I have been an amateur radio operator for quite a long time and am starting to look into meshtastic and the Lilygo T-Deck. However, their site asks me which version I would want. The 915 megahertz, the 860 megahertz, or the 433 megahertz. As an amateur radio person, the 433 MHz would be the lowest frequency and therefore should be the longest range, but is that the most popular model? Would I be missing out on nodes if I were to use 433 MHz instead of 860 or 915?
It depends on your location, 915mhz for the US.
Okay, that’s good to know. Although, I am allowed as an amateur radio operator to use 433 megahertz. At high power. Obviously, though, I’m going to go with the one that is the most popular, and if 915 megahertz is that one, then that is what I will go with.
If I’m not mistaken licensed operators have to run at less power on meshtastic. I’ll see if I can find where/why and update.I was wrong:
"What is the benefit of using a ham license with Meshtastic? If you use your ham radio license with Meshtastic, consider both the privileges and restrictions:
Privileges Increased Transmit Power Up to 10W transmit power in the United States! 47 CFR 97.313(j) Higher Gain Antennas Restrictions Plain-Text Only On amateur radio bands, encryption is illegal. FCC Part 97.113.A.4 Lack of Privacy As a ham operator, it is a requirement that you identify yourself by your call sign periodically when transmitting. Your call sign will be publicly transmitted at least once every 10 minutes at minimum. FCC Part 97.119.A"
Unless I am incorrect in my understanding of the regulations, anybody should be able to use the 433 MHz transmitter as long as the transmit power is less than 0.1 watts from part 95 of the FCC code.
Probably a good choice to go with 915. You’d be pretty lonely on 433 in the US.
I dont want to be lonely! 😂
Besides, a mesh does not work well when you are lonely.
If you’re in the US and plan to get a LoRa device for use with Meshtastic then get the 915 band for your first device. That is what’s intended for us unlicensed users, and that’s where you have a better shot joining a mesh.
As far as the T-Deck Plus. I received mine about 3 weeks ago as my first dip into Meshtastic. The stock Meshtastic firmware interface is… underutilizing the hardware interface. There is an unofficial firmware version with much more capability, but it’s very, very buggy. You’re basically going to be an early adopter. (If they’re still taking two months to ship, who knows by then) Since I don’t desire to tinker, or build my own firmware from the source examples from Lilygo, I am basically waiting for Meshtastic or another open source group to release a better experience for the T-Deck Plus.
For now I’m using my second device. A RAK Wizblock with no display and my cell phone. I bought an Atlavox M1 which is a very solid prebuilt. It’s basically the RAK LoRa starter kit, a battery, and a well designed, 3d printed PETG case. I’m very happy with that purchase.
