2 Pack ESP32 LoRa V3 Development Board + 1100mAh Battery + Protect Case Set - with 915MHz Antenna and SX1262 Surport WiFi Bluetooth LoRa V3 Devices for Meshtastic Arduino LoRawan IOT

This Heltec V3 was my first node to start experimenting with Meshtastic. Since I was starting from zero, getting this kit with the board, case, and battery was a no brainer to quickly get up and running for a really low cost until I could sort out how I would use it and what modifications I wanted to suit that. This is a very simple kit that does need to be assembled and does not include any type of instructions in the box. However, if you have done any type of basic research on getting started with LoRa devices, then you will not have any issues quickly assembling and flashing the unit to get started. That whole process probably only took me five to ten minutes to be up and running with it for the very first time. I have found that the included battery really isn't large enough for all day use, so I am already upgrading to a larger enclosure to use a 3000mah battery instead. Otherwise it has been working great so far.

If you want to use Meshtastic only and no gps this is the unit for you. Great basic device. Terrible device when it comes to cost to upgrade. Just buy a unit that already has everything.Although literally all the cool parts about Meshtastic have to use gps to be able to access the rest of the functions. This unit you have to buy a gps unit then buy another case and or print one then buy screws to put the case together.I ordered a T-Beam and a T-Deck plus at this point.If you want a basic Lora device this is it no cool gadgets. Just simple point to possible point if in range.

This LORA device is a pretty sweet first step into the Meshtastic network. It allows the broadcast and receiving of RF on a tiny little device.Assembling the device was pretty straight forward. It has a 3M double sided sticky that you stick the battery on. The cutout of the case fits the board easily, and the provided blue bordered screen protector fits perfectly and really easy to apply because it's a little recessed where you need to apply it.The tricky part is that your computer may not have the proper driver to recognize the board. You may have to google a driver to recognize the device properly as you will need to flash the software from the Meshtastic website for it to function properly. When you're on the website, it's pretty easy (with the proper USB driver), it was fairly painless to flash. If you're afraid that you'll mess up, just look up a video that explains everything step by step (don't forget to hold down the boot button when you plug the device to the computer!)I was able to download the Meshtastic app on my Fold 6, and it paired via Bluetooth easily. From there I was able to start conversing with others on the network!I will say, I'm not an expert when it comes to LORA or RF, but for its price, you really can't beat it as a first step. I'll probably get something a bit "nicer" down the line and keep this as my home, but it's really freaking cool and I like that you don't need a special license like HAM radios to be able to use the network.

I really liked the kit, the case was great. The 1100mah battery was a perfect fit.The Node PCB board was working great with Meshtastic. But it started to fail after a few hours. Once the battery was at full 100% charge, the USB power meter showed it was still using a lot of current. The case was warm. I checked one of my old V3 nodes and it was using very little power, and running cool.(I own two HelTec V3 that are being used as Home Base units and they have been working great about a year now).Not sure why this new V3 was using so much power. It soon failed completely.I returned it.

Great little LoRa transceiver. Great unit all around. Flashed Meshtastic to it. The only thing is the battery doesn't last as long as I would like to see.

Excellent product and easy to assemble. Important note: make sure you download and install the proper driver BEFORE you flash the meshtastic firmware. Links are available on their website. Otherwise, enjoy!

The cases worked for me but I had to use the smaller batteries, I did order shorter antenna. It is tight fit but they worked well. For the newbies order these cases for your first Heltec v3 projects.

Want to get into Lora or Meshtastic? This is all you need! Incredible range too