They seem correct, but I’ll never really know until I get a message, haha. I think there just not enough users in the area to see much traffic on the default channel
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I am trying to setup here in Centreville.
Still too far to get packets from Ashburn, but filling up the empty spots in NOVA.
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Right on let’s build it out
@some1 If you’re willing, do add your node(s) to the map to give everyone an idea of the coverage: Meshtastic Map
yes sure will add it once I stabilize things on my end.
I am reading and figuring out more info. From this Device Configuration | Meshtastic
I figured that I can leave my node in “Client” mode and that will help setup the mesh.
I don’t necessarily have to have my node in the “repeater” mode for a mesh to be created, correct?
Correct the CLIENT role works to build a mesh.
Check out the tips page here: Configuration Tips | Meshtastic
Just started up my new node in Springfield. Will add it to the map.
Glad to hear and welcome @oldlurefinder
What device and antenna are you using?- ted
I just have the heltec v3, and the little antenna it came with. I am looking at playing with a few different antennas. When I get my esp32 kits built (building 3) I would like to run one at the house with a helium 8dbi antenna, and grab a smaller antenna (2dbi seems normal) for my vehicle. I saw a video this morning of a pcb antenna… it was the 433mhz, but it was really neat and packed some performance. if I could find that, I would play with that one. I am going to see if I cant set one up in my office in Tysons also.
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this is the video with the pcb antenna. it is at the 3:00 mark. If anyone has a lead on where these are sold, please let me know. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbX5Uhxr1Xk
@oldlurefinder the author did not mention critical components to an RF system such as ground planes, nor did they seem to care about antenna orientations during the test. I’d ignore that video for everything besides seeing the practical implementation of a Meshtastic system.
Have you seen the Antenna Testing page on the Meshtastic website?
It will lead you to the site below, which is a great source of antenna options.
You’ll want to focus on the Internal Device Antennas header for small, flexible type: https://github.com/RicInNewMexico/Meshtastic-Antenna-Reports
In general, buy antennas from reputable vendors (Digikey, Mouser) and read the datasheet to ensure the frequency, VSWR, efficiency, radiation patterns are all within your application range.- ted
Any nodes in Oakton, VA?
Hey y’all, new node with a Heltec V3 with its stock antenna. Can’t see anyone yet, but hoping to mount a solar repeater or router on my condo building this year.
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I’m not aware of any in Oakton @rogue1
Welcome @AdMoNode
Ditch that stock antenna for a better one! Scroll up this thread to see links to other options.- ted
Unfortunately, the community map referenced in this thread shows no nodes even after creating an account.
Yeah I couldn’t get it to work myself, looks like the creator deleted the node layer because of vandalism and effectively node “graffiti”: Meshtastic Node Map - #25 by Kak123.
Lame.
But!
There is a new kid on the block …
for public nodes that are accessible via MQTT.
https://meshtastic.liamcottle.net/
Liam has graciously open sourced his map code
Which means someone can deploy it to watch their private MQTT topics.
Give it a whirl, and post FR+bugs to the github issues page.- ted
Hey folks, there are tons of nodes being built out by VWS and some already established by FARA. Our NoVA region standard will be Long Moderate on Channel 9
I’ve got a hardwired node setup in Centerville. Right now the antenna is indoors but it’s 8 DBI gain something like that.
I have it sat on the default long fast channel. I picked up whotiewho_1 and 2 the other day.
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Ive seen whootie too in ashburn; not for a few weeks.- ted
I drove around a bit yesterday with the setup in my car, pulling GPS, but didn’t get any other stations showing up (just magnet mounted the antenna to my trunk)
I’ll have to try it again sometime and get a second node setup for the house with the outdoor antenna I got.
Still have a bunch to learn, but want to see if I can get the basics working first 
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