Link budget mindset
When comparing locations, think beyond distance. Antenna height, terrain, obstacles, antenna quality, connectors, power, and interference all affect the real-world link.
Coverage planning →Mesh Toolkit
Practical tools and quick-reference guides for planning, building, and testing a local mesh network.
Use this as a field reference. Values such as battery life, radio range, and link quality depend on the actual hardware, environment, configuration, and conditions.
Quick tools
Battery planning
Start with average current draw, then account for duty cycle, battery capacity, temperature, conversion losses, and a practical reserve.
Field-ready builds →Field-test log
Record the same information on every test so results can be compared later instead of relying on memory.
Project testing →Field-test worksheet
Copy this checklist into your notes before a range test:
- Date and approximate time
- Test area or route — keep private addresses private
- Radio model and firmware/software version
- Antenna type, connector, and approximate height
- Power source and battery state
- Channel / region configuration
- Terrain, buildings, vegetation, and weather
- Starting point and test points
- Messages successfully sent and received
- Observed signal / link information when available
- Direction of travel and approximate distance
- Anything unusual or unexpected
Deployment planning
Home / neighborhood node
Prioritize a sensible antenna location, reliable power, safe weather protection, and a configuration you can maintain. Do not publish your exact residential location simply to document a node.
Vehicle node
Plan for vibration, power transients, antenna placement, cable routing, and the fact that the surrounding RF environment changes continuously while moving.
Remote / solar node
Plan the entire power system rather than the panel alone. Consider battery storage, seasonal sunlight, weather, charging losses, enclosure temperature, and a reserve for poor conditions.
Useful references
Getting Started Learn the fundamentals →Hardware Finder Choose a node for your use case →Radio Setup Work through configuration →Coverage & Nodes Maps and field testing →Devices Browse hardware categories →Resource Library Software, maps, guides, and more →
Safety & privacy
Mesh networking is a useful communications technology, but it is not a substitute for emergency services. During an emergency, follow instructions from local authorities and use available emergency communications systems.
For community documentation, publish only the location detail that is necessary. A useful public description can be a neighborhood, town, trail, or general area without exposing someone’s home address.