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Power Optimization Settings

Repeater and Router role nodes keep the LoRa radio on continuously, which draws significantly more power than a client device that sleeps between uses. These settings minimize everything else to extend runtime on battery or solar power.

Disable Bluetooth

Once configured, a dedicated repeater does not need Bluetooth. Disabling it saves power and removes an unnecessary wireless interface.

meshtastic --set bluetooth.enabled false

Disable GPS (REPEATER role handles this automatically)

The REPEATER role does not broadcast position data, so GPS is effectively unused. If your board has a GPS module, you can disable it explicitly:

meshtastic --set position.gps_mode DISABLED

Disable the screen

If your device has a display, set the screen timeout to minimum or disable it entirely. Display backlights draw meaningful power.

meshtastic --set display.screen_on_secs 0

Set appropriate transmit power

Transmit power is the largest variable power draw. Set it to the minimum level needed for your coverage goals. Higher power is not always better - it also increases interference with nearby nodes.

meshtastic --set lora.tx_power 27

(27 dBm = 500 mW; adjust based on your antenna gain and coverage requirements while staying within FCC limits.)

Use the right modem preset - but match your local network

Modem preset affects how long the radio is transmitting each packet, which directly impacts power consumption:

  • Slower, longer-range presets (Long Slow, Long Moderate) keep the radio transmitting longer per packet - higher average power draw
  • Faster presets (Medium Slow, Medium Fast) transmit each packet more quickly - lower average power draw, and better network capacity in dense areas
  • Long Fast (firmware default) sits in the middle

Do not choose a preset based on power alone - you must use the same preset as the rest of your local network. Check what preset your local community or regional network uses before deploying. See the Choosing a Modem Preset page for guidance.

Managed Mode (optional)

For a deployed repeater that should not be reconfigured by whoever is near it, enable managed mode to lock down configuration access. Only CLI/serial access can change settings when this is enabled.

meshtastic --set device.role MANAGED
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