WisMesh Repeater Quick Start Guide
WisMesh Repeater is a solar-powered repeater that comes in a waterproof enclosure with a high-performance built-in antenna, making it deployable anywhere regardless of power availability or weather conditions.
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 be sure to run the latest version of the Meshtastic firmware, we advice you to download the latest Meshtastic firmware and upload it to your RAKwireless device to make it compatible with the Meshtastic network.
Use Meshtastic RAK2560 firmware for this device.
- WisMesh Repeater -
firmware-rak2560-w.x.yy.zzzzzzz.uf2
Prerequisite
Before going through each and every step on using WisMesh Repeater, make sure to prepare the necessary items listed below:
Hardware
Software
The WisBlock Core module of the WisMesh Repeater comes pre-flashed with the Meshtastic firmware.
However to connect the device to the Meshtastic network you will have to configure it. The preferred method for the configuration of the WisMesh Repeater is from a mobile phone through a BLE connection with the following:
Alternatively, the WisMesh Repeater has an USB connector in its unused battery cabinet. To access it, you have to open the battery lid. With the USB connection you can use either of these configurations:
The location of the USB connector is shown in Figure 5
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 Repeater comes fully assembled. However, it is required to connect it to the Solar Battery Lite to power it up. The WisMesh Repeater itself has no internal battery.
The WisMesh Repeater has the option to power the device with four LiSoCl2 batteries. But due to the power consumption of the Meshtastic LoRa network, it is not recommended to power the device with these non-rechargeable batteries. The lifespan of these batteries will be very limited.
Connect the battery
Connect the Solar Battery Lite to the WisMesh Repeater as shown in Figure 6
The cable from the Solar Battery Lite can be plugged into any of the two connectors of the WisMesh Repeater.
To recharge the battery, mount the Solar Battery Lite in direct sun light without any shadowing.
For more details about the mounting options of the solar battery lite, refer to the Solar Battery Lite Installation Guide.
Antenna
The WisMesh Repeater has internal LoRa and BLE antennas and does not require the assembly or connection of any external antenna.
Assembling and Disassembling of WisMesh Repeater
It is strongly recommended to keep both the WisMesh Repeater and the Solar Battery Lite closed at all times. If the devices are opened, the devices might not be waterproof anymore and can be easily damaged.
Software Setup
To be sure to run the latest version of the Meshtastic firmware, we advice you 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. This device works with the stock firmware.
- All the base boards with RAK4631/RAK4630: -
firmware-rak4631-w.x.yy.zzzzzzz.uf2 - For WisMesh Repeater: DO NOT USE -
firmware-rak4631_eink-w.x.yy.zzzzzzz.uf2
The WisMesh Repeater comes pre-flashed with the Meshtastic firmware. If you encounter problems, update the Meshtastic firmware to the latest version.
- Guide to flash nRF52 devices. (link goes to Meshtastic.org)
For the setup of the WisMesh Repeater for the Meshtastic network, follow the configuration guide in the Meshtastic documentation.
