What if you could hand someone a MeshCore device and they could start sending messages right away, with no app to download and no Bluetooth pairing? In this video I review the Elecrow ThinkNode M9, a standalone MeshCore communicator built like a small phone with a full physical QWERTY keyboard, a 2.4 inch color display, and built-in GPS.
Most MeshCore and LoRa mesh nodes need a smartphone running the MeshCore app over a Bluetooth connection. That works well for experienced users. It gets in the way when you need to put a device in someone else’s hands quickly during an emergency, a public service event, or a family preparedness situation. The ThinkNode M9 removes that step. It ships with MeshCore firmware preinstalled, connects to the mesh network when you power it on, and lets you read and send messages directly from the device.
In this review I cover the basic features of the ThinkNode M9 and explain where it fits in my MeshCore lineup. For me, its biggest advantage is that it is completely standalone. I can hand it to a volunteer, a family member, or an ARES teammate, and they can start using off grid messaging without installing anything on their own phone.
ThinkNode M9 key specs:
• ESP32-S3 dual core processor at 240MHz with 8MB PSRAM and 16GB of built-in storage
• Semtech LR1110 LoRa radio supporting 915MHz (US) and 868MHz (EU) with a built-in antenna
• Physical 37 key QWERTY keyboard for fast text entry
• 2.4 inch color LCD (240 x 320, non-touch)
• Multi-constellation GNSS (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou) with a magnetic compass for location sharing and direction
• 2300mAh lithium polymer battery, rated for 2 to 3 days in standby
• Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi features such as automatic map downloads require a separate MeshCore license)
• USB-C charging, toggle power switch, and buzzer for message alerts
• About 126 x 67 x 10 mm and 123 grams
The ThinkNode M9 comes in separate MeshCore and Meshtastic versions, and each unit runs only one firmware. Make sure you buy the MeshCore version if you are joining a MeshCore network.
If you are into emergency communications, EmComm, ARES, prepping, grid down planning, hiking, overlanding, or community mesh networking, a standalone LoRa communicator like this can make off grid texting much more practical for people who are not already mesh network users.
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🔹Links mentioned in the video
HRCC Video - https://youtu.be/srqnXI1iNLQ?si=UY6RvcRrXfO26C4B
ELECROW ThinkNode M9 (Meshtastic Version)
https://www.elecrow.com/thinknode-m9-meshtastic-communication-terminal-with-full-keyboard-2-4inch-lcd.html?idd=5
ELECROW ThinkNode M9 (MeshCore Version)
https://www.elecrow.com/thinknode-m9-meshcore-communication-terminal-with-full-keyboard-2-4inch-lcd-esp32-s3-lr1110-gps-2300mah.html?idd=5
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