Traditional mobile phone network usually can’t keep a stable communication such as outdoor adventure, emergency communication and remote area work. More technology enthusiast and outdoor players begin to use Meshtastic GPS Node to build a stable low power consumption off-grid communication network. By using LoRa technique and Mesh network structure, users easily send messages and share locations to each other with the help of Meshtastic GPS Nodes.
Following this article, you will quickly get into working principle, main functions and suitable applications of Meshtastic GPS Node and why it is getting more and more popular in universal outdoor communication communities.
What is Meshtastic GPS Node?
Meshtastic GPS Node is a kind of device used for long distance communication and location sharing in Meshtastic Mesh Network based on LoRa radio communication and GPS positioning module.
Unlike traditional radio, the device owns below features:
- Ultra long range communication: 5 to 20 Km communicating distance in open area
- Low power consumption: long period operation when powered by battery or solar
- Independent of cellular or internet work
- Automatic Mesh network, messages relay between every nodes.
When there are multi Meshtastic GPS nodes deployed in different locations, every node can transfer messages from other nodes to form a long range (LoRa) Mesh Networ
Core Functions of Meshtastic GPS Node
1. Real Time GPS Location Sharing
Meshtastic GPS node can broadcast device location regularly, let other nodes in the network see your real time coordination. This is very important for below scenarios:
- Outdoor hiking & camping
- Off-road convoy
- Mountain area adventure
- Emergency rescue
Easily check locations of all nodes using cell phone via Meshtastic APP.
2. Off-Grid Communication
People can still send out messages using a Meshtastic GPS Node via LoRa network, even though there is no cell phone signal or WiFi.
- Text messages
- Location sharing
- Remote test info
Then, it becomes the ideal solution for Off-Grid Communication System.
3. Auto Relay in Mesh Network
Every node in a Mesh Network can be acted as a communication terminal or a repeater.
For example: Node A → Node B → Node C → Node D
No matter how long between Node A and Node D, messages still can be transferred from A to B as long as there are some other Meshtastic GPS nodes between Node A and Node D. And this is the essential advantage of Meshtastic Long Range Mesh Network.
Normal Components of Meshtastic GPS Node
Usually, there are below modules included in a typical Meshtastic GPS device:
- ESP32 Micro controller
- LoRa wireless module like SX1262/ SX1276
- GPS/GNSS positioning module
- OLED display screen (optional)
- High gain antenna
What’s more, there are some devices that integrated with:
- Battery managing system
- Solar power supply
- Waterproof shell
All of above design, parts and functions form a complete Meshtastic tracker device.
Where A Meshtastic GPS Node Used for?
1. Outdoor Adventure & Camping
Cell phone might be out of service in national park or mountainous areas during outdoor activities. When you need to keep in touch with teammates and share locations to each other in real time, A Meshtastic GPS Node is the best assistant.
2. Emergency Communicating after Natural Disasters
Communication infrastructure might be damaged after earthquake, hurricane, electricity outage. Meshtastic Mesh network let rescue team easily and quickly build a temporary communication net work system.
3. UAV, Drone and IoT Projects
Some developers also use LoRa GPS Node for:
- Drone tracking
- Assets positioning
- Remote sensor net work
When used with IoT communication platform together, Meshtastic GPS Node can be very flexible and usable.
How to Choose the Right Meshtastic GPS Node?
It is better to focus on below factors when choosing a Meshtastic GPS Node.
1. LoRa chip model
Usually, SX1262 chip has a lower power consumption and a better performance than SX1276.
2. GPS precision
It will be more steady if the device supports multi GNSS (GPS/ GLONASS/ Galileo)
3. Battery Capacity
It is recommended to use 5000 mAh or higher capacity battery when used for outside.
4.Antenna Performance
High gain antenna significantly increase effective communication distance.
Conclusion at the Last
Meshtastic GPS Node is now becoming a popular solution to achieve reliable communication with no need of Internet or cellular. It combines LoRa long range communication, GPS positioning and Mesh network advantages.
To deploy a Meshtastic GPS Node Network can bring stable, high-efficient off-grid communication ability for outdoor adventure fans, radio player, IoT developers.
If you are looking for Meshtastic GPS Device, LoRa GPS Tracker or Meshtastic Starter Kit, device integrated with GPS and LoRa module would be the optimal choice to build long distance Mesh Network.
