Finding The Right Radio

There are dozens of different Meshtastic-capable radios on the market, all with different features. Which is best for you depends on your needs.

Regardless of whatever you choose, know that these are all hobby-grade devices. Don't expect iPhone-level quality. You will need to play around with them to get the software updated and configured the way you want them.

Pager Style

Pager-style radios are typically compact radios with a battery that fit in your pocket. They are meant to pair with a smart phone and allow you to send and receive messages over the mesh. You can build your own or get one preassembled.

A decent premade starter radio is the T-Echo which has a small screen and is fairly compact.

If you have access to a 3D printer at home, through a friend, or via the library, a great option is the T-Beam which allows you to swap batteries quickly and has a solid reputation.

Keyboard Style

Keyboard style allow you to send and receive messages directly from the radio itself rather that connecting it to a phone.

There are a few different options with more every so often, but one to look at is the T-Deck Plus which has everything ready to go.

Know that these style have historically had quirky software running on them. The software is developed namely by hobbyists and volunteers, so while it is always improving, expect a slow roll out.

Solar Stations

Solar base stations are an excellent way to have a node at home or your office (sometimes even on your car or RV!) that has very little maintenance. You can make your own with various online guides or buy a complete kit. To get the best out of these, it is highly recommended you mount it in a high location such as the top of a roof or on a pole/mast.

Typically, these are meant to be used as relays rather than connected to via a smartphone. Remember to update the firmware and configure it before you do the final installation.

Seeed Studio (yes, it's spelled like that) has a good kit with everything you need for most installs called the SenseCAP P1-Pro that works well for stationary installs.

And more...

There are A LOT of different options available and all of them have different features. Here are a few things to consider:

• How do you want to power it?
  • Solar?
  • USB C?
  • Battery?
  • Power over ethernet (POE)?
• How do you want to talk to it?
  • Bluetooth?
  • Wifi?
• How far do you need it to talk?
  • A few hundred feet? Any radio should work.
  • Miles? You may need a powerful or high-mounted radio with a good antenna.
• Do you need special features?
  • GPS?
  • Weather data?
  • Barometric pressure/altitude?
  • Keyboard or screen?

There are a lot more things to consider, but this will cover the basis for most folks starting out. There are great guides online that can help you decide - just remember that what you are getting into is a hobby device on a hobby network, not something to pin your life or safety on. That's not to say it can't be helpful in emergencies however.