Just picked up a nomad

• T

  Tyler

  11/10/24, 2:25 AM

  So I just picked up a nomad and I can't seem to get it to connect to any nodes in the area 

  Given that I checked a meahtastic map for nodes and only one came up 

  But other than that it doesn't seem like the GPS wants to grab my location to try and find any nodes in the area 

   

  So all that being said is there a way to put the app directly onto the nomad or am I stuck using the web interface version 

  I want to be able to see if the GPS is locking onto any satellites to verify that it is working 

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• 

  TX Programmer Team Member

  11/12/24, 6:21 AM

  Getting into mesh networking as a hobby or for serious work can present a bit of a learning curve, but we're glad to have you join the community! Hang in there.

  Your questions:

  1. The nomad should work out of the box and show you nodes in the node list if there are any active and in range. You appear to be in a sparse area where the node shown on a map may either not be in range or may have turned off. Ideally, if you have one other device you can test everything locally. A good candidate might be a low cost mini trekker you can pair with a phone and connect.

  2. there isn't yet a Meshtastic native Linux GUI. The apps are Android and iPhone only. 
  
  

  3. there is a meshtastic command line app for Linux but that is not what you're looking for, based on your description. At any rate, it does have a nodes command which you can issue at the command line like so:

   

  meshtastic --nodes 

   

  and it will list nodes in the area it can see. If you're interested in trying this out too, you can install the meshtastic command line tool like so:
  
  

  sudo apt update

  sudo apt install python3 python3-pip

  pip3 install meshtastic

  and then try to run 

  4. In the meshtastic web app config you have a position menu option. In there you can ensure gps is turned on and your location is being recorded. You can then see your own node on the map.

   

  Hope this helps!

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• 

  Sigmund

  11/12/24, 8:06 PM

  @Tyler

  Hello Tyler. and Welcome!

   I recently purchased one as well. Expecting a "polished", out-of-the-box solution - I immediately had many similar questions...

  First of all, your initial observations may seem "bleak". But rest assured, your NOMAD works. :-)

  I'm in a rural area in Kansas and there are virtually NO other nodes around here that I can find. However, the other day I did pick up a node passing overhead at 32,000 feet! 

  The Good News: you're "in" on the ground floor of an exciting, new, hobby.

  First thing you need to do is purchase a decent omni vertical. Amazon has several 915Mhz Omni verticals with 6-10dbi gain. Purchase 30-50' of good quality 50 ohm, LRDS coax to connect the antenna to your NOMAD. I realize this isn't a "mobile solution", but until you've constructed your "Base Unit" (below) it's your best bet for locating stations in your vicinity for the least $$$.
  

  You have a couple of choices from here:

  1. You can purchase a second inexpensive, weather-proof unit and mount it on a pole outside. And then connect with it using NOMAD (or a mobile phone) via Bluetooth or Wifi. This approach will likely get you the best range since connecting cable is lossy and you loose a portion of your signal for every foot of cable you add.
  2. You can put together a second unit. I can provide (privately) a link to a site where you can purchase a Plug n' Play compatible RasPi radio for around $25. If you have a spare Pi laying around, it's a snap to construct a second, "Base Unit" unit from there.
  3. Or, If you'd prefer a second mobile radio unit, I'd recommend the RANGER (works nicely out-of-the-box). Two mobile units and a Base Unit will allow two individuals to remain in contact with home. Within a 3–5-mile radius at least.

  I've also enlisted a friend  who lives about 4 miles away. We're setting up a continuous private link, using 915Mhz Yagis. From there we will likely "toy" with bandwidth capabilities using a few diffferent media.

   

  BTW, The Web UI is actually resident INSIDE your Pi. So, in that sense it IS an internal solution. Meshtastic is a volunteer, community project. So, at least some future NOMAD software enhancements will likely be engineered by "community". i.e. people like us. Linux started out the same way and look where it is today!

   

  Cheers,

  'sig

   
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• T

  Tyler

  11/16/24, 1:25 AM

  Hey guys, thanks for the amazing responses back and that's what I figured living in the area that I do with the lack of nodes in the area. I figured it would be an issue. But it had me looking at maybe a solar power node and maybe a ranger to pick up the slack. 

  And I  can't wait for for more apps to come out for the nomad it has amazing potential and I'm glad I got it. Keep a positive attitude 

   

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