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Base Station Nodes

Base Station Nodes

Base station nodes are designed for fixed high-site installations where maximum transmit power, receive sensitivity, and continuous power availability matter more than portability or battery life.

Station G2 - $109

The Station G2 is the benchmark base station for MeshCore and Meshtastic networks. It delivers 36.5 dBm (approximately 4.5W) of TX power - substantially more than the 22 - 28 dBm typical of portable devices. A built-in LNA improves receive sensitivity, extending the effective range on both transmit and receive.

Station G2 Key Specs

  • TX power: 36.5 dBm (4.5W) - see FCC compliance note below
  • LNA: Yes - improves receive sensitivity
  • Power input: 15V USB-C Power Delivery (PD) - standard USB-A/5V chargers will not work
  • MCU: ESP32
  • Antenna: SMA connector; use a high-quality outdoor antenna
  • Enclosure: Open board; requires weatherproof enclosure for outdoor deployment

FCC Part 15 Note: In the US, the maximum EIRP for 915 MHz ISM band operation under Part 15 is 36 dBm (4W). The Station G2's 36.5 dBm conducted TX power already approaches this limit before accounting for antenna gain. Adding a high-gain antenna will push EIRP above legal limits. Consult Part 15 rules and your antenna's gain specification before deploying. Amateur radio operators using Part 97 authority have higher power limits but must meet other requirements.

Deployment Considerations

  • Mount at the highest practical point. Line-of-sight dominates range at 915 MHz - elevation matters far more than TX power.
  • Use low-loss coax (LMR-400 or equivalent) for the feedline. At 36.5 dBm output, cable loss becomes significant. Every 3 dB of cable loss halves your effective radiated power.
  • Pair with a 5 - 8 dBi omni antenna for broad coverage, or a Yagi for point-to-point backbone links.
  • The 15V PD requirement means you need a USB-C PD charger or power supply. Many laptop chargers work. For solar-powered base stations, you will need a 15V solar charge controller output, which is non-standard - most builders use a boost converter from a 12V battery.

RAK WisBlock Base Station Approach

An alternative base station can be built using a RAK4631 (nRF52840 + SX1262) on a RAK19007 base board, mounted in a weatherproof enclosure. This approach costs more upfront but offers modularity: you can add GPS modules, environmental sensors, or additional radios on the WisBlock connector system. The RAK4631 draws less power than the Station G2, making it more practical for solar-powered base stations without a boost converter.

Siting a Base Station

ConsiderationGuidance
HeightEvery doubling of height adds ~6 dB of effective range. Rooftop > hilltop > pole-mounted > ground level.
ObstructionsBuildings and trees absorb 915 MHz. Clear line of sight to the horizon is ideal.
Antenna choice5 - 8 dBi for omnidirectional coverage. Higher gain focuses the beam - avoid if terrain varies in elevation around the site.
Lightning protectionUse a DC-grounded lightning arrestor on the feedline. Ground the mast. 915 MHz arrestors are inexpensive (<$20).
PowerMains power is preferred. Solar requires careful sizing for winter minimums.

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