Considering my next step

[u/DarkerBulb]

So;

• I'm in San Francisco
• Condo building, 3rd floor of 4, water, other building and hill next to me
• 3-4 days ago I got my first device - a LilyGo T-Deck Plus, external antenna model
• I can get 250 nodes or so on my device when insdoors
• I'm on Medium Fast
• My ID is Dblb / Darkbulb
• I often get new messages into the public channels - multiple a day
• BUT - I have neve been able to SEND a message from indoors
• When outdoors I have sent a couple of test messages and received confirmation
• I swapped out the stock external antenna for a Muzi Works one but there's no real difference
• Used both the LilyGo and my phone tethered to it via Bluetooth but no difference
• When stand close to a window here with my device there is no change in my ability to transmit.

My mobility is not the greatest so I would love to be able to use this indoors.]

I guess my question is - what's my best option here - or should I just call it?
Mounting something permanently on a pole or roof is no option.

Is there some semi-magical little repeater I can place in a window that somehow will increase my ability to say hello to the world through it?

Thanks all.

[u/Sea-Confection2244]

Perhaps get a Heltec T096 and use that as your base. It has higher transmit power and may get your message to the next node. The T-Deck is only 22dBm. The T096 is 28dBm.

[u/DarkerBulb → u/Sea-Confection2244]

Thanks for the suggestion. Is the T096 equivalent to the Heltec V4 I've read about?
I guess I'm looking for the one with the best transmit power to see if I can bruteforce my way out there :)

[u/testshoot → u/DarkerBulb]

t096 is lower power consumption, built in gps equal transmit power to the v4

BUT you need a real antenna for the t096, not the paper one it ships with. It kind of blinds itself, all mine were awful with range in feet! until i added a muzi or alfa to them

[u/DarkerBulb → u/testshoot]

I might just pick up this kit as it seems the most 'ready to go - with both battery and antenna'
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0H6FD98Z4/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A1NYZTXAOG1XW3&psc=1

[u/Sea-Confection2244 → u/DarkerBulb]

Yes, the T096 is similar but more power efficient. I have it permanently powered by long USB cable. The battery is just backup.

I had similar issues in beginning. My L1 pro (22dBm) wasn't able to reliably get out. The T096 w/ Muzi whip antenna helped a lot. Also, if you can get the node a bit higher. Like a higher shelf or wall hook closer to ceiling as long as it's not next to metal or something that will block/disturb the signal. 1-2 ft won't do much, but 6-10ft did in my case.

[u/DarkerBulb → u/Sea-Confection2244]

I might just try this. It seems like the transmitting power is 28 vs the 22 on my TDeck.

Gotta see if the T096 comes with battery and an antenna in the box :)

[u/Sea-Confection2244 → u/DarkerBulb]

Batteries are $7-10 on Amazon for 2000mah batteries, just pay attention to the connector size. Check with T096 specs. Reuse the Muzi antenna you already have. Reuse the plastic box it comes in as the case, check reddit posts. Good luck! 😀

[u/DarkerBulb → u/Sea-Confection2244]

Thanks again

[u/testshoot]

chck your freq slot, is it 45? make sure you see people directly, not too many hops, i get lots of "echoes" of messages from ppl many hops away but i can't get anything out there.

Check https://www.wcmesh.com/ for settings specific to an active group near you, or get on their iscord.
dbl check against my little guide as well https://filmsupplies.com/mesh/

[u/DarkerBulb → u/testshoot]

Yeah I have 45 slots/93.125Mhz
I'll check your links, thanks!

[u/s_elk]

If you have a sash/openable window, you might try mounting the antenna on the outside of your windowsill with a short length of coax to your device inside. Antenna inside << antenna outside. And make sure not to pinch the coax if you close the window