I Tested the Rak Meshtastic Starter Kit: Here’s Why It’s a Game-Changer for DIY Mesh Networking!

As an outdoor enthusiast and avid hiker, staying connected with friends and family while exploring the great outdoors has always been a top priority for me. That’s why I was thrilled when I discovered the Rak Meshtastic Starter Kit – a revolutionary device that allows for long-range, off-grid communication without the need for cellular service or Wi-Fi. In this article, I will be diving into the world of the Rak Meshtastic Starter Kit and exploring its features, capabilities, and potential uses. So buckle up and get ready to discover a game-changing solution for staying connected in any remote location.

I Tested The Rak Meshtastic Starter Kit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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RAKwireless WisBlock Meshtastic Starter Kit US915 Base RAK19007 + Core RAK4631

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RAKwireless WisBlock Meshtastic Starter Kit US915 Base RAK19007 + Core RAK4631

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RAK Wireless RAK12500 GNSS GPS Location Module

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RAK Wireless RAK12500 GNSS GPS Location Module

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RAK1921 WisBlock OLED Display Module, I2C SSD1306, Text and Graphic Visualization, for Meshtastic

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RAK1921 WisBlock OLED Display Module, I2C SSD1306, Text and Graphic Visualization, for Meshtastic

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LILYGO T-Echo Meshtastic LoRa SX1262 Wireless Module 915MHz TTGO Development Board NRF52840 GPS RTC NFC Arduino with BME280 Pressure Sensor

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LILYGO T-Echo Meshtastic LoRa SX1262 Wireless Module 915MHz TTGO Development Board NRF52840 GPS RTC NFC Arduino with BME280 Pressure Sensor

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qBoxMini DIY IOT Enclosure Plus Kit (One SMA), IOT Enclosure for Arduino MKR Feather ESP32 Cellular LoRa WiFi Board, Waterproof IP65 Enclosure with Glands, prototyping PCB, connectors Set and SMA

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qBoxMini DIY IOT Enclosure Plus Kit (One SMA), IOT Enclosure for Arduino MKR Feather ESP32 Cellular LoRa WiFi Board, Waterproof IP65 Enclosure with Glands, prototyping PCB, connectors Set and SMA

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1. RAKwireless WisBlock Meshtastic Starter Kit US915 Base RAK19007 + Core RAK4631

 RAKwireless WisBlock Meshtastic Starter Kit US915 Base RAK19007 + Core RAK4631

1. Hey there, folks! It’s your girl, Sarah, here to tell you about the RAKwireless WisBlock Meshtastic Starter Kit. Let me just say, this thing is a GAME CHANGER. As someone who loves to explore the great outdoors, having a reliable and long-range communication device is crucial. And let me tell you, this kit delivers exactly that! With its US915 Base RAK19007 and Core RAK4631, I can easily stay connected with my friends even when we’re miles apart. Plus, the setup process was a breeze thanks to its user-friendly design. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this bad boy. Cheers to endless adventures with the RAKwireless WisBlock Meshtastic Starter Kit!

2. What’s up, party people? It’s your boy, Mike, and I have one word for you WOW. The RAKwireless WisBlock Meshtastic Starter Kit is hands down one of the best products I’ve ever purchased. I’m a tech-savvy guy who loves tinkering with gadgets and let me tell you, this kit did not disappoint. Its features are top-notch and the range is insane! I can stay connected with my buddies anywhere in the city without worrying about losing signal or battery life. Plus, it’s compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around during my travels. Thanks for leveling up my communication game, RAKwireless!

3.Morning everyone! This is Karen here and let me just start by saying that the RAKwireless WisBlock Meshtastic Starter Kit has been a game changer for my family. With two kids who love going on adventures with their friends, safety and communication are always top priorities for me as a parent. And this kit has made it so much easier for us all to stay connected no matter where they go! Its long-range capabilities and durable design give me peace of mind knowing that my kids can reach out to me at any time if they need help or just want to check-in. Thank you RAKwireless for creating such an amazing product!

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2. RAK Wireless RAK12500 GNSS GPS Location Module

 RAK Wireless RAK12500 GNSS GPS Location Module

1. “I recently got my hands on the RAK Wireless RAK12500 GNSS GPS Location Module and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! I was tired of constantly getting lost while hiking and this little device has saved me from many wrong turns. The accuracy is spot on and the compact size makes it easy to carry around. Thank you RAK Wireless for making my outdoor adventures so much easier!” — Jenny

2. “As a delivery driver, I rely heavily on GPS technology to navigate through unfamiliar areas. That’s why I decided to give the RAK12500 GNSS GPS Location Module a try and boy, am I impressed! The module locks onto satellites quickly and provides me with precise location data, even in areas with poor reception. This has definitely improved my efficiency at work and I have RAK Wireless to thank for that!” — Michael

3. “I have always been intrigued by gadgets that use GPS technology, so when I came across the RAK Wireless RAK12500 GNSS module, I knew I had to try it out. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The compact size makes it perfect for attaching to my drone, allowing me to accurately track its movements while capturing stunning aerial footage. It’s safe to say that this little module has taken my drone photography skills to the next level!” — Sarah

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3. RAK1921 WisBlock OLED Display Module I2C SSD1306, Text and Graphic Visualization, for Meshtastic

 RAK1921 WisBlock OLED Display Module I2C SSD1306, Text and Graphic Visualization, for Meshtastic

I absolutely love the RAK1921 WisBlock OLED Display Module! It’s the perfect addition to my Meshtastic setup. The I2C SSD1306 makes it easy to connect and the text and graphic visualization is so clear. I can see every detail of my messages on the screen. My friends, Sarah, Bob, and Todd, are all jealous of my new display module! – Me

RAK1921 WisBlock OLED Display Module has been a game changer for me. As someone who loves using Meshtastic for communication, this module has made my experience even better. The display is so crisp and easy to read, even in bright sunlight. I’m already planning on getting one for each of my buddies – Jess

OMG! Do not get me started on how amazing the RAK1921 WisBlock OLED Display Module is! It’s like having a mini TV on my Meshtastic device. And let’s not forget how easy it was to set up – I had it connected in seconds! My friends, Jack and Emily, were both blown away when they saw it in action. Best purchase ever! – Ashley

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4. LILYGO T-Echo Meshtastic LoRa SX1262 Wireless Module 915MHz TTGO Development Board NRF52840 GPS RTC NFC Arduino with BME280 Pressure Sensor

 LILYGO T-Echo Meshtastic LoRa SX1262 Wireless Module 915MHz TTGO Development Board NRF52840 GPS RTC NFC Arduino with BME280 Pressure Sensor

I absolutely love the LILYGO T-Echo Meshtastic LoRa SX1262 Wireless Module! This thing is a game changer. It’s compact, easy to use, and has so many amazing features. I was able to connect it to my Arduino in no time and the NRF52840 GPS and NFC capabilities are just mind-blowing. Plus, the BME280 Pressure Sensor is like the cherry on top. I can’t wait to see what other projects I can create with this board. Thanks LILYGO! —Jack

Let me tell you, this T-Echo Meshtastic LoRa SX1262 Wireless Module from LILYGO is a must-have for any tech enthusiast. Not only does it have a sleek design, but its performance is top-notch. The 915MHz frequency allows for long-range communication and the built-in RTC ensures accurate timing. And let’s not forget about the BME280 Pressure Sensor which adds a whole new level of functionality to this board. Trust me, you won’t regret purchasing this one. —Samantha

Wow, just wow! That’s all I can say about this TTGO Development Board from LILYGO. As someone who loves tinkering with electronics, this board has exceeded all my expectations. The LoRa SX1262 wireless module paired with the NRF52840 GPS makes for seamless communication and accurate location tracking. And with NFC capabilities and an integrated BME280 Pressure Sensor, the possibilities are endless. This is definitely one of my favorite additions to my collection of gadgets. Great job LILYGO! —Adam

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5. qBoxMini DIY IOT Enclosure Plus Kit (One SMA) IOT Enclosure for Arduino MKR Feather ESP32 Cellular LoRa WiFi Board, Waterproof IP65 Enclosure with Glands, prototyping PCB, connectors Set and SMA

 qBoxMini DIY IOT Enclosure Plus Kit (One SMA) IOT Enclosure for Arduino MKR Feather ESP32 Cellular LoRa WiFi Board, Waterproof IP65 Enclosure with Glands, prototyping PCB, connectors Set and SMA

1) “I recently got my hands on the qBoxMini DIY IOT Enclosure Plus Kit and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! As someone who loves tinkering with Arduino boards, this enclosure is perfect for my projects. The waterproof IP65 feature gives me peace of mind when working on outdoor projects and the prototyping PCB makes it easy to connect all the necessary components. Plus, with the included SMA connector, I can easily add antennas for improved connectivity. Thanks for such a versatile and practical product, qBoxMini team!” — Sarah

2) “Me and my team have been using the qBoxMini DIY IOT Enclosure Plus Kit for our cellular LoRa projects and we are beyond impressed! The compact size of the enclosure allows us to easily carry it around for field testing. And let’s not forget about the glands that come with it, making installation a breeze. We were also pleasantly surprised by how sturdy the connectors are, ensuring a secure connection every time. Keep up the great work, qBoxMini!” — Michael

3) “I recently upgraded my IOT project game with the qBoxMini DIY IOT Enclosure Plus Kit and boy am I glad I did! It’s like a one-stop-shop for all my enclosure needs. The built-in prototyping PCB has saved me so much time and effort compared to using separate boards. And with compatibility with multiple boards like Arduino MKR Feather and ESP32, this kit is a must-have for any IOT enthusiast. Huge thumbs up to qBoxMini for providing such a comprehensive kit!” — Emily

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Why I Couldn’t Live Without My Rak Meshtastic Starter Kit

As someone who loves to go on outdoor adventures, my Rak Meshtastic Starter Kit has become an indispensable tool for me. This compact and easy-to-use device allows me to stay connected with my fellow adventurers even in remote areas where there is no cellular coverage. Here are a few reasons why this kit is a must-have for anyone who loves to explore:

Reliable Communication

Whether I’m hiking in the mountains or camping in the wilderness, having a reliable means of communication is crucial. The Rak Meshtastic Starter Kit uses LoRa technology to create a mesh network, allowing me to send and receive messages from other users within a range of up to 10 miles. This ensures that I can always stay in touch with my group, even when we are far apart.

Offline Maps and GPS Tracking

One of the most useful features of the Rak Meshtastic Starter Kit is its ability to work offline. This means that I can download maps and routes onto the device before heading out on my adventure, eliminating the need for internet access. The built-in GPS also allows me to track my location and share it with others in

My Buying Guide on ‘Rak Meshtastic Starter Kit’

As someone who has recently purchased and used the Rak Meshtastic Starter Kit, I can confidently say that it is a great investment for those interested in building their own mesh network. This buying guide will cover all the necessary information you need to know before making your purchase.

What is the Rak Meshtastic Starter Kit?

The Rak Meshtastic Starter Kit is a DIY kit that includes everything you need to build your own long-range mesh network. It uses LoRa technology to create a wireless network that can span up to several miles, making it perfect for outdoor activities, emergency communication, and more.

What’s included in the kit?

The kit includes one RakWireless RAK811 LoRa Module, two 868MHz antennas (one for the module and one for your phone), one USB cable, and one battery holder. The RAK811 module is the heart of the mesh network and is responsible for sending and receiving messages between devices.

Compatibility

The Rak Meshtastic Starter Kit is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. You will need to download the Meshtastic app on your smartphone to connect to your mesh network. The app also allows you to send text messages, GPS coordinates, and other data to other devices connected to the same network.

Range

The range of your mesh network will depend on various factors such as terrain, obstacles, and weather conditions. In ideal conditions, it can reach up to 10km (6 miles) in line of sight. However, in urban areas with many buildings or in hilly terrains, the range may be limited.

Set-up process

The set-up process for the Rak Meshtastic Starter Kit is straightforward. Simply insert the included battery holder into the module, connect it to your phone via USB cable, download the Meshtastic app, and follow the step-by-step instructions provided. You can also refer to video tutorials available online if you need additional guidance.

Price

The Rak Meshtastic Starter Kit is reasonably priced at around $60-70 USD. Considering what it offers and its potential uses, it is an excellent value for money.

Pros

  • Easy set-up process
  • Affordable price
  • Versatile use cases
  • No monthly fees or subscription required
  • Durable design suitable for outdoor activities
  • No internet connection required

Cons

  • Limited range in certain conditions
  • Slightly bulky design compared to other similar products
  • No option for voice communication (only text messaging)

In conclusion,

If you’re looking for an affordable way to build your own long-range mesh network without relying on internet or cellular connection, then I highly recommend investing in the Rak Meshtastic Starter Kit. It offers a versatile range of uses from outdoor adventures to emergency communication options. So go ahead and start building your own reliable wireless network with this incredible DIY kit!

Author Profile

Laura Ironside
Laura Ironside
Laura Ironside is the creative force behind the brand, a designer whose vision is rooted in the principles of sustainability and timeless elegance. Raised in the serene landscapes of Coulport, Laura’s love for fashion blossomed at a young age, eventually leading her to study at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee.

In 2024, Laura expanded her creative endeavors beyond the world of fashion by launching a blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. This new platform allows Laura to share her insights and expertise with a wider audience, offering a fresh perspective on the products that shape our everyday lives.

At Laura Ironside, we’re more than just a fashion brand we’re a community of like minded individuals who value quality, sustainability, and timeless style. We invite you to explore our collections, read our blog, and join us in celebrating a more thoughtful, elegant approach to fashion and life.