Hardware comparison and possible buggy hardware

Support
1

Hi all,

I am new here and spent the day reading Meshtastic. I would like to purchase some units for my area. I have been reading about the T-Beam, T-Echo, and the RAK WisBlock.

The T-Beam products appear to be a little low in quality and the fact that there is no case is a little irritating. Therefore, when I saw the T-Echo I was more pleased, but then I saw that people appear to be having issues with the T-Echo (T-Echos Reliability - #48 by kokroo). Then I turned to the really nice RAK WisBlock, but also found people with issues ($25 low power dev board with solar: Rak4630 (now included in regular builds) - #3 by sam_uk).

I had hoped to use the new Semtech SX1262 chip, but now I am thinking that maybe I should just go with the T-Beam or Heltec for reliability reasons. Does anyone know if the issues with the T-Echo or the RAK WisBlock have been resolved?

2

The techo is a mess, RAK is well supported.

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3

Oh really, that is very good to know! Thank you!

4

I recommend T-Beams over everything for now.

5

You have only used tbeams and the techo correct?

6

I’ve got my hands on the RAK kit as well as Heltec boards last week, kindly sent by a Discord member.

The range performance of the T-Beam (SX1262 / M8N) and the RAK is indistinguishable. Yet the price of the RAK components is too high, and the shipping is ultra-expensive.

I can buy 2 T-Beams including shipping, instead of 1 Rak kit, and the T-Beam is a compact board with GPS and WiFi on-board with 3 clickable buttons.

Single RAK kit cost:

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Single T-Beam kit (with screen) cost:

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7

The RAK and tbeams are well supported. RAK is gaining a lot of momentum and draws very little power.

8

That is true, the RAK is quite power efficient.

For beginners, I’d just recommend a T-Beam. For people who want to setup solar powered nodes or just need to squeeze out more battery life, RAK kits would be better, of course at a premium price.

9

Thank you guys! Great comments and suggestions. I have been debating T-Beam Vs RAK for the last several days. The RAK is quite expensive, but appears to be much better made. Since I am just stepping into this, I may just buy a few T-Beams (SX1262 / M8N) for some experimentation before I get the RAK for permanent installs. Good suggestion.

10

RAK Wireless aliexpress store usually offers better shipping prices but slower delivery times:

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11

If you don’t need GPS or a screen (mobile phone user w app) then the RAK or Heltec is a better choice.