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Learn Together: Meshtastic (Part 2) – N+1 Theory of Meshtastic

By on November 20, 2024 in EDC, Meshtastic, Outdoor Gear, Preparedness, Survival

When it comes to doing just about anything, there is the right way and there is the janky way that still works. My Meshtastic N+1 Theory could be either one depending on the context.

What I mean is, this simple idea would work for setting up permanent coverage around your home but it wouldn’t necessarily be the right way if done the jankiest way possible. However, if you are setting up an ad-hoc mesh on the side of a mountain, this might be pretty close to the right way.

Alright, I know I have some explaining to do and I’ll start by saying that if you don’t know what Meshtastic is, check out Part 1 of this series. Now, onto the N+1 Theory…

What is the N+1 Theory?

The N+1 Theory is a simple, practical framework for smoothing out some hiccups with Meshtastic. Here’s how it works:

  • N represents the number of people in your group who need to communicate.
  • You add 1 extra device—the “+1” node—to improve mesh performance and reliability.

For instance:

  • If it is just you, N would be 1 and you would need N (1) + 1 = 2 devices.
  • For a team of 7, you’d need N (7) + 1 = 8 devices.

The “+1” node isn’t just a spare; it’s a strategic addition. By placing this device in a location that optimizes coverage—such as on a hill, at a central point, or in an area with poor connectivity—it strengthens the entire mesh. This ensures that everyone in the group remains connected, even in challenging environments.

This node is just attached to the end of an extendable paint roller pole and lashed to a fence post. Don’t judge me. It works.

Why Refer to This as Janky?

The beauty of this idea is that it can be done in a pretty quick and dirty way. It could be as simple as pulling a node up into a tree on a rope, running a node up an extendable painter’s pole, or even using a magnet to slap it on the side of a metal building… all of which I do on the regular. They all work.

Of course, for a more permanent situation, you may want to install a powered unit outdoors like which I have also done. That unit then serves as your +1 node – your first “hop” into the mesh.

This works because Meshtastic is a mesh network where every node functions as a repeater. The messages are intelligently routed across the mesh and therefore as long as any one node can hit another, there is a great chance that the messages will end up where you want them. So, by ensuring that at least one node is strategically placed, you help the entire mesh.

Meshtastic even expressly supports this kind of scenario with their “Client” and “Client_Mute” roles. I highly recommend you read up on roles when you are setting up your nodes.

The magnet and lanyard I added to this Lilygo T-Echo make it especially useful as a +1 node.

Wrap Up

I know this isn’t especially ground-breaking or even that smart. It’s just something I had to learn by trial and error. So… I gave it a name and now I’ll be rich and famous for it… probably.

I will note that I am working with a new type of node, credit card sized radios from Seeed Studio called the SenseCap T1000-E that makes this concept especially convenient and easy to do the janky way. Stay tuned for more info on those devices.

Whether you are doing it the janky way or the right way, I highly recommend having that +1 node in a strategic location to improve your Meshtastic experience.

It’s way up there but…
It’s easy to get down with one of these.

Learn Together: Meshtastic (Part 1)

By on October 28, 2024 in Meshtastic, Outdoor Gear, Preparedness, Reviews, Survival

I was drawn into Meshtastic by the promise of license-free, relatively easy-to-use, off-grid, off-network text communication on affordable hardware. There is very little barrier to entry and the potential upside is immense so I thought it was worth a try. I am going to drag you along with me, an absolute radio simpleton, as I learn so you can decide if it is worth a try for yourself.

Be advised: If you actually know something about radios or Meshtastic, you are going to be very frustrated with my layman’s misunderstanding and oversimplification. You have been warned!

Before we go too much further, we should establish what Meshtatic even is. Well, you can read about it here from its creators on Meshtastic.com. Basically, it is a radio mesh network made up of mostly inexpensive radios that allow the user to send small amounts of data across the mesh either corporately or privately. The mesh network does not require the use of any network or data connection other than the radios themselves. Meshtastic utilizes the license-free 915mhz band in the USA. Additionally, many of the radios used have very low power requirements making them easy to keep running even when electrical power is scarce.

My Goals for Meshtastic

This is just an introduction to my time with Meshtastic given that I am still firmly in the don’t-know-what-I-don’t-know phase of my journey. However, I have set three basic goals for what I would like to try to accomplish:

  1. Communicate reliably within a few miles of my home.
  2. Set up a private, local mesh within a few miles of my home.
  3. Communicate as far as 40-60 miles away in my region.

The Gear I Have Used So Far

If you want to follow along, I can already suggest a specific radio which I will probably do a more thorough review of later. The Lilygo T-Echo is one of the more affordable ready-to-use options that has a more energy-efficient chipset than many others in this price range. I bought mine on Amazon along with an improved antenna (the stock antenna is compact but doesn’t do the radio any favors):

Where I Am and What to Look Forward To

I have already accomplished goal 1 using just the gear listed above. I will have a post about that eventually as it is quite easy and there are some simple tips and dirt-bag hacks that will make a local mesh even more reliable.

My initial testing has been promising so far with contacts being made over tens of miles and detecting nodes as far as 70 miles (over multiple hops). It has been encouraging enough that I am already researching an outdoor solar node to install on my property to further improve my chances at meeting my goals.

There will be reviews of radios, tips and tricks, and practical information shared all along the way so stay tuned.

Review: Olight Warrior Nano

By on October 21, 2024 in EDC, Flashlights, Outdoor Gear, Reviews

I’ve been hesitant to write this review. On the one hand, I own several Olight products and like them. On the other, I am aware that Olight has a reputation for saturating the internet with reviews. So, I will say up front that I bought this and all of my Olight products with my own money because I felt that they met my needs and this Warrior Nano no different. And now that I have spent more than a year with it, I’m ready to talk about it.

I am not going to get bogged down with stats. There are a lot of great, much more technical, flashlight review sites that can help you decide on a light if stats are what is important to you. Instead, I will focus on what drew me to this light which is the well-designed user interface and very consumer-ready experience. I’ll also be honest about some things that bother me about this light (and many of Olights).

User Interface

In my opinion, this light has one of the most complete, easy to understand, and useful user interfaces I have come across. It is this interface, split between two buttons, that lets the Warrior Nano move effortlessly between a multi-functional EDC light and a full-on tactical light.

The Warrior Nano (an other lights in this series) has just two buttons: a tail switch and a separate button on the body close to the head of the light. The tail switch is a “gas pedal” style of switch which I prefer. In fact, I only found the Warrior series because I was looking specifically for lights with gas pedal switches. It allows me to press lightly for Medium output and push more heavily for a either Turbo and Half-Turbo. Basically, you just push for light and push harder for more light. It’s so simple and most of what I need from this light can be done with this switch.

The body-mounted switch allows the user to select from High, Medium, Low, and Moonlight modes. Just tap the switch to turn on the light. Press and hold from on to cycle modes. Moonlight can be accessed directly by holding this switch for a few seconds. The light will remember which mode you last selected the next time you turn it on with this switch.

All of that switch talk boils down to the fact that you can use this light however you want and it isn’t confusing. Want a tactical light? Just use the tail switch. Want a multi-mode EDC with lots of options? Use the side switch. It’s a great UI which is a big part of the polished user experience I want to talk about next.

User Experience

The experience of using this light reminds of using an Apple product. It is just so easily consumable and slick. Olight does this better than any other flashlight maker I can think of. They deliver features that flashlight nerds like myself want but in a way that is approachable to anyone.

The Warrior Nano’s charger is a great example. While other lights make you remove the battery or open a port to attach a cable, Olight’s charger magnetizes to the tail of the light. It is an absolute no-brainer. You just get it close and the magnet takes over. There is a small, easy-to-understand indicator light that keeps you up to date on charging status.

Other really user-friendly features include a small indicator light on the body switch that can tell you charge level at a glance, a two way pocket clip, and it can stand on its tail.

Until now, everything I have written is true of pretty much any light in the Warrior series. However, one great aspect specific to the Warrior Nano is its size. The Nano big enough to use easily and pump out plenty of lumens but small enough to be easy to carry. This might be the most approachable light in the Warrior series.

What I Dislike

I drew an Apple comparison earlier regarding the consumer-friendliness of this light and so it may come as no surprise that, like Apple, Olight uses more proprietary accessories than other light makers. The main issue to which I object is the use of a proprietary battery design. That kind of sucks for compatibility with batteries you already own, though at least Olight batteries tend to be competitive in price.

The other thing that I hate but manage to live with about many Olights is that they don’t have a glass lens. The optic is just sitting there, ready to be scratched. It is recessed in the bezel so it is not without some protection but these acrylic optics will eventually get a bit scratched and scuffed which may impact that beam shape. It would be nice to have a glass lens over it.

Wrap Up

This light does everything I want it to in such a way that it is actually easy to use. I can access moonlight from off. I can access Turbo/Half-Turbo from off. Momentary, constant, multiple modes, tactical simplicity… it’s all there. On top of that, the charger is so easy to use that there is no excuse for running out of juice.

When it comes to lights, it is easy to chase stats but this Warrior Nano is just so easy to live with that it can’t be ignored.

A Word on Price…

Never buy an Olight at the original price! Don’t do it. They are on sale frequently (25% off as of the time of this writing). I just waited for a good price at Amazon to buy mine: Warrior Nano on Amazon.com

Review: Vosteed Mink

By on July 10, 2024 in EDC, Knives, Outdoor Gear, Preparedness, Reviews

The Mink is Vosteed’s first fixed blade but, based on the attention to detail, you would think they have been making them for years. Let’s dive in.

Specs

Blade Length: 3.33″ | 83.90 mm

Overall Length: 7.13″ | 181.00 mm

Blade Width: 1.10″ | 27.92 mm

Blade Thickness: 0.118″ | 3.00 mm

Blade Material: Nitro-V

Blade Grind: Flat

Blade Style: Clip Point

Hardness: HRC 60±2

Handle Length: 3.82″ | 97.10 mm

Handle Width: 0.85″ | 21.63 mm

Handle Thickness: 0.46″ | 11.60 mm

Handle Material: Micarta

Weight: 5.12 oz | 145.10 g (Sheath included)

Carry Position: Adjustable Belt Clip

Knife Type: Fixed Blade

Sheath: Kydex

Designer: Yue

Observations from Use

I have been using the Mink as an EDC fixed blade and it excels in that role. Vosteed designed and sized this knife to be well suited to a number of roles from EDC to outdoors. The shallow clip point renders a splinter-pickingly sharp point. The thin blade stock and tall flat grind terminates at a very thin, slicey edge. The handle provides plenty of grip. It has everything you want from an all-around tool.

The pancake-style kydex sheath comes with a small Tek-lok-like clip that works well for basic belt carry or for attaching to a backpack strap. However, I swapped that clip almost immediately for a Ulti-clip Slim 3.3 which allowed me to clip the sheath into my pocket. This setup worked very well. I also tried the Mink in an older leather pocket sheath that I already own and found that to be a VERY comfortable way to carry this knife.

There are three very subtle design elements on the Mink that I think take it to another level and really showcase the attention to detail that went into this design. First, the handle features a choil that works as a guard but does nothing to hinder a variety of grips or impede the user from getting their grip right behind the edge. Second, there is a very slight swedge grind that makes the tip of this knife even more useful. Finally, the addition of a second section of jimping out near the tip of the knife helps give the user tremendous control of that useful tip. It’s very cool to see how Vosteed uses the ergonomics of this knife to enhance the cutting performance.

The use of Nitro-V steel is a great option here. It is plenty tough enough to support the aggressive cutting geometry on this knife, corrosion-resistant enough to shrug off any conditions this knife might find itself in, and also affordable enough to ensure that the Mink is a great value.

There is one thing I would change. I was a little annoyed with the width of the sheath. Vosteed designed a slim, EDC-friendly fixed blade but then saddled it with a wide sheath. I want to be clear, this sheath is not the throw-away garbage that many makers provide with their fixed-blades. It will work for most people. The sheath’s quality is great… it’s just wide. I would love to see them switch to a slimmer, fold-over style sheath for future runs of this knife.

Wrap Up

The Mink is a lot of things. It is an impressive performer with great cutting geometry and the ergonomics to help you get the most out of that cutting geometry. It is a flexible design that can fill various roles from EDC to outdoors. It is an incredible value for these materials and this level of attention to detail.

The Mink is so good that I am very excited to see what Vosteed’s next fixed blade release will be… a fixed blade in the Nightshade line, perhaps? We can dream.

Vosteed.com

Vosteed Store on Amazon.com

Review: Eberlestock Bando Bag XL

By on June 8, 2024 in EDC, Guns, Outdoor Gear, Reviews, Tactical Gear

I recently reviewed the Eberlestock Bando Bag after using it for several months. In that review, I mentioned that I liked it so much that I was looking forward to purchasing the newer Bando Bag XL and spending time with that. Well, I’m glad to say the new Bando Bag XL has been great. In fact, I think this is the one I would recommend for most people.

The Bando Bag XL has basically all the features of the original Bando Bag with the addition of a tourniquet holder (more on this later) and more room. Both of those additions make the XL more useful to me. The layout and organization features are similar otherwise. There is a front slot pocket with zipper closure, a main compartment with zipper closure that also includes an internal mesh organization pocket and two internal slot pockets, and finally the loop-lined quick-access compartment for carrying a firearm.

Every compartment in the Bando Bag XL is larger. The slot pocket can now fit a full size smart phone in a case which is a game changer because it frees up even more space in the main compartment. The main compartment is cavernous enough to carry my packable windshirt/light rain shell. The quick-access compartment can fit a full size handgun including some full size handguns with a light and RDS installed. Eberlestock sized and shaped this bag very well because, as much as it fits, it still does not look like an overly large bag. They nailed it.

The tourniquet (TQ) holder surprised me with how clever it is. It is located directly inside the main compartment and consists of a simple elastic loop affixed to the “top” flap. I have tested it with CATs and my preferred RMT with no issues. It should fit just about anything. The genius of this location is threefold. First, it is straightforward to access – just pull the main zipper. Second, when you lift the top flap, it naturally gets out of the way of everything else you have in the main compartment. Third and finally, the TQ acts like a structural rib that helps the main compartment hold its shape making the bag carry better with a TQ in place.

So, should you go with the Bando Bag or Bando XL? Both are hard to beat in terms of price, especially when they go on sale. The Bando Bag is more affordable and well-suited to carrying subcompact handguns. If your use case is limited to exercise or you will only be carrying something like a G43 or small-frame wheelgun, this could be good for you. However, I think most people would be better served just going with the Bando Bag XL. The size makes everything easier without being too big and the addition of the TQ holder is very handy.

These are currently on sale AND they have an additional coupon savings as of the time of this writing. The result is that they cost less than they did when I wrote the Bando Bag review and a lot less than I paid for both of mine (note: check all the color options, some cost less right now). Check them out: Bando Bag and Bando Bag XL on Amazon.com

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