Repeater Deployment Guide

Location is the single most important factor in repeater performance. Radio signals travel in straight lines, and any obstacle between the repeater and another node reduces signal strength.

Ideal site characteristics:

• Elevation: Higher is almost always better. A hilltop, rooftop, church tower, or the top floor of a tall building.
• Line of sight: Clear view in the directions you want to cover. The more unobstructed horizon, the better.
• Southern exposure (for solar): If using solar power, the panel needs direct sunlight for several hours per day. In Northern Europe, a south-facing mounting position is optimal.
• Permission: Make sure you have permission to install equipment at the site. For private property, get the owner’s consent. For shared buildings, check with building management.

Site selection tips:

• Use topographic maps or tools like HeyWhatsThat to analyze line-of-sight from candidate locations.
• Check the coverage map to identify where gaps exist and where a new repeater would be most useful.
• Even a modest elevation advantage (second-floor window, balcony, garden shed roof) significantly improves range over ground-level placement.
• Avoid placing the repeater inside a metal building or directly behind a metal roof, as this blocks radio signals.

The stock antenna included with most devices is adequate for testing but not optimal for a permanent repeater. An external antenna significantly improves range.

Antenna types for repeaters:

• Collinear/omnidirectional (recommended): Radiates signal in all horizontal directions. Best for general-purpose repeaters. Common gains: 3-6 dBi.
• Directional (Yagi or panel): Focuses signal in one direction. Useful if you need to bridge a specific gap between two areas.
• Fiberglass whip: Durable, weather-resistant omnidirectional option for outdoor mounting.

Key specifications:

• Frequency: Must be rated for 868 MHz
• Gain: 3-6 dBi is typical for a repeater. Higher gain antennas focus signal toward the horizon, which improves range but reduces coverage of nearby elevated and low areas.
• Connector: Match the connector type to your device (SMA or RP-SMA). Use an adapter if needed. Avoid long coaxial cable runs, which introduce signal loss.

Important: The combination of antenna gain and transmit power must stay within EU regulations. See the legal considerations section below.

For outdoor deployments, the device and electronics must be protected from rain, humidity, condensation, and temperature extremes.

Enclosure options:

• IP65/IP67 junction box (EUR 5-15): Widely available from electrical suppliers. Drill holes for the antenna cable and seal them with cable glands or silicone.
• Purpose-built LoRa enclosures: Some community members have designed 3D-printable enclosures specifically for MeshCore repeaters. Check the projects directory for available designs.
• Repurposed waterproof containers: Outdoor electrical boxes, waterproof camera cases, or similar containers can work. Ensure the antenna connector exits through a sealed hole.

Weatherproofing tips:

• Use cable glands (PG7 or PG9) for all cable entries.
• Apply silicone sealant around any drilled holes.
• Include a small packet of silica gel desiccant inside the enclosure to absorb condensation.
• Mount the enclosure so that cable entries face downward to prevent water ingress.
• If using a metal enclosure, make sure the antenna is mounted outside the enclosure, as metal blocks radio signals.

1. Mount the enclosure at your chosen site with the antenna positioned as high as possible and clear of obstructions.
2. Power on the repeater.
3. Verify operation:
   • From another MeshCore device, check if the repeater appears in your node list.
   • Send a test message through the repeater to confirm it is relaying traffic.
   • Check the official map after some time to verify your repeater appears.
4. Share your deployment with your local community. Other operators will appreciate knowing about new repeaters and can help test coverage.