Meshtastic 1W Booster Starter Kit
The WisMesh 1W Booster Starter Kit is a high-power Meshtastic-ready device built on the modular WisBlock ecosystem. It is designed for developers and makers who want to deploy long-range LoRa mesh nodes for tracking, telemetry, and emergency communication.
The kit includes the RAK3401 WisBlock Core module (Nordic nRF52840 with BLE) paired with the RAK13302 1W (30 dBm) LoRa transceiver module and a 2 dBi antenna. Using WisBlock modules, the device can be configured as a node, repeater, tracker, or sensor platform by adding compatible expansion modules.
Meshtastic is an open-source project that enables decentralized, off-grid communication using LoRa-based mesh networking. It runs on low-power hardware and is commonly used in remote locations and emergency scenarios where traditional communication infrastructure is unavailable.
Due to the high power consumption during the 1 W LoRa transmission, the device has to be powered either by a battery or by an external 5 V supply to work correctly. The power supply variation depends on the used RAK13302 module.
Older versions of the Meshtastic 1W Booster Starter Kit are using the RAK13302 board version VC. This module is no longer in production and is with the new RAK13302 board version VD.
The board version VC allowed to switch with a jumper between external 5V power supply and internal battery supply.
With the board version VD this is no longer available. Version VD is available in two variants, one is only working with external 5V power supply and the other one is only working with internal battery supply.
Make sure to order the correct hardware version for your requirements.
This documentation refers to the new Starter Kit using RAK13302 VD. The steps to use the starter kit are identical beside of the power supply selection.
Product Features
- Modularity: Choose and combine modules to suit your needs.
- Versatility: Build a device that fits your specific requirements, whether it's a node, tracker, or weather station.
- Ease of Use: Ready to assemble with everything you need to get started.
Power Supply Variants (Only RAK13302 VD Board Version)
The Starter Kit with the RAK13302 version VD module has two hardware variants:
- One hardware variant is only working with external 5 V power supply.
- The other one is only working with internal battery supply.
The different hardware versions are marked with different codes on the label.The version for supply through the battery connected to the WisBlock Base Board has the code 001 on the label, and it has no connector for the external 5 V supply on the bottom of the PCB.
Figure 1: RAK13302 Wireless Module Battery Supply IndicationThe version for supply with an external 5 V supply has the code 002 on the label, and it has the connector for the external 5 V supply on the bottom of the PCB.
Figure 1: RAK13302 Wireless Module External 5V Supply IndicationIf the supply is through EX_5V, the whole WisBlock Base Board can be supplied through this source.
External 5V Supply Connection
The connector for the external 5 V supply is on the bottom of the module.
Figure 1: RAK13302 5 V supply connectorExternal power supply cable connections:
Figure 1: RAK13302 5 V supply selectionPower Selector Jumper (Only RAK13302 VC Board Version)
Click to view the power selection of the starter kit with the older RAk13302 VC board version.
The 3-pin jumper header is to select the supply source for the booster chip.
| Jumper Position | Supply Source |
|---|---|
| IN_5V to 5 V | Supply from WisBlock Base Board Battery |
| EX_5V to 5 V | Supply from Jx connector |
If the supply is through EX_5V, the whole WisBlock Base Board can be supplied through this source.
Figure 1: RAK13302 5 V supply selectionExternal power supply cable connections:
Figure 1: RAK13302 5 V supply selectionPower Supply Path
Figure 1: RAK13302 5 V supply selectionGetting Started
To get started with the WisBlock Meshtastic 1 W Booster Starter Kit, download our Meshtastic 1W Booster Starter Kit Getting Started guide.
Use Case Examples for WisMesh 1W Booster Starter Kit
Enables reliable mesh communication in diverse scenarios where signal reach and network resilience are critical, supporting long-range low-power mesh communication for field deployments.
Use Case #1: Remote Sensor Link Verification
A field technician evaluated environmental sensor communication across a 4km site using the WisMesh 1W Booster Starter Kit’s SX1262 + SKY66122 radio path. Tests showed 35% stronger signal retention, 98% packet delivery, and repeatable performance during five field trials, confirming reliable long-range operation.
Use Case #2: Community Emergency Relay Setup
During a local preparedness drill, engineers assembled a temporary Meshtastic network using several WisMesh 1W Booster Starter Kits. The result: stable 1W links, verified through 24 hours of uptime logs and user testimonials citing clear, uninterrupted message relays over forested terrain. This makes the setup highly suitable for deployments that require a LoRa mesh repeater to maintain reliable communication paths. It also serves effectively as a Meshtastic repeater node for emergency communications, ensuring message delivery even when infrastructure is unavailable.
