We’ve experimented with some hardware, so this is not an all exclusive list. This is based on our experience in and around Lexington, KY. Lexington if lots of rolling hills, so the challenges we have encountered are not the same as mountainous or flat lands will encounter.
Indoor Repeater or Companion
Heltec v3 or v4. The v4 is the latest model and has more power and can get more range. We are NOT recommending the v4 model at this time (2/1/26). There are some known bugs with the hardware that affect performance. While more expensive, I recommend the RAKwireless WisMesh Pocket v2
These may be used as a companion or a repeater.
* If you go this route for a repeater, we recommend having a way to keep the device powered up or charged for a minimum of 5 days (the 3000mAH battery can typically keep the unit powered for 20-30 hours).
** Height is king. Whether your setting up a repeater indoors or out, put it at the highest point you’re able to. Many folks put their repeaters in their attic or on the second floor near a window. People are also putting them in the window at work for folks that work in taller buildings.
*** You’ll want to upgrade your antenna when using this board as a repeater (see below).
You can get it here: RAKwireless WisMesh Pocket v2
Repeater
The RAKwireless Wismesh Repeater Mini solar repeater works quite well and is energy efficient. By being solar powered, when an outage occurs, the MeshCore network won’t be impacted. This repeater may be installed on the side of a building or on a pole using the mounting kit that is available.
* You’ll want to position the panel facing South for optimal solar charging.
** You’ll want to upgrade your antenna. The antenna that comes with it is decent, but lower range. We have a section that goes into antennas (see below).
RAKwireless Wismesh Repeater Mini
A-Mount Versatile Wall & Pole mount system for RAKwireless WisMesh Repeater Mini
Antenna
Handheld companion device
The stubby antenna that comes with the companion device is typically not great for receiving weaker signals. While it is convenient because of it’s compact size, upgrading the antenna will improve reception. Here are a couple that I recommend:
- MESHTAC™ 2.5 dBi SMA Male 915 or 868 MHz soft flexible whip antenna for T-Beam, T-Echo, other LoRa: I especially like this one because it’s flexible and durable.
- RF ANT 916MHZ WHIP STR SMA MALE: This one is nice because it’s still fairly compact and durable.
Indoor Repeater Antenna
For Residential areas, a 5.8dbi, 6dbi, or 4dbi antenna works well. The higher the dbi, the greater the distance, lower is better for a more localized coverage where there are a lot of buildings and trees. When in doubt, I recommend a 6dbi, if you’r in a valley or at the top of a hill trying to get a signal into a valley, a 4dbi antenna may be a better choice. Always install your antenna as high up as you can get. The 2nd floor, or attic are the best spots when installed indoors. Here are a few antennas that I recommend:
- From time to time, you’ll need an adapter to connect your cable to a device. I recommend getting a pack of these to keep around for just such an occasion: CORONIR (8Pack SMA Adapter SMA Male to RP SMA Female Jack Connector for RF Coax Cable Wi-Fi Antenna/Signal Booster/Repeaters/Radio/Extension Cable/FPV Drone
- ALFA AOA-915-5ACM 5 dbi Omni Outdoor 915MHz 802.11ah Mini LoRa Antenna for the People’s Network (This antenna requires a base if it’s not mounted to a wall or pole, the base below is the one I recommend). I use this setup in most of my indoor installations as well as for my portable repeater installed on my car.
- ALFA Network IP65 Waterproof Outdoor Magnetic Base N Female for Helium Antenna or WiFi + 10 ft. LMR200 cable ARS-AS087 (this assembly requires the adapter in item 1).
- 4 dBi Helium Hotspot Fiberglass Indoor Antenna Kit with RAK Magnet base + 6.5 feet LMR-200 cable fits RAK, Bobcat, Nebra (this antenna requires the adapter in item 1). This antenna is good for use in extremely hilly or dense areas.
- Helium Hotspot Miner 5.8 dBi Indoor Antenna Kit, 11ft CFD-200 Antenna Extension Cable & Magnet Base for RAK Nebra Indoor Bobcat SyncroB.it (this antenna requires the adapter in item 1). This antenna is good, but cables with better shielding are best. I have a few of these and they work just fine.
Outdoor Repeater Antenna
- From time to time, you’ll need an adapter to connect your cable to a device. I recommend getting a pack of these to keep around for just such an occasion: CORONIR (8Pack SMA Adapter SMA Male to RP SMA Female Jack Connector for RF Coax Cable Wi-Fi Antenna/Signal Booster/Repeaters/Radio/Extension Cable/FPV Drone
- Outdoor antenna connections need to be sealed to keep the weather out. I recommend getting a roll of this: Rokland RokTape- Waterproof Tape for Helium or WiFi Antennas & Coaxial Cables 1 Roll 15 ft. – Self Fusing Silicone
- 5.8 dBi N-Male Omni Outdoor Helium 915 MHz Antenna for RAK Miner Hotspots & Meshtastic. This antenna requires a cable to connect to the external repeater. You can select it from the same page that you order the antenna. I have a couple of these. The extra length provides just a bit more capability than the more compact variants which is convenient for picking up weaker signals.
- 6 dBi Low Profile N-Female Omni Outdoor 915 MHz Antenna for Helium RAK Miner Bobcat & Meshtastic. This antenna requires a cable to connect to the external repeater. You can select it from the same page that you order the antenna. I have a couple of these and like them quite well. I’m not sure that I can tell any difference from the longer 5.8dBi antenna. I do like the way this one mounts better than the 5.8dBi.
- 4 dBi N-Male Helium Hotspot Fiberglass Outdoor Antenna & Bracket Mount for RAK, Bobcat, Nebra, SenseCAP. This antenna requires a cable to connect to the external repeater. You can select it from the same page that you order the antenna. I have this one installed in a valley that has a hard time getting a signal out with one at at the top to pass get the signal out to the rest of the network.