Hello everyone, I’ve designed a new built-in LoRa Meshtastic module for the ClockWork uConsole, called uMesh. It brings powerful mesh networking capabilities directly into the uConsole, making it ideal for outdoor use, emergency communication, and experimentation.
The expected price is about USD 29.9.
I designed this mainly because most of the extra features on the SDR AIO expansion card aren’t really needed (for instance, if you already have a HackRF), and this card gives you much stronger transmit power.
Good idea, but 33 dBm? Broadcast power that high is likely illegal in most parts of the world without a license. In the US, having a license also means the transmission would have to be non-encrypted. Especially since nobody’s taking their uConsoles up trees, I think most folks are better off with a well-positioned client or repeater with clear line sights…
Firmware support has already been merged into the Meshtastic project.
You’re absolutely right. That’s why I’ve made it clear in the manual that this parameter is subject to local regulations and must be used in full compliance with the law. I don’t intend to produce large volumes of 33 dBm units; the main production run will be 30 dBm models, which are more than sufficient to meet the needs of the vast majority of users.
I’ve just completed the functional verification of the uMesh module and am now coordinating mass production and overseas shipping. I’ll @ you once it becomes available for purchase. @RYN
Nice! I really like this idea, because i am not paying 135 dollars for the uconsole AIO V2 for LoRa. I do have a few questions tho: Is the price still around 30 dollars? Would it be possible to design a module that has the LoRa, and RTL-SDR build in?
Yes, that price is exactly the MSRP I had in mind. In the official release version, I’ll be adding a USB‑A connector so that you can plug in an RTL‑SDR in the form of a USB stick.
Nice! I’m interested! Do you have an indication when these boards can get produced? Or do we have to solder them ourselves? And is there an ufl connector on the board so that we can also attach a internal antenna?
Production is expected to take around 30 working days. However, due to the impact of the Chinese New Year, there may be some delays. The module is equipped with an IPEX connector, but given the transmission power, the use of an internal antenna is strongly discouraged, as the communication range would be significantly reduced.
Nice! Can we already preorder, or isn’t that possible? Have you tested it yourself? If yes, how does it perform? I think it will work a bit better, because this one has 30 dBm, and it says that the one from hackergadgets has 22 dBm
I am using the IPEX connector only for relocating the antenna. I am going to use the uconsole micro antenna mount, so that i can have the antenna in the cutout on the top instead of sticking out from the side. Will that dramatically reduce the signal strength or will i be okay?
I was tested two weeks ago and has since completed 72 hours of continuous operation with stable performance. The primary update in the new version is the inclusion of a USB‑A port.
The connection is reliable under this condition. Nevertheless, an unexpected disconnection may result in PA failure, and extra care should therefore be taken.
30 dBm will significantly improve the receiving sensitivity at the other end — in my testing this translated into a difference between 8 km and 13 km in an urban environment. In general, the higher the output, the better. However, this depends on the transmission power permitted in your region and whether you intend to operate in an unencrypted HAM mode.
Relevant power restrictions are outlined in the LoRa Configuration | Meshtastic ,with no limitation when operating in HAM mode.
Do you have an indication when the product is ready for production? And would it be an idea to also include a usb-c port next to the usb-a port? This is for a usb-c (thermal) camera. Would this be possible, and i can also help you with the pcb design if needed.
