The above video is exclusive to my followers and supporter on Buy Me A Coffee and Rumble
This version of the video has some additional footage just for the Buy Me A Coffee and Rumble viewers.
See "Trying something new" below for more details, but lets get to looking at this great new Meshtastic node, that has already has become my personal favorite options for an EDC style node.
Links
Link to Original SOE's website (makers of the radio pouch shown in the video)
This thing is a home run!
Bottom line up front. I ordered mine when I saw the pre-release sale; and as soon as the second pre-release went live, I ordered two more. All three with my own money. Nothing sponsored, nothing gifted, nothing discounted. At this point I have had no contact with Rokland or anyone else regarding the stuff I show in my videos.
This complete off the shelf Meshtastic node is now my first choice for recommending to anyone interested in getting started with Meshtastic, or someone already deep down the Meshtastic rabbit hole.
At the core is the RAK WisBlock LoRa equipped board, which I am now learning a lot about with some repeater builds I'm working on at this time. Some of the great things about the WisBlock board is its very low power consumption and how easy it is to build off of it. RAK has a bunch of sensors and other components that snap onto the WisBlock.
With the 3200mAh battery, the WisMesh Pocket runs for days thanks to the low power WisBlock.
The 3D printed case is well built with smooth edges and a stout feel to it. The case design is well thought out. Controls are recessed into the case to prevent accidental bumping, yet not difficult to manipulate. Only thing missing, in my opinion, is a belt clip on the back.
The WisMesh Pocket is a bit bigger than my now second favorite node, the Lilygo T-Echo; but its not too big. It is comparable to many ham radio H/Ts, including the Baofeng UV-5R.
Best feature by far: a real on / off switch
My favorite feature is something I wish was prevalent on Metastatic nodes, like the T-Echo, that have been built with EDC or mobile carry in mind. A real power switch.
Yes, one can put nodes in a power saving deep sleep mode. But sometimes being able to cut the power completely at once is advantageous. Great to see this feature done so well with this node.
Just the right size
While bigger than the T-Echo, I think the size is just about right. Fits the hand well, not too hard to carry, and enough room for a large capacity battery. Being similar in size to popular radios, it gives you some options for pouches and other accessories. Like the below radio pouch from one of my favorite manufactures of technical nylon gear, Original SOE.
Final Thoughts
If you're in the market for a ruggedly built, well thought out design for a Metastatic node, this is the one. Works great, battery outlasts the others, USB C charging, hard power switch, and a decent price.
YouTube Version of the video
Remember. The version of the video linked above has more content for you to check out!
Trying something new
I decided to create a new channel to tie together The Scout Life and the Scout75 YouTube channels together. Both channels have a preparedness minded undertone to them and I thought it would make sense to have a third channel to fill the gap with the same basic content in the videos, but with more focus on preparedness.
I know that may not be an interest for all the subscribers of the original two channels, so this all makes sense. At least to me anyway.
Why Rumble and not a third channel on YouTube? Just basically to try it out and not worry so much about YouTubes ever changing terms of use. Since many "prepping" topics are frowned upon by YouTube, I might as well place the videos some place were I can't accidentally violate their terms.