What a great little device it just needs a longer battery life but just for taking with you on a walk and seeing who you can communicate with it's neat piece of kit.
I think my biggest concern with this device is the battery life. The ESP32 is pretty power hungry, and the battery in this thing is miniscule. I can't see this even making it a full day on a single charge. I think a similar device based on the RAK chipset, and its miniscule power consumption, would be a real winner. I'm glad to hear that Heltec is considering changing chipsets out. Honestly, it is time for a dedicated micro sized, low power consumption, chipset for the Mestastic platform.
I'm intending to put up repeaters with the Heltec boards. Very curious how the wireless stick lite compares to the standard Lora v3 in terms of power consumption. For all I know the WSL might be pretty good for repeater use on an energy budget. (OK I am a Heltec fan .. their stuff is reasonably-priced and easily available)
I spotted your "Making tonight video" beacon as I passed last night. I'll look out for it later as we may be in range this afternoon when we pop out for lunch. It's great to see so much activity up here. Nothing where I am based, though I'm busy working on changing that. 📻
At the end of the day it is just SMS texting, once people have done it they will get bored and the network will fall apart, I don't get the CB radio reference?
Waiting for my kit to arrive so I can expand the network in South Yorkshire, not bothered if I can't get any contacts straight away as it needs geeks like myself to get it going!
The Rak Wireless Wisblock is a better chipset than the Pi Pico, energy wise. I think that the community will eventually b building a lot of devices around them (like the T-Echo).
I’d seen it on the Heltec site and stopped ordering when I saw the shipping cost. Will wait till you get them in stock here in the UK and then I’ll have a go at swapping out the battery.
If they can put something together with the nrf chipset then it'll be much more power efficient but this is really great to see, proper non dev board type product. Speaking of products and the upcoming store idea your going ahead with (kudos) do you think you'll be able to stock the RAK wisblock meshtastic starter kits? They are pretty amazing with built in solar support, and the option for PoE, highly recommend them. 👍 Definitely getting myself another one at some point.
I love the RAK wisblock kit and it does everything you said, the only caveat is: Its not really a true "solar support". Does it charge using a 5v solar panel. Yes, with enough wattage, but the charging IC used is TP4054 and that does not have any MPPT support which is needed to optimize your charging off solar which can be variable.
I hate to shit on the device since it's not even out yet but absolutely terrible choice using eps32 with it. That means that effectively the only useful role is tracker and using is_power_saving. Otherwise that 250mAh battery is going to last an hour. Plus, their wireless boot means it's completely separate from the rest of the ecosystem who it comes to flashing. You have to rely on their wireless boot. Are there any backup pins for if something goes wrong and you can't flash via wifi? I definitely get the appeal of a device like this, but I wish it would have been more thought out. Not to mention they have apparently added support without including the project in any manner. It's great they are creating hardware to add to the ecosystem but it would be wonderful if they were a bit more collaborative and actually supported the project instead of seemingly trying to ride the popularity wave it's currently experiencing to make money. But those are just my opinions.
Living in very much Northern Canada (no meshtastic devises). So.. What is the benefit of a device like this (what is the end goal) of this meshtastic system... Sorry but.. What's the point. (Not sold) On this.
@@andykirby I sent the message just as we returned to the car at Fairlands Valley Park, Stevenage. I didn't get your reply though I got the delivery receipt so knew mine made it. My message may have gone via my node in the car, from the T-Echo. We'll be at the same place shortly so will look out again.
Hey Andy, Great videos, thank you. What does coverage look like in Japan? The frequency would be 920-925 but I'm not really seeing that frequency sold often. Would 915 be the alternative? Thank you in advance
andy i found your channel while i was searching for cb radio videos, i have been watching your meshtastic videos and really wan't to get into it, i thought about buying the the Heltec Capsule Sensor V3 but the shipping is a bit pricey to the uk could you give me advice on a decent easy to use meshtastic device i could buy online.. something to use out of the box, i live in the uk, or if anyone see's this comment and could help me i would appreciate it a lot thanks
Andy which battery do you recommend for the Heltec board? I have a 3.7V 2000mAh 7.4Wh battery. Would that be acceptable. I did look online but could not find any specific recommendations?
It doesn’t really matter. America is about to be destroyed. Romans 10:9-13 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Thought I was watching bigclive then when i played the video 😂
I did the same 😂
@@handiteamno cuts on the fingers kind of gave it away lol.
Big Jive
I thought it was a WiFi or cell jammer
Same 😅
What a great little device it just needs a longer battery life but just for taking with you on a walk and seeing who you can communicate with it's neat piece of kit.
Manufacturing website says the battery last for 6.000 Packets. they say 6 months.
They should make a version that comes in like a flashlight body that takes a 18650
Yes defo!
I thought the same and extend the antenna out to a quarter wave(ish) length. 18650 is just so common.
That’s a simple 3D print
With an 18650 or 21700 battery it would probably run for over year. heh
The battery size is 14200 in there atm, wonder if could replace with a 14500 (AA size) lion which would push it around 1000mAh.
Amazing - everywhere is out of stock but I agree with you - “the more of these devices out there the better!”
I finally got it on Amazon!
Heltec wants $38 to ship a $25 node. Guess I'll wait 'till Amazon has it.
I think my biggest concern with this device is the battery life. The ESP32 is pretty power hungry, and the battery in this thing is miniscule. I can't see this even making it a full day on a single charge. I think a similar device based on the RAK chipset, and its miniscule power consumption, would be a real winner. I'm glad to hear that Heltec is considering changing chipsets out. Honestly, it is time for a dedicated micro sized, low power consumption, chipset for the Mestastic platform.
I'm intending to put up repeaters with the Heltec boards. Very curious how the wireless stick lite compares to the standard Lora v3 in terms of power consumption. For all I know the WSL might be pretty good for repeater use on an energy budget. (OK I am a Heltec fan .. their stuff is reasonably-priced and easily available)
I spotted your "Making tonight video" beacon as I passed last night. I'll look out for it later as we may be in range this afternoon when we pop out for lunch. It's great to see so much activity up here. Nothing where I am based, though I'm busy working on changing that. 📻
Rog amazing device and amazing video
At the end of the day it is just SMS texting, once people have done it they will get bored and the network will fall apart, I don't get the CB radio reference?
Thanks for the informative video!
I think that'd be better with the nrf52840 for its low power draw, or maybe a custom wisblock board.
Waiting for my kit to arrive so I can expand the network in South Yorkshire, not bothered if I can't get any contacts straight away as it needs geeks like myself to get it going!
Meshtastic is also available for the Raspberry Pi Pico so perhaps we'll see that chip used in the future.
The Rak Wireless Wisblock is a better chipset than the Pi Pico, energy wise. I think that the community will eventually b building a lot of devices around them (like the T-Echo).
Andy got my Hectic Capsule today 5 mins to set up 30 Nodes already my QTH orpington im getting nodes 25-28 miles away
That's seriously impressive!
How well does the GPS antenna work with it setting on a table? The GPS antenna will be facing the ground.
Weird having the GPS antenna pointing the bottom and not the sky, isn´t it?
I’d seen it on the Heltec site and stopped ordering when I saw the shipping cost. Will wait till you get them in stock here in the UK and then I’ll have a go at swapping out the battery.
I suspect battey test results will be a popular video. I would estimate no more that two hours at best though likely a lot less with a GPS.
Hi Andy..by the time i get my board from China,and my bend case in 2 months time I'm worried I'll have missed this boat!!!
So tempted to get on the meshtastic but where I live I think it would be a meshtastic blackout due to a valley etc and not many people with this 🤔
Andy, can you please make a video with step by step how to upgrade the firmware in the Capsule V3? Mine is not accepted by the Meshtastic app...
If they can put something together with the nrf chipset then it'll be much more power efficient but this is really great to see, proper non dev board type product. Speaking of products and the upcoming store idea your going ahead with (kudos) do you think you'll be able to stock the RAK wisblock meshtastic starter kits? They are pretty amazing with built in solar support, and the option for PoE, highly recommend them. 👍 Definitely getting myself another one at some point.
I love the RAK wisblock kit and it does everything you said, the only caveat is: Its not really a true "solar support". Does it charge using a 5v solar panel. Yes, with enough wattage, but the charging IC used is TP4054 and that does not have any MPPT support which is needed to optimize your charging off solar which can be variable.
we need a lot more people in Northern Ireland using meshtastic. I have about 6 devices ready to add to the map as soon as i get set up.
I wish they'd do the more efficient microcontroller and make it USB C so I can use it for hiking trips.
Andy when do you think they will be available paul
in kent
I hate to shit on the device since it's not even out yet but absolutely terrible choice using eps32 with it. That means that effectively the only useful role is tracker and using is_power_saving. Otherwise that 250mAh battery is going to last an hour. Plus, their wireless boot means it's completely separate from the rest of the ecosystem who it comes to flashing. You have to rely on their wireless boot. Are there any backup pins for if something goes wrong and you can't flash via wifi? I definitely get the appeal of a device like this, but I wish it would have been more thought out. Not to mention they have apparently added support without including the project in any manner. It's great they are creating hardware to add to the ecosystem but it would be wonderful if they were a bit more collaborative and actually supported the project instead of seemingly trying to ride the popularity wave it's currently experiencing to make money. But those are just my opinions.
I want it!
But, that seems like a fairly steep shipping fee that I can't seem to ignore.
Shipping
Fedex: $38.00
Handling Fee:
$3.70
Living in very much Northern Canada (no meshtastic devises). So.. What is the benefit of a device like this (what is the end goal) of this meshtastic system... Sorry but.. What's the point. (Not sold) On this.
Any updates on battery life of the device?
Andy can you please do some distance test 🙏...... please........
📻 I spotted your "Andy Mobile" and "RUclips Experiment" beacons while in Stevenage today.
Cool! I got your message! And replied! Where were you?
@@andykirby I sent the message just as we returned to the car at Fairlands Valley Park, Stevenage. I didn't get your reply though I got the delivery receipt so knew mine made it. My message may have gone via my node in the car, from the T-Echo.
We'll be at the same place shortly so will look out again.
I love it
Can I order these devices from the USA and, if yes, where? Thanks for any links to the device!
Hey Andy,
Great videos, thank you. What does coverage look like in Japan? The frequency would be 920-925 but I'm not really seeing that frequency sold often. Would 915 be the alternative?
Thank you in advance
That would be perfect for the kids backpack. Even if it’s just as a tracker.
With 1 Hour battery life, wouldn't be a very good tracker. Kids are unlikely to remember to turn it on/off...
I'll be experimenting with power saving and different roles to see if battery life can be increased.
My concern is the antenna. How well will it perform?
Probably pretty bad. Not enough ground plane area and the chip doesn't have enough clearance from other components
andy i found your channel while i was searching for cb radio videos, i have been watching your meshtastic videos and really wan't to get into it, i thought about buying the the Heltec Capsule Sensor V3 but the shipping is a bit pricey to the uk could you give me advice on a decent easy to use meshtastic device i could buy online.. something to use out of the box, i live in the uk, or if anyone see's this comment and could help me i would appreciate it a lot thanks
Any plans for another TT video soon mate?
Clogging up my 868mhz band....😮😳
Keep meaning to test how it impacts crossfire.
@@andykirby When 1000mw meets 100mw with a baby antenna....Problem is narrow band width though. Imagine if everyone had one of these things...😮😮😮
This is what I want for my dog
IS THERE A LINK TO BUY THIS DEVICE? Don't see in BIO
Is there a link to this item? Will you be selling g it on your website when it go live?
Andy which battery do you recommend for the Heltec board? I have a 3.7V 2000mAh 7.4Wh battery. Would that be acceptable. I did look online but could not find any specific recommendations?
2000 would be ok, that would get you the best part of a day I reckon.
Appreciated @@andykirby
Rookie question. Can I connect to a random persons device with the Meshtastic app or do I need my own device to get in the network?
Not if it's paired to their phone. Think of other people's devices as linked repeaters.
im half way through this video and i still have no idea what this device does lol wtf
Would this sort of device be good for a complete beginner, to the network?
T-Echo. Once they're in stock though...
@@savagebushranger7953good to know, ta. 👍
Gawd it's not even made with paste, it looks like it was soldered by slave labour 🥺
I hope it wasn't made in a Chinese re-education camp ?
I thought the board looked a bit of a mess.
@@nigelgunn322 If they all look like that, the failure rate will be above 20%....🙄
Looks like a hand-assembled prototype to me. I assume they want to work out the kinks before going full production.
Sounds like something a hypocrite would say from his Chinese built phone/computer....
@@ryshellso526 EVERY computer & phone is made in China, the only choice we have is brand. You have no point....
Seems like they could even fit a larger battery in there.
Batterie Life?
seems impossible to buy any of this gear at the right frequency
vertical polarization is vertical polarization
Are messages sent through meshtashtic being stored in a database?
Only the device yes.
Capasative .. capacitive.. touch?
What app? Uses regular text app?
Sorry nvr mind
I will have to get one for on a backup once the store is up.
73 M7TUD
I’m fairly technically savvy but I sure don’t see how this thing is actually useful. Why would anyone NEED this?
Nice video. However this is just another device for the establishment to do micro tracking and monitoring of everything you do.
There is no need for the government to bother with this when we all have mobile phones to track us.
ARG!!! Stop making devices with proprietary charging port.
They could totally put a waterproof USB C port or even qi.
I'll wait for the game to be upped a bit mate...would rather buy a finished product with real performance, that will last
They should have used a standard USB-C port. Having to keep track of a silly magnetic cable, especially for something used on the go is just silly
They've done it that way to make it waterproof!
@@glennmason1007 There are waterproof USB C connectors. My Nokia has one.
ESP32 seems like a non-starter imo
ran mine without antenna, kiled it
Of course.
'promosm' 🎶
WHY ARE WE SHOUTING?!
Moist
wow, what? someone got a package from china? wow amazing. surprised they even send out orders.... utter chinese crap hardware
It doesn’t really matter. America is about to be destroyed.
Romans 10:9-13 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”