This article details how to build a fully custom Meshtastic LoRa mesh node from zero. It covers open‑source PCB design, component assembly, firmware compilation, 3D printed enclosure, and final configuration for off‑grid, long‑range communication. Overview Meshtastic is an open-source communication protocol that transforms affordable LoRa (Long Range) radio modules, typically powered by “ESP32” or “nRF52” … Read more
Overview: A vertical antenna is an unbalanced antenna, but it may still need a common mode choke balun to choke out the unwanted current flowing on the outer surface of your coax braid. Reasons for A Choke Balun: 1. Blocking Unwanted Radiation from the Feedline A vertical antenna uses the radial system (your elevated ground … Read more
Overview Days ago, I built a ground elevated vertical based on a 5.6m whip for SOTA and POTA activations. As the radials went above the ground, it didn’t cause huge ground losses due to the poor real ground near the antenna. The antenna works really great, with the linked counterpoise, you just used 2 radials … Read more
The full-wave loop antenna stands as a fascinating and effective alternative to the ubiquitous dipole, offering desirable characteristics such as gain of approximately 2dB over a dipole, a typically lower noise floor, and a closed-loop radiation pattern. Traditionally, a square or circular full-wave loop presents a feed point impedance in the range of 100-120 ohms, … Read more
As the CQWW CW draws near, I would like to see how the HF propagation goes on based on my local area. I would also want to see whether my antenna could pick up some remote stations from the noisy RF. I am an apartment dweller, living in the downtown area of a city. I … Read more
digiPi is a software system that is based on Linux for amateur radio digital communications. Its primary function is to make various amateur radio digital modes easily accessible via Wi-Fi through a standard web browser. It simplifies amateur radio digital modes operation by providing a pre-configured, bootable image for a Raspberry Pi. It supports a … Read more
Nowadays, we use more and more electronic devices in daily life and work—like smartphones, tablets, laptops and smart wearables. Our need for quick charging is growing fast. Some people may always feel they don’t have enough charging ports on the desktop. To fix this issue, here comes a project, which is an open-source DIY desktop … Read more
Background: For amateur radio operators engaging in Portable Operations in the Parks (POTA) and Summits on the Air (SOTA), reliable, efficient power is the backbone of successful activations. These activities often take place in remote, off-grid locations where solar power becomes a vital energy source. An MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controller is not just … Read more
When doing POTA or SOTA activations, I prefer the vertical antennas. That says I don’t have to bring a long enough antenna mast that could support my wire antennas. For example, an end-fed, it’s a good antenna, but you need a pole or a tree to set it up, in horizontal, vertical or in V-Shape … Read more
Introduction to the Project: As I know all Bresser Weather Stations models are open to be utilised in our projects like the model I have, the 7in1; others are available as per the 5in1, 6in1 and 8in1 models. That is a very good news. If you are a consumer not interested to make a project, in … Read more