Hello everyone! I’m just getting started with LoRa. I checked meshmap and seems that there are a few other people operating in the same band so I’m excited to try to connect to them.
There are a lot of threads here but I wanted to ask from y’all what are some things to have in mind nowadays in order to have a smooth newbie experience. I’m aware the stock antenna is probably not the best and I’ll probably need to order a new one from AliExpress (recommendations welcomed!) but besides that, do you have any other tips for me?
About the only thing can say, is persevere. You might be able to establish intermittent contact quite quickly, and see others on your node list. But establishing ‘reliable’ contact might be different.
Even those those nodes appear on the map, they may be no longer active. Or only (for example) active for parts of the day. Not all nodes are permanent installations.
… getting going can be slow. (then again in some areas, might pickup right away, with little fuss!)
The other point, is maybe don’t have high expectations of getting good contact at home. Maybe just wont get good contact, even from a upstairs window (for example!)
It might be worth going mobile in the area, if not getting immediate contact. Find some sort of local highpoint, a hill, park, or maybe a tall building. If dont have a handy battery, could perhaps use a OTG cable to power the device from a phone to try it out.
Even the stock wire antenna, on the V3, can get 10km contact in good conditions (With line of sight)
Antenna, choice can be tricky. A lot will depend on what sort of case going with, or if you wanting a permantnt installation (eg in loft, or roof)
Figure out requirements before worrying about picking an Antenna.
Before upgrading the antenna try getting a base line oh how well the stock antenna is.
I have tested the Lilygo T3 and Heltec v3.
The heltec v3 antenna performed well on the Lilygo.
I can say much for the Heltec v3. Currently the two V3s that i have (ordered at different times) are rubbish compared to the Lilygo T3. 1.6.1.