MeshCore Hardware Builds

Use this page as the starting checklist when documenting a MeshCore hardware build for SA Mesh: companion nodes, repeaters, field test kits, outdoor enclosures, power systems and antenna setups.

Current focus

SA Mesh is currently MeshCore-first. Meshtastic build examples remain available under the Meshtastic section for historical/community reference, but new current-day fixed infrastructure and companion hardware notes should normally be documented here or under the relevant MeshCore companion/repeater pages.

What is worth sharing

A useful MeshCore build page should help another person understand why the build exists, what parts were used, how it was configured, and what limitations or safety notes apply.

Good candidates include:

• a first-device companion build that worked well locally;
• a portable field-testing kit;
• a repeater enclosure or power build;
• antenna/feedline/mounting examples;
• solar, battery or backup-power setups;
• lessons learned from a build that did not work as expected.

What's needed to share a build

A useful build page should include:

• purpose and expected environment;
• device/board model;
• firmware and role;
• power source and charging details;
• enclosure and waterproofing notes;
• antenna/feedline details;
• mounting notes;
• photos or diagrams;
• known limitations and maintenance requirements.

MeshCore-specific details to include

For MeshCore builds, also record:

• whether the device runs companion or repeater firmware;
• if companion: BLE companion or USB serial companion;
• if repeater: intended role such as core, distribution, edge/infill or generic;
• firmware version if known;
• local radio settings used during testing;
• whether the build was bench-tested before outdoor or elevated installation;
• whether the build has been tested against known local nodes, repeaters, dashboard/map observations or other users.

Safety and public notes

Build and install safety

Outdoor nodes can involve batteries, waterproofing, heat, rooftops/elevated installs and lightning exposure. Do not transmit without a suitable antenna attached, and do not install elevated equipment without appropriate mounting, weatherproofing and electrical-safety planning.

Keep public build pages practical and conservative:

• do not present one person's field result as a universal hard default;
• avoid publishing patch-only or local-test-only commands as general public guidance;
• mention legal EIRP considerations where antenna gain, transmit power or feedline loss matter;
• describe unresolved issues honestly so others do not copy a fragile build.

Where to put the build

Build type	Suggested page location
MeshCore companion build	MeshCore → Hardware → Hardware Builds, or link from Companion overview
MeshCore repeater build	MeshCore → Hardware → Hardware Builds, or link from Repeater overview
Repeater deployment process	Repeater deployment checklist
Repeater settings/profile notes	Repeater settings profiles
Meshtastic-specific build	Meshtastic → Meshtastic Builds

Simple build-page template

# Build name

## Purpose

What this build is for and where it is expected to be used.

## Parts

- Device/board:
- Firmware/role:
- Antenna:
- Enclosure:
- Power:
- Mounting:

## Setup notes

Important flashing, wiring, configuration or mounting details.

## Test results

How it was tested and what worked or failed.

## Limitations

Known compromises, maintenance needs, weather/power/RF caveats.