WisMesh B1 Quick Start Guide
The WisMesh B1 is available in both as a development board and a ready-to-use device with an enclosure, built-in 1000 mAh battery, and an RP-SMA connector for LoRa antenna. Its BLE antenna is integrated on the board to save space.
This guide covers the basics for the RAKwireless Meshtastic devices that are not covered by the Meshtastic documentation.
For detailed instructions how to configure the devices for the Meshtastic network, follow the Meshtastic Getting Started guide.
You can also check the Meshtastic Basic Device Setup Guide:.
To ensure you are running the latest version of the Meshtastic firmware, it is advised to download the latest Meshtastic firmware and upload it to your RAKwireless device to make it compatible with the Meshtastic network.
For Firmware 1.3 and 2.0 (from November 1, 2022), the WisBlock Base board is autodetected. The WisMesh B1 works with the stock firmware.
- For the WisMesh B1: use
firmware-rak4631-w.x.yy.zzzzzzz.uf2 - For the WisMesh B1: DO NOT USE
firmware-rak4631_eink-w.x.yy.zzzzzzz.uf2
Prerequisite
Before going through each and every step on using WisMesh B1, make sure to prepare the necessary items listed below:
Hardware
- WisMesh B1
- USB Cable
Software
The WisBlock Core module of the WisMesh B1 comes pre-flashed with the Meshtastic firmware.
However, to connect the device to the Meshtastic network, you will have to configure it. Listed below are several applications for the configuration:
Make sure that you have installed one of these applications, as they are required for the configuration of the Meshtastic network.
Product Configuration
Hardware Setup
The WisMesh B1 comes in two variants:
- Fully assembled with an internal battery and a battery disconnect switch. However, it is recommended to fully recharge the battery before using the device on. It supports Li-ion batteries and 5 V (e.g. from solar panel) supply.
- As a board without enclosure. In addition to the battery and solar panel connector, it has options to add other modules through the pin headers that provide access to all GPIOs and system buses.
The battery can only be charged when the switch is ON.
WisMesh B1 also includes one WisBlock Sensor Slot as shown in Figure 2.
The WisMesh B1 is designed as a special Base Board. Technical details of the WisMesh B1 Board can be found in the WisMesh B1 Datasheet.
Battery Connector and Solar Panel (5 V) Connector
The WisMesh B1 has an internal connector for a Li-ion battery. Double-check the battery cable polarity when replacing. The matching connector for the battery wires is a JST PHR-2 2 mm pitch female.
Depending on the regional requirements, the WisMesh B1 can have a 2-pin (US) or a 3-pin (EU) battery connector. If the 3-pin connector is present on the board, only batteries with an integrated NTC temperature sensor and a 3-wire cable can be connected and charged.
WisMesh B1 also has an internal connector for 5 V supply or solar panel connection. When using this connector, double-check the polarity of the supply cable.
The matching connector for the solar panel wires is an JST ZHR-2 1.5 mm pitch female.
Recharge the Battery
To recharge the device, plug a USB-C cable into the device and connected it to a 5 V/2 A USB wall charger. Recharging the battery via a USB port on your computer is not recommended due to the potential low current output.
Antenna
- The BLE antenna is integrated on the PCB of the WisMesh B1.
- The LoRa antenna is connected through an IPEX connector. It can be a PCB antenna inside the enclosure or an RP-SMA antenna connector to attach an external antenna.
Assembling and Disassembling of WisMesh B1
If you want to add more WisBlock modules, simply open the device and plug the modules into their sensor slots.
Software Setup
To ensure you are running the latest version of the Meshtastic firmware, it is advised to download the latest Meshtastic firmware and upload it to your RAKwireless device to make it compatible with the Meshtastic network.
For Firmware 1.3 and 2.0 (from November 1, 2022), the WisBlock Base board is autodetected. The WisMesh B1 is using the stock firmware.
- For the WisMesh B1: use
firmware-rak4631-w.x.yy.zzzzzzz.uf2 - For the WisMesh B1: DO NOT USE
firmware-rak4631_eink-w.x.yy.zzzzzzz.uf2
The WisMesh B1 comes pre-flashed with the Meshtastic firmware. If problems occur, update the Meshtastic firmware to the latest version.
To set up the WisMesh B1 for the Meshtastic network, follow the configuration guide in the Meshtastic documentation.
