# Raccoon Tree Node Build (~$190)

The Raccoon Tree Node is a long-range forest repeater designed to be suspended from a tree branch at heights up to 100 feet using a Kevlar throw line. Developed by the [CascadiaMesh](https://wiki.meshamerica.com/books/north-american-networks/page/cascadiamesh) community, it prioritizes antenna elevation and link distance over minimal cost, making it ideal for rural coverage gaps and forested terrain.

## Parts List

<table id="bkmrk-componentapprox.-cos"> <thead> <tr><th>Component</th><th>Approx. Cost</th><th>Source / Notes</th></tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr><td>Heltec V4.3.1 LoRa module</td><td>$26</td><td>Rokland (or RAK 1W booster at $39 - $49 for higher power)</td></tr> <tr><td>JMT 915 MHz bandpass filter</td><td>$14</td><td>Critical for Heltec - prevents noise/spurious emission issues</td></tr> <tr><td>PeakMesh solar charging board</td><td>$13</td><td>Etsy (David's shop)</td></tr> <tr><td>Aluminum waterproof enclosure 4.7×3.1×2.1"</td><td>$15</td><td>Amazon</td></tr> <tr><td>Rokland 10 dBi Backcountry antenna, 45"</td><td>$50</td><td>Rokland</td></tr> <tr><td>Zivif 6W 5V solar panels (qty 2)</td><td>$16 each / $32 total</td><td> - </td></tr> <tr><td>Samsung 30Q 18650 3000 mAh cells (qty 3)</td><td>$4 each / $12 total</td><td> - </td></tr> <tr><td>Kevlar throw line, 196 ft</td><td> - </td><td>For suspending node over tree branch</td></tr> <tr><td colspan="2">**Total**</td><td>**~$190**</td></tr> </tbody></table>

## Critical: Heltec RF Shielding &amp; Filter

The Heltec V4 is known to produce RF noise that can desensitize its own receiver and cause spurious emissions. **Two mitigations are required for reliable outdoor deployment:**

1. **RF shielding:** Wrap the Heltec PCB in electrical tape, then a layer of aluminum foil, before final assembly. This reduces self-interference.
2. **JMT 915 MHz bandpass filter:** Install inline between the SMA port and antenna feedline. This prevents out-of-band noise from entering the receive path and reduces TX harmonics. Do not skip this step for the Heltec platform.

For very high-noise urban deployments, the Baymesh 910 MHz cavity filter (~$90) is available as an upgrade over the JMT filter.

## Antenna Elevation Strategy

The defining feature of this build is antenna elevation via tree suspension:

- Use a 196 ft Kevlar throw line (Kevlar is UV-resistant and does not stretch) to throw over a high branch.
- The 45" Rokland 10 dBi Backcountry antenna is weatherproof and designed for outdoor permanent installation.
- Heights up to 100 ft are achievable in mature forest, providing significant line-of-sight improvement over ground-level deployments.
- The 10 dBi gain antenna combined with elevation can dramatically extend link distance in forested Pacific Northwest terrain.

## Power System

- Two Zivif 6W 5V panels provide redundancy and increased harvest in partly-shaded forest environments.
- Three Samsung 30Q 18650 cells (9000 mAh total) provide multi-day autonomy during cloudy periods common to the PNW.
- PeakMesh charging board handles MPPT and battery management.

## Firmware

Flash with MeshCore Repeater firmware via the [MeshCore Web Flasher](https://flasher.meshcore.io). Configure for CascadiaMesh settings:

- Frequency: 910.525 MHz / BW: 62.5 kHz / SF7 / CR 4/5
- Zero Hop Interval: 0 / Flood Advert Interval: 48 hours