Raccoon Tree Node Build (~$190)
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 community, it prioritizes antenna elevation and link distance over minimal cost, making it ideal for rural coverage gaps and forested terrain.
Parts List
| Component | Approx. Cost | Source / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heltec V4.3.1 LoRa module | $26 | Rokland (or RAK 1W booster at $39–$49 for higher power) |
| JMT 915 MHz bandpass filter | $14 | Critical for Heltec — prevents noise/spurious emission issues |
| PeakMesh solar charging board | $13 | Etsy (David’s shop) |
| Aluminum waterproof enclosure 4.7×3.1×2.1" | $15 | Amazon |
| Rokland 10 dBi Backcountry antenna, 45" | $50 | Rokland |
| Zivif 6W 5V solar panels (qty 2) | $16 each / $32 total | — |
| Samsung 30Q 18650 3000 mAh cells (qty 3) | $4 each / $12 total | — |
| Kevlar throw line, 196 ft | — | For suspending node over tree branch |
| Total | ~$190 | |
Critical: Heltec RF Shielding & 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:
- RF shielding: Wrap the Heltec PCB in electrical tape, then a layer of aluminum foil, before final assembly. This reduces self-interference.
- 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. 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
No comments to display
No comments to display