We evaluated various options and ultimately chose the RAKwireless WisBlock package.

• Works with MeshCore or Meshtastic networks.
• Meshtastic or MeshCore firmware is pre-flashed for you.
• Extremely power efficient.
• Uses the RAK4631 module 915 MHz version with the RAK 19007 base.
• No display is necessary as this is a repeater and is configured through the appropriate app.
• No GPS is necessary as repeaters are typically fixed locations.
• Bluetooth connectivity is included and the antenna is mounted internally.
• The RAK 19007 base will accommodate GPS and/or additional sensors for telemetry if desired.
• Antenna connection is ported to an industry standard N-type connector that allows use with a wide variety of inexpensive high gain entry-level to commercial grade antennas.

We use a 3.7 volt - 4400 mAh Lithium Ion battery pack. Li-Ion batteries are larger and more expensive than LiPo batteries, however they are more stable, last longer, and have much better cold weather performance. You can expect up to 14 days of continuous usage without external or solar battery charging.

• We run each battery through a full discharge and recharge cycle to ensure they are operating properly.
• We also test at 0º Fahrenheit to ensure voltage loss is within acceptable levels.

Unlike our Li-Ion batteries, LiPo batteries can loose up to 70% of their voltage at freezing temperatures causing your repeater to turn off. A dead repeater won't be of much help in an emergency.

We tested several solar panel options and decided to go with a generic lightweight 5 watt, 5 volt panel.

• The RAK4261 "nRF" module is extremely power efficient. In our tests, running 24/7 with medium traffic, we found that it took 4 days for the power level to fall below 90%, the point where the solar charging system "wakes up" and begins charging. Recharging to 100% took 2-3 hours with average sun with a few clouds.
• By using a regulated 5 volt solar panel, we were able to use the RAK on board charging system. This eliminates the necessity of using a separate charge controller and also provides accurate power level readings to the MeshCore app.
• The solar panel uses a standard USB-C connector so users can easily substitute smaller or larger 5 volt regulated solar panels as needs dictate.

We build our systems to be rugged enough to survive years of exposure to the elements. Devices deployed at remote high elevation repeater sites must withstand rain, snow, ice and wind. All our repeaters are designed to be "mission critical" regardless of how they are used.

All of our repeaters are custom designed and 3D printed using the highest quality US made materials available. We use PCTG which is extremely durable, flexible and resilient enough to withstand high impacts from things like falling ice.

Several mounting options are available to suit your needs and changing mounts is as simple as removing 4 screws and attaching a different one.

Few people think of this, but we designed our repeaters so you can set them on a table and use them. Most repeaters need to be mounted somewhere for proper orientation. Ours can be set up in proper orientation on a table top, top of a ladder, or the roof of a car. You just need a few square inches of relatively flat space.