u/Heltec_Automation6

Hey everyone,

We wanted to share a closer look at our latest hardware designed for off-grid tracking and decentralized mesh networks: the Heltec MeshNode-T1.

Instead of another bare development board or basic DIY case, we engineered the MeshNode-T1 as a fully integrated, field-ready outdoor tracker while still keeping it open and friendly to the maker ecosystem.

📐 The Hard Specs

● Power Budget
Built on the nRF52840 architecture, with only 11µA deep sleep current. Combined with the built-in 1850mAh battery, it is designed for long-term field deployment without constant battery anxiety.

● True Orientation & Tracking
Multi-constellation GNSS support, including GPS, Beidou, GLONASS, and Galileo, paired with a full 9-axis IMU: 3-axis accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer. This enables more accurate motion sensing, heading detection, and outdoor tracking.

● Heltec F&T Ecosystem
Supports peer search, campsite positioning, route tracking, and real-time off-grid navigation features through Heltec F&T.

● Physical Build
IP65 dustproof and waterproof enclosure with a custom-molded waterproof USB port. It also includes an onboard buzzer for critical status alerts and proximity tracking.

● One USB-C Port for Flashing & Charging
Simple, practical, and ready for development or field use.

🎯 What is it built for?

● Outdoor personnel and asset tracking
● Real-time trajectory logging during expeditions
● Off-grid team communication and data routing
● Meshtastic / MeshCore development and testing
● Search & rescue, emergency response, and remote-area operations
● Open-source R&D, education, and LoRa mesh prototyping

The Heltec MeshNode-T1 is now available for pre-order on our official website.

🔥 Early Bird Price For MeshNode T1: $35
Available until Friday, July 3.
After July 3, the price will return to the regular price of $39.9.

📦 Pre-order Notice:
Orders will start shipping this Friday.

🔗 Product Link:
Meshnode T1

Heltec v4 Expansion Version 2

📌 10% Discount Coupon Code: VS5V8FAD

We’d love to hear what you think. Which feature matters most to you for off-grid tracking and mesh communication?

Find. Track. Stay connected.

Heltec New MeshNode-T1, WiFi LoRa32 Expansion Kit (R2/R8) and WiFi LoRa32 R8 dev board are aroud the corner. Featruing with the brand-new Heltec F&T firmware.

Coming with early bird price lasting one week at the official release.

Stay tuned with it!

Find. Track. Stay connected.

Heltec New MeshNode-T1, WiFi LoRa32 Expansion Kit (R2/R8) and WiFi LoRa32 R8 dev board are aroud the corner. Featruing with the brand-new Heltec F&T firmware.

Coming with early bird price lasting one week at the official release.

Stay tuned with it!

Find. Track. Stay connected.

Heltec New MeshNode-T1, WiFi LoRa32 Expansion Kit (R2/R8) and WiFi LoRa32 R8 dev board are aroud the corner. Featruing with the brand-new Heltec F&T firmware.

Coming with early bird price lasting one week at the official release.

Stay tuned with it!

#heltec #meshtastic #offgrid #electronics #hamradio

Appreciate these mesh works designed by Prokyon

Featuring Heltec V4 & Wireless Tracker & T096 series.

Feel free to share your ideas with us any time!

3D file Link here

A while ago, we asked the both communities what they really wanted from an outdoor repeater.

The feedback was clear: users do not only want more power. They want something that can stay outdoors, recover reliably, reduce maintenance trips, and fit different deployment needs.

So for MeshTower V2, the external design remains mostly the same, but the internal hardware has been upgraded.

What changed:

• New Heltec-developed BMS baseboard
• Designed to avoid the previous issue where the enclosure had to be opened for manual restart/recovery
• Two RF power options: 1W or 22 dBm
• Optional GPS version, since many fixed outdoor repeaters do not need GPS and GPS increases power consumption
• High-temperature lithium battery
• Industrial-grade aluminum enclosure
• 10W solar panel
• SMA antenna interface
• IP66-rated outdoor protection
• Price reduced to $109-$129, around $40 lower than the previous generation

We also ran an early field test with the 1W version in a city/suburban environment at around 2 km.

Test setup:

• Antenna height: around 5 m on both sides
• Deployment simulation: normal house rooftop height
• Environment: city/suburban area with some RF noise
• Test type: short field check, not a lab benchmark

868 MHz test results:

Test	SNR	RSSI
1	3.5	-105 dBm
2	3.5	-105 dBm
3	3.75	-105 dBm
4	3.25	-104 dBm
5	3.75	-104 dBm

915 MHz test results:

Test	SNR	RSSI
1	2.25	-103 dBm
2	3.25	-103 dBm
3	1.25	-104 dBm
4	0.25	-99 dBm
5	1.5	-104 dBm

These are not lab numbers, and this was not a full packet-loss benchmark. It was an early real-world check to see how the link performs at normal rooftop height in a noisy environment.

For us, V2 is not just about making a higher-power repeater. It is about giving users a more reliable outdoor node with better power recovery, lower maintenance pain, configurable RF power, optional GPS, and a lower price.

We will also record and upload an installation guide video to YouTube next week.

Launching now.

And 10% off code: BK27ER9R

A while ago, we asked the MeshCore / Meshtastic community what they really wanted from an outdoor repeater.

The feedback was clear: users do not only want more power. They want something that can stay outdoors, recover reliably, reduce maintenance trips, and fit different deployment needs.

So for MeshTower V2, the external design remains mostly the same, but the internal hardware has been upgraded.

What changed:

• New Heltec-developed BMS baseboard
• Designed to avoid the previous issue where the enclosure had to be opened for manual restart/recovery
• Two RF power options: 1W or 22 dBm
• Optional GPS version, since many fixed outdoor repeaters do not need GPS and GPS increases power consumption
• High-temperature lithium battery
• Industrial-grade aluminum enclosure
• 10W solar panel
• SMA antenna interface
• IP66-rated outdoor protection
• Price reduced to $109-$129, around $40 lower than the previous generation

We also ran an early field test with the 1W version in a city/suburban environment at around 2 km.

Test setup:

• Antenna height: around 5 m on both sides
• Deployment simulation: normal house rooftop height
• Environment: city/suburban area with some RF noise
• Test type: short field check, not a lab benchmark

868 MHz test results:

Test	SNR	RSSI
1	3.5	-105 dBm
2	3.5	-105 dBm
3	3.75	-105 dBm
4	3.25	-104 dBm
5	3.75	-104 dBm

915 MHz test results:

Test	SNR	RSSI
1	2.25	-103 dBm
2	3.25	-103 dBm
3	1.25	-104 dBm
4	0.25	-99 dBm
5	1.5	-104 dBm

These are not lab numbers, and this was not a full packet-loss benchmark. It was an early real-world check to see how the link performs at normal rooftop height in a noisy environment.

For us, V2 is not just about making a higher-power repeater. It is about giving users a more reliable outdoor node with better power recovery, lower maintenance pain, configurable RF power, optional GPS, and a lower price.

We will also record and upload an installation guide video to YouTube next week.

Launching now.

And 10% off code: BK27ER9R

This is the kind of field deployment LoRa was built for.

At ZLET, Slovenia’s largest national scout gathering, local radio amateurs deployed a LoRa APRS tracking system to support scout teams across the campsite. The system allowed 40 scout teams to be tracked in real time without relying on internet infrastructure, showing how radio-based communication can still support coordination when normal networks are unavailable or not practical.

Thirty of the trackers were built using Heltec Wireless Tracker modules and placed inside custom 3D-printed enclosures. Radio Club Koper provided another ten units. The whole setup was powered by batteries and solar panels, making it suitable for independent outdoor operation during the event.

This was not just a demo on a desk. It was a real field scenario involving youth education, outdoor coordination, off-grid communication, and resilient radio infrastructure. Around 120 scouts joined related technical activities, including ARDF fox hunting, satellite communication, SSTV, and basic amateur radio operation. The team also operated under the special callsign S50ZLET.

The project was later presented on site to senior guests during ZLET, including the President of Slovenia, the Minister of Defence, members of parliament, civil protection representatives, and local municipal officials. The focus was clear: self-sufficient communication, radio-based coordination, and the ability to keep systems running with only an independent power source.

For us, this is a powerful example of what Heltec hardware can enable when it is put into the hands of skilled radio operators and real communities. LoRa is not only about range tests or lab measurements. It can support education, field safety, emergency readiness, and practical communication in places where infrastructure cannot be taken for granted.

At ZLET, Slovenia’s largest national scout gathering, local radio amateurs deployed a LoRa-based tracking system to support scout teams around the campsite.

The setup was used to demonstrate how radio-based position tracking can work in a real outdoor environment without relying on internet infrastructure. A total of 40 scout teams carried trackers, and their positions were monitored in real time across the camp. For a temporary field event, it was a useful example of how low-power radio links can support coordination when normal network access is limited or unavailable.

Thirty of the trackers were built using Heltec Wireless Tracker modules with custom 3D-printed enclosures, while Radio Club Koper provided another ten units. The devices were powered by batteries and solar panels, allowing the system to operate independently during the activities.

The radio team also introduced scouts to ARDF fox hunting, satellite communication, SSTV, and basic amateur radio operation. Around 120 scouts joined the technical activities, and the team operated under the special callsign S50ZLET.

The project was also presented on site to several senior guests during ZLET, including the President of Slovenia, the Minister of Defence, members of parliament, civil protection representatives, and local municipal officials. The focus was on self-sufficient operation, radio-based coordination, and keeping communications running with only an independent power source.

I thought this was a solid field-use example for anyone interested in off-grid communication, LoRa tracking, youth education, and resilient radio systems.

At ZLET, Slovenia’s largest national scout gathering, local radio amateurs deployed a LoRa APRS tracking system to support scout teams around the campsite.

The setup was meant to give scouts a practical look at radio-based position tracking in a real outdoor environment. A total of 40 scout teams carried LoRa APRS trackers, and their positions were monitored in real time without relying on internet infrastructure. For a temporary field event, it was a good demonstration of how low-power radio links can support coordination when normal network access is limited or unavailable.

Thirty of the trackers were built using Heltec Wireless Tracker modules with custom 3D-printed enclosures, while Radio Club Koper provided another ten units. Batteries and solar panels powered the devices so that the system could operate independently during the activities.

The radio team also introduced scouts to ARDF fox hunting, satellite communication, SSTV, and basic amateur radio operation. Around 120 scouts joined the technical activities, and the team operated under the special callsign S50ZLET.

The project was also presented on site to several senior guests during ZLET, including the President of Slovenia, the Minister of Defence, members of parliament, civil protection representatives, and local municipal officials. The focus was on self-sufficient operation, radio-based coordination, and the ability to keep communications running with only an independent power source.

I thought this was a solid example of LoRa APRS being used beyond a lab or hobby bench — not just for testing range, but for real outdoor coordination, youth education, and resilient communications.

At ZLET, Slovenia’s largest national scout gathering, local radio amateurs deployed a LoRa APRS tracking setup to support scout teams around the campsite.

The idea was to give scouts a practical look at radio-based position tracking in the field. A total of 40 scout teams carried LoRa APRS trackers, and their positions were monitored in real time without relying on internet infrastructure. For an outdoor event like this, it was a useful demonstration of how low-power radio links can support coordination when normal network coverage is limited or unavailable.

Thirty of the trackers were built using Heltec Wireless Tracker modules, placed inside custom 3D-printed enclosures. Radio Club Koper provided another ten units. The devices were powered by batteries and solar panels, so the system could operate independently during the field activities.

The radio team also introduced scouts to several amateur radio topics, including ARDF fox hunting, satellite communication, SSTV, and basic radio operation. Around 120 scouts joined the technical activities, and the team operated under the special callsign S50ZLET.

I thought this was a solid example of LoRa APRS being used beyond a lab or hobby bench — not just for testing range, but for real outdoor coordination, education, and resilient communications.

This is our final enclosure version.

We are currently undergoing the final round of waterproof testing to achieve an IP68 rating. At the same time, we have managed to keep the device relatively slim and lightweight while still using a 1800 mAh battery. As shown in the image, the total device weight is only around 53 g.

The device is built around an nRF52840-based system architecture, which helps reduce overall power consumption and standby current, making it more suitable for long-term outdoor and field use.

We also switched to USB-C charging, so users no longer need to carry an extra magnetic charging cable. This also avoids the situation where the device becomes difficult or impossible to use simply because a proprietary charging cable is lost.

We expect to release the final version officially soon. The price is also expected to be lower than the average level of comparable devices on the market.

Please stay tuned.

This is our final enclosure version.

We are currently going through the last round of waterproof testing, with the goal of reaching an IP68 waterproof rating. At the same time, we have managed to keep the device relatively slim and lightweight while still using a 1800 mAh battery. As shown in the image, the total device weight is only around 53 g.

The device is built around an nRF52840-based system architecture, which helps reduce overall power consumption and standby current, making it more suitable for long-term outdoor and field use.

We also switched to USB-C charging, so users no longer need to carry an extra magnetic charging cable. This also avoids the situation where the device becomes difficult or impossible to use simply because a proprietary charging cable is lost.

We expect to officially release the final version soon. The price is also expected to be lower than the average level of comparable devices on the market.

Please stay tuned.

On a pleasant Tuesday, Heltec was honored to welcome our friends from Morse Micro and Ascendtek Electronics, Inc.
We had a deep and friendly discussion around product development, technology applications, and future market opportunities. In the fast-evolving IoT and wireless connectivity industry, open communication, continuous collaboration, and shared exploration are essential to building better products.
Thank you to everyone who visited us, and thank you for your continued support and trust in Heltec.
We look forward to more opportunities for communication and collaboration in the future.
Let's keep improving, together.

Last time we posted about our upcoming device, many users told us they were not very interested in magnetic charging for an outdoor product.

Our R&D team took that feedback seriously, and the design has now been changed completely to USB Type-C charging.

Some users also asked about waterproof performance, so today we did a “5-minute” waterproof test — which actually ran longer than 5 minutes.

This is still an engineering prototype, not the final product appearance, but we wanted to share the current progress with the community.

Expected release: sometime in June.

Thanks again for the feedback — it really helps us improve the product before launch.

A community member recently shared a video about using the Heltec V3 LoRa device as part of a Reticulum network build.

It’s great to see our hardware being tested in different decentralized communication projects beyond the usual Meshtastic / MeshCore use cases.

If you’re interested in Reticulum, LoRa, or ESP32-based nodes, feel free to check out his channel. He also plans to share more real-world testing with the Heltec V4 running Reticulum in the future.

🫱 Video is here

Recently, Heltec supported a community-led MeshCore meetup at Bitlair Hackerspace in Amersfoort.

Local users discussed MeshCore, LoRa, RF testing, flashing, OTA updates, regulations, sensors, and outdoor deployments. Some professional RF test equipment was also used to check antenna and radio performance.

We provided hardware support and a discount code for attendees. More importantly, we received useful real-world feedback from experienced users, which has been shared with our engineering team.

Thanks to the Dutch MeshCore community and Bitlair Hackerspace for organizing it.

Are there similar MeshCore / LoRa meetups happening in your area?

Recently, Heltec supported a community-led MeshCore meetup at Bitlair Hackerspace in Amersfoort.

Local users discussed MeshCore, LoRa, RF testing, flashing, OTA updates, regulations, sensors, and outdoor deployments. Some professional RF test equipment was also used to check antenna and radio performance.

We provided hardware support and a discount code for attendees. More importantly, we received useful real-world feedback from experienced users, which has been shared with our engineering team.

Thanks to the Dutch MeshCore community and Bitlair Hackerspace for organizing it.

Are there similar MeshCore / LoRa meetups happening in your area?

Hi everyone,

As the MeshCore community continues to grow, we’ve noticed that the demand for stable repeater/router nodes also seems to be increasing, especially in scenarios where users need wider coverage, better network stability, or long-term outdoor deployment.

So before making any assumptions, we’d like to hear feedback from real users first and then evaluate whether it makes sense to develop a dedicated MeshCore repeater product based on community needs.

We’d like to ask a few questions:

1. What device are you currently using as your MeshCore repeater/router node?
2. What is your main use case? For example: indoor, outdoor, rooftop, vehicle-mounted, mountain area, remote unattended area, etc.
3. What specifications or features would you most like to see in a repeater? For example: higher TX power, better receiver performance, solar power, larger battery, waterproof enclosure, external antenna, low power consumption, easy mounting, SD card logging, etc.
4. What are your expectations for durability? For example: rain resistance, long-term outdoor use, high/low temperature resistance, UV resistance, and the ability to operate unattended for long periods.
5. If it were a repeater/router node, what purchase price range would you consider reasonable?

We don’t want to assume what users need from the manufacturer’s perspective. Instead, we’d like to hear directly from real users first, and then evaluate whether we can build something that truly meets the needs of the community.

Any suggestions, ideas, or even criticism are very welcome.

Thank you!

One of our users in France has been testing the Heltec Wireless Tracker V2 in a solar node setup, exploring how it can be used for longer-term outdoor mesh deployments.

The Wireless Tracker V2 is based on the  ESP32-S3 +GPS+LoRa Node + SX1262 platform, which makes it a good candidate for low-power mesh applications. Combined with solar charging and a suitable enclosure, it opens up some interesting possibilities for remote repeaters, local mesh coverage expansion, and off-grid communication nodes.