Complete beginner trying to learn and get this to work

Support
1

Hi! I recently purchased a TBeam (Specifically: LILYGO TTGO T-Beam ESP32 433/868/915/923Mhz V1.1 WiFi Wireless bluetooth Module GPS NEO-6M SMA LORA32 18650 Battery Holder With OLED - 868MHZ) and wanted to join the mesh.

I flashed the following firmware: firmware-tbeam0.7-EU865-1.1.50
I do not have an android phone, but have a tablet witht he Meshtastic app installed.
I was able to connect to the device witht he app, however, I am unable to get a GPS lock or join the mesh (from what i can see).

I am yet to go outside and see if i get a GPS lock, but from what i have read, if i have my tablet connected (which has GPS and is accurate) i should be able to get a location and see messages across the mesh network.

Not sure if i have the wrong firmware, busted Tbeam or some other issue, but I was hoping somone could help me to get it working or to point out my mistake and try to guide me to a solution. THanks!

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2

Just to confirm, do you have two tbeams or only one? This project is mostly about building meshes as a group.

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Yes, I have only one. My understanding was that there would be an existing mesh where I could be a participant as a node to expand the network. I think I may have misunderstood if this is the case. If I can only create a private mesh between two Tbeams then i will have to buy another one.

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4

If there are other Meshtastic users in range you could be ok with only one. Expected range is from a few hundred meters to 10 or 15 km. Even longer if line of sight. It all depends on radio conditions.
I think you have the wrong firmware on your board. The one with 0.7 in the name is for the old TBeam.
You have the new 1.1version and should use
firmware-tbeam-EU865-1.1.50.bin

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5

When i am using the map, there are quite a few nodes in the area i live. I am in the middle of two larger cities and would like to ocnsider myself a point in between. I will reflash the tbeam and see what happens. Will report back accordingly.

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I was able to flash firmware-tbeam-EU865-1.1.50.bin but i have to go outside to try the GPS. Not sure if Meshtastic takes the GPS form my tablet or not. Will try later tonight. THanks for everyones help so far!

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if your device has GPSnon board, it will not use the Location from your tablet. You can change this via python cli. Search the docs for “hasGPS” or “has_GPS” or something like that.

I would put the device outside for about 20mins and see if it will get a signal

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