Hello there!
I want to get started with Meshtastic, and after about 6 hours of research found these 3 devices. Which one of them would you recommend? The price doesn’t really matter to me, the only things that matter are loooong distance communication and GPS integration (that the GPS module could be soldered on, or included).
Planning to launch a weather balloon with it inside!
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Heltec V3 is very nice, but doesnt have intergrated GPS. A GPS module can be connected, but dont have any direct experience. Overall should be fine.
… does include a screen, which might not be needed on a balloon, depends on how tight you are on weight!
Can’t comment on the LilyGo, not tried them. But from a quick perusal, looks very similar to the V3. Comparable hardware. Same radio Chipset, at least if choose the SX1262 variant (recommended!, slightly more modern than SX1276)
The Wio Tracker, also seems good. In some ways maybe the prefered option from your list. As using the nrf MCU, which is generally more low effient than the ESP32 devices. Its also using the newer LR1101 radio, but frankly I dont know sure better than SX1262 . Avoids a screen 
… however not sure if you can connect an external Lora Antenna, I assume you would want to a really good antenna for the balloon.
Heltec do make a ‘Wireless Tracker’ device, which is very similar to the V3, but includes a intergrated GPS. Have had no problem with these devices, in experiements. If get round to it intend to put one of these on a whether balloon!
… also their most recent T114 board, is nrf based, and available with purpose built GPS moduel, and easily disconnectable screen. Its very new, but definitly worth considering IMHO.
(dont mean to push heltec too much, just the one I have most experience with)
(In some ways its almost a curse how many differnet devices meshtastic now support, too much choice!)
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