Pre-Built Repeater Hardware
Solar-ready, weatherproof units you can deploy the same day they arrive
MeshCore Firmware Required
All devices below ship with Meshtastic firmware pre-installed. To use them on the WNY MeshCore network you need to flash the MeshCore Simple Repeater firmware via the MeshCore Web Flasher. Verify your specific board is listed in the flasher before purchasing.
SenseCAP Solar Node
A compact, solar-powered LoRa node from Seeed Studio. IPX5 weatherproof with a 5W solar panel and nRF52840 + SX1262 internals — well-suited for rooftop or pole-mounted deployments.
Important: RP-SMA Antenna Connector
The SenseCAP Solar Node uses an RP-SMA connector, not a standard SMA. These look identical but are electrically incompatible — the wrong cable will not fit. If you plan to connect a higher-gain external antenna (strongly recommended), you will need a specific pigtail cable.
Order an RP-SMA Male to N-Type Female coax cable, 30 cm. When ordering, select variant N F WP to RP-SMA M and the 30CM length option.
SenseCAP Solar Node P1 Pro
XIAO nRF52840 Plus · Wio-SX1262 · IPX5 · GPS included
The complete out-of-the-box package. Includes a 5W solar panel, 4× 3350 mAh 18650 cells, a GPS module (XIAO L76K), and a 2 dBi rubber antenna — all in an IPX5 enclosure with a mounting bracket. Can sustain operation for 2+ weeks without sunlight on battery alone. Best value if you want a fully self-contained unit right out of the box.
Pros
- +Complete kit — no additional purchases needed
- +nRF52840 offers excellent power efficiency
- +IPX5 rated for rain and splashing
- +GPS for automated network map positioning
- +Mounting bracket included
Cons
- −RP-SMA port requires adapter for most external antennas
- −Ships with Meshtastic firmware — must reflash for MeshCore
- −2 dBi stock antenna — upgrade recommended for hilltops
- −GPS draws extra power (disable via web config if unused)
SenseCAP Solar Node P1
XIAO nRF52840 Plus · Wio-SX1262 · IPX5 · No GPS or batteries
Same hardware platform as the P1 Pro but without GPS or 18650 batteries. The battery slots are present — you add your own four button-top 18650 cells. A good choice if you already have quality cells, or if you want to skip GPS entirely. Skipping GPS is recommended for most repeaters anyway (set position manually in the web config, see the repeater setup guide).
Pros
- +Lower upfront cost vs P1 Pro
- +No GPS = better power budget
- +Same rugged IPX5 enclosure and 5W solar panel
- +Bring your own preferred 18650 cells
Cons
- −Requires purchasing 4× button-top 18650 cells separately
- −No GPS — set position manually in web config
- −Same RP-SMA connector caveat as P1 Pro
18650 Batteries for the P1 (No GPS & Battery model)
You need four button-top 18650 cells. Button-top (not flat-top) cells are required — the SenseCAP P1 uses spring contacts that need the raised positive terminal. Protected cells are fine.
Search for "18650 button top protected". Epoch, Vapcell, or Samsung 35E are solid choices. Expect ~$15–30 for four cells.
Search Amazon →Cheaper upfront but 2–4 week shipping. Good option if you're not in a rush.
Search AliExpress →WisMesh Repeater Mini
A purpose-built outdoor solar repeater from RAKwireless, based on the RAK4631 — the same nRF52840 + SX1262 combo used in many WNY repeaters. IP67 rated and fully self-contained.
WisMesh Repeater Mini
RAK4631 · nRF52840 + SX1262 · IP67 · 3200 mAh · Integrated solar
A fully sealed outdoor repeater unit in a compact 150×100×50 mm IP67 enclosure with integrated solar panel and WisMesh blade antenna. The RAK4631 is confirmed MeshCore-compatible — reflash via the MeshCore Web Flasher and configure via the web config tool. Includes swappable wall and pole mounting brackets. Purchasing from Rokland (a US-based RAK Gold distributor) avoids international shipping delays and import tariffs.
Pros
- +IP67 — fully sealed and weatherproof
- +RAK4631 is confirmed MeshCore-compatible
- +Wall and pole mounting brackets included
- +Compact, low-profile enclosure
- +Ships domestically from Rokland — no tariffs or delays
Cons
- −Most expensive of the three options
- −Ships with Meshtastic firmware — must reflash for MeshCore
- −Blade antenna may need upgrade for hilltop deployments
- −Smaller 3200 mAh battery (but smaller solar draw too)
Quick Comparison
| Device | Price | MCU | Battery | Weather | GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SenseCAP P1 Pro | ~$89.90 | nRF52840 | 4× 18650 (incl.) | IPX5 | Yes |
| SenseCAP P1 | ~$69.90 | nRF52840 | 4× 18650 (add) | IPX5 | No |
| WisMesh Repeater Mini | $109.97 | nRF52840 | 3200 mAh (incl.) | IP67 | No |
Ready to Deploy?
Once your hardware arrives, follow the repeater setup guide to flash MeshCore firmware and get your node on the air.