Choosing a radio

Any radio that runs MeshCore on 915 MHz can join IdahoMesh. The MeshCore flasher lists every supported model. Here's how to narrow it down.

The basics

• 915 MHz only. Radios sold for Europe (868 MHz) won't work here. Check the listing before you buy.
• Buy a known brand. Unbranded clones are hit and miss. Heltec, LilyGO, RAK and Seeed are all well supported.
• Most radios ship with a small antenna. A better antenna is often the cheapest upgrade.

A radio to carry

Most people pair a small radio with the MeshCore app on their phone over Bluetooth. Common choices:

• Heltec V3: cheap and easy to start with. Its Bluetooth range is short, so keep your phone close.
• Seeed Wio Tracker L1 or T1000-E: small, with GPS and long battery life.
• RAK WisMesh or RAK4631 builds: low power and well tested.
• LilyGO T-Deck: has its own screen and keyboard, so you can message without a phone.

A radio for a repeater

A repeater runs all day, often on solar. Pick a low-power board, such as a RAK4631 or a Seeed SenseCAP Solar Node. Boards built on the nRF52 chip use far less power than ESP32 boards like the Heltec V3, which matters on a battery.

See Set up a repeater and Siting, power and antennas.

Radios with an amplifier

Some radios, like the Heltec V4 and Station G2, have a built-in amplifier. Follow the maker's guidance for the power setting.

Not sure?

Ask on Discord. Tell us your budget and how you plan to use it.