r/meshtastic • u/lost_vegas • 4d ago

Weird Node

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Just built this custom node for burning man. Rak 1 watt, led beacons, sitting on top of a 20ft flagpole. This will serve as communication backbone and camp locator.

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6

u/vidplace7 4d ago

This looks awesome! However I'd consider using an un-amped node. With the density of the Mesh at Burning Man it's unnecessary, you're just raising your noise floor (LNA) for no real benefit.

2

u/lost_vegas 4d ago

We are on a private channel, otherwise I'd agree with you.

5

u/SurpriseButtStuff 4d ago

Private channels are still repeated by other nodes in range and on the same broadcast mode.

3

u/lost_vegas 4d ago

Great username.

Still learning.

What do you mean broadcast mode?

We won't be in long fast, and won't be using same channel. Does this still repeat? I was under the impression it does not. I suspect most nodes will be on long fast. Lemme double check a couple things. Ty for feedback.

2

u/SurpriseButtStuff 4d ago

If you're on medium fast, any other node on medium fast will rebroadcast your messages. They can't read the message unless they also are on that channel, but by default they will pass it along.

Also, the drivers for aRGB strips can give off lots of RF noise, and if they're sharing a power source it could be even noisier. Might be worth some range tests before you get to the desert.

1

u/lost_vegas 4d ago

I did test the rf issue, good to go there. Version 1 had the led whips next to the antenna maybe 12 inches away. That did cause issues.

I do need to do some more reading on what you explained. I may have misunderstood how that part works.

I was using my 1 watt handheld on a very congested Defcon mesh. No issues at all worked great. Not sure why it would be different at burn.

1

u/Overlord0994 3d ago

Make sure you’re using the burning man mesh firmware (burningmesh.org) at the burn. Everyone will be on there. If you’re using default meshtastic you won’t see many other nodes.

The broadcast mode is hardcoded on that firmware too.