems but lived to far away from they other members of the group I was in. Bought a high gain dish antenna and could see some AREDN nodes but they wanted nothing to do with us. I feel this would just be the same patern of frustration, buy marginally expensive equipment to sit unused on the top of my house.
Looks great but I wish they somehow made it not look like a vape
Anything that certain shape you're just associating with whatever object is most well known and shares the same architecture.
I'm lost as to why this bothers you?
They should design it NOT to look like a vape, and not use the simplest architecture possible? It's just simple form follows function, I don't see the issue.
All the people who don't vape, don't associate it with a vape. It's just a shape.
Yup I don't vape didn't think it looked like one, thought maybe a bit now @@syberphish
@@NA-rr7jl Since he mentioned it, I can see the similarity too.
But if he's worried that people will see it and think it's a vape case hanging...wherever.... then you probably didn't hide it very well. I'd wonder what the thing with the antenna was even more if I didn't think it was a vape.
It's like they'd hang a red one next to a major trail then be like "it got stolen cuz someone thought it was a vape"
When other explanations clearly exist.
A little off topic but my biggest goal rn is to be able to reliably communicate without internet with my buddy that is a 1.5h drive away. i want to try APRSdroid with my 8w feng and a directional antenna, then try dropping some cash for a budget HF if that doesnt work. Any tips to reach out that far without repeaters?
If your buddy is over the horizon UHF/VHF is not an option. The signal runs off the earth into space. I would go with HF. Unless you have many locations you could drop these nodes, but at that point you may have a bit of cash into nodes.
Does anyone else think that Meshtastic, while interesting, is over-hyped? The case design is the most impressive thing about this.
Would Meshtastic work from Hawaii to the mainland?
No
Anyone know the range of these units? Say you wanted to get some neighbors involved, how many units would you need to cover a ~4-5 mile radius?
I linked a card in the beginning of this video that covers ranges.
@ maybe I completely missed it, but unfortunately I didn’t see a linked card pop up on the screen. I tried opening the video several times.
@@jasonwspengler I got you fam. ua-cam.com/video/OwTy_-Y-A5o/v-deo.html
Can you leave it plugged into a charger and have it work at the same time?
Yes
I still have no idea what it does why we need it
Go watch my intro to Meshtastic video.
They deliberately tend to brush over the utility of these devices because there isn't a great deal. I've concluded that it's primarily of interest to radio ham types who love carrying radio gear around with them and communicating with others who share that inclination.
31 bucks for the heltec t114 V2 that's really affordable
Why is no one talking about rattlegram? All you need is 2 devices and 2 radios. No need to pay 80 +$ per meshtastic units.
Because they’re nothing alike?
Could you add a gps to it?
Yes. Via your phone when they’re tethered.
Go VOTE!!!
And how is that related to this video?
👍👍👍👍👍
Vapes….insert ’you sure about that’ meme
Woo!
FRESNO!
Gunna wait till they're generic and $27.99 on Amazon.
First thought: Josh vapes?
Setup seems complicated.
Long U sound with only one Z.
Vape-tastic!
Communicate via the cloud!
So many vapes.
Got a sub from me.
😋
🤔
Thumbnail looks like a disposable vape
Its pronounced Muzi.
lol.