# Go-Bag and Field Kit Setup

A mesh communications go-bag is a pre-configured kit that can be grabbed and deployed within minutes. For emergency communicators, this preparation is as important as the hardware itself.

## Individual go-bag (personal responder)

Minimum kit for a personal mesh communicator:

<table id="bkmrk-itempurposenotes-t-e"><thead><tr><th>Item</th><th>Purpose</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>T-Echo or T1000-E</td><td>Personal mesh node</td><td>Pre-configured with correct channel &amp; preset; fully charged</td></tr><tr><td>USB charging cable (device-specific)</td><td>Field recharge</td><td>Tape/label with device name; easy to grab wrong cable</td></tr><tr><td>10,000 mAh power bank</td><td>Extended operation without grid</td><td>Keeps T-Echo charged for 10+ additional days</td></tr><tr><td>Printed config card</td><td>Quick reference</td><td>Channel name, PSK, preset, net control contact</td></tr><tr><td>Spare SMA antenna</td><td>Backup if stock antenna damaged</td><td>915 MHz, 2 - 3 dBi, same connector type as device</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Net control go-bag

Expanded kit for net control operators or team leaders:

<table id="bkmrk-itempurpose-t-deck-p"><thead><tr><th>Item</th><th>Purpose</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>T-Deck Plus (running MeshOS)</td><td>Primary net control station; standalone, no phone needed; QWERTY keyboard; map view</td></tr><tr><td>OR: Raspberry Pi Zero 2W + RAK4631 USB</td><td>Room server + radio gateway; provides message persistence and network visibility</td></tr><tr><td>5W foldable solar panel + MPPT charge controller</td><td>Recharge power bank and devices from any outdoor location</td></tr><tr><td>12,000 mAh LiFePO4 power bank (e.g., Jackery 240)</td><td>Powers Pi room server for 8+ hours; recharges via solar</td></tr><tr><td>Laptop (optional)</td><td>Python API access, MQTT monitoring, additional visibility</td></tr><tr><td>Printed participant roster</td><td>All mesh participants, device names, and contact info</td></tr><tr><td>Printed frequency/channel card</td><td>Config for all channels in use; can hand to new arrivals</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Portable repeater kit

A portable repeater that can be deployed at any elevated location within 30 minutes:

<table id="bkmrk-itemnotes-rak4631-wi"><thead><tr><th>Item</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>RAK4631 WisBlock (configured as repeater) in IP65 case</td><td>Pre-flashed with repeater firmware; USA/Canada preset; flood advertisements</td></tr><tr><td>5 - 10W foldable solar panel with cigarette lighter connector</td><td>Mount using clamps or hook-and-loop straps</td></tr><tr><td>LiFePO4 18650 cells (4×, in battery holder)</td><td>~3 day autonomy at 6 mA; LiFePO4 for temperature range</td></tr><tr><td>5 dBi fiberglass antenna with 30cm LMR-200 pigtail</td><td>Better range than stock; coax already assembled to length</td></tr><tr><td>Pole mount clamp (adjustable)</td><td>Mounts to chain-link fence, sign post, vehicle roof rack, or trekking pole</td></tr><tr><td>All contained in a clear 12" × 8" zip-lock bag</td><td>Waterproof; visible inventory check without opening</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Pre-event deployment checklist

Run this checklist before any exercise or real deployment:

- &amp;square; All devices fully charged
- &amp;square; Power banks fully charged
- &amp;square; Solar panel functional (brief outdoor test)
- &amp;square; All devices verified on correct channel and preset
- &amp;square; Device names are current (verify in app)
- &amp;square; Printed config cards included and current
- &amp;square; Contact list current (who has which device)
- &amp;square; Portable repeater tested (connect, verify advertisement)
- &amp;square; Go-bag weight and bulk acceptable for intended deployment