# My first two weeks on MeshCore from Penrith

**URL:** <https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/t/my-first-two-weeks-on-meshcore-from-penrith/537>\
**Category:** MeshCore\
**Created:** [19 August 2026 11:26 UTC](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/t/my-first-two-weeks-on-meshcore-from-penrith/537 "2026-08-19T11:26:05Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![G0ISW](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/user_avatar/discourse.cumbriacq.com/g0isw/32/562_2.png) [@G0ISW](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/u/G0ISW)\
**Post date:** [19 August 2026 11:26 UTC](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/t/my-first-two-weeks-on-meshcore-from-penrith/537/1 "2026-08-19T11:26:06Z")

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It has been an interesting first two weeks for me on MeshCore 868 MHz LoRa from my home here in Penrith.

I wasn’t too sure what 868 MHz radios I would need to start with, so I opted for a Lilygo T-Deck Plus standalone as my main radio and replaced the stock antenna with a tactical gooseneck one, which boosted the received signal strength from my nearest repeater from +5db to +13db. I am using the WadaMesh touchscreen UI which is very user friendly.

For mobile operation I opted for a Seeed studio Wio Tracker L1 Pro companion, which has a battery life of at least 5 days is small compact and robust.

Not knowing whether or not there would be a MeshCore repeater within range I decided to obtain my own Seeed studio SenseCAP Solar Node P1-Pro repeater just in case and replaced the stock antenna with a 5dbi one.

However, I found that I didn’t need my own repeater after all to get into the LoRa network and siting my repeater at home isn’t after testing of any obvious benefit to me or anyone else given the existing coverage from two Penrith repeaters R1PNR (location unknown, but very strong signal) and R2PNR sited on higher ground than me.

I may have an alternative location for my surplus repeater in mind that should give considerably better coverage according to tool coverage mapping, but the location would be better suited to a covert ‘rock’ repeater that can be placed on a stone wall top. My considered attachment point being a deer fence wooden pole, which isn’t as ideal.

The next closest repeater to me is at Clifton gb-ca10-rpt but I can’t reach it or hear it direct there being an elevated obstruction between us at the Clifton end according to the line of sight tool. I have however used it when out mobile with my Wio using the stock antenna or the better stock one from my Seeed repeater.

I daily see messages appearing on the ‘public’ channel and a few on ‘Cumbria’, but that is about it so far as I have been away too.

73 de Philip G0ISW

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**Author:** ![Dani](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/user_avatar/discourse.cumbriacq.com/dani/32/557_2.png) [@Dani](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/u/Dani)\
**Post date:** [20 August 2026 01:10 UTC](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/t/my-first-two-weeks-on-meshcore-from-penrith/537/2 "2026-08-20T01:10:18Z")

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Welcome, it was nice to meet you on Discord yesterday evening.

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**Author:** ![G0ISW](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/user_avatar/discourse.cumbriacq.com/g0isw/32/562_2.png) [@G0ISW](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/u/G0ISW)\
**Post date:** [20 August 2026 06:51 UTC](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/t/my-first-two-weeks-on-meshcore-from-penrith/537/3 "2026-08-20T06:51:41Z")

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Thanks for the welcome here and on Discord Dani.

It has been very encouraging for me as a newbie to MeshCore.

Lots of really useful articles for me to read here to try to get an understanding of the Cumbria network and LoRa activity.

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**Author:** ![M5LEE](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/user_avatar/discourse.cumbriacq.com/m5lee/32/233_2.png) [@M5LEE](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/u/M5LEE)\
**Post date:** [20 August 2026 07:55 UTC](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/t/my-first-two-weeks-on-meshcore-from-penrith/537/4 "2026-08-20T07:55:15Z")

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Its all a learning curve 🙂 My advice really when someone is setting up a new repeater / node. Put it up as high as you can get it and leave it. If you cant pick nothing up check settings. Good thing about Meshcore is, its a mesh network. If someone builds a new node near you, it will eventually start working

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**Author:** ![DrNic](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/user_avatar/discourse.cumbriacq.com/drnic/32/536_2.png) [@DrNic](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/u/DrNic)\
**Post date:** [24 August 2026 07:22 UTC](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/t/my-first-two-weeks-on-meshcore-from-penrith/537/5 "2026-08-24T07:22:11Z")

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Hi Lee,

I live in a small village between Brough and Kirkby Stephen approximately 525ft ASL. From a location perspective, would it be helpful to the Cumbrian MeshCore community if I set up a node on my farm?

All the best,

Nic

M7NIZ

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**Author:** ![M5LEE](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/user_avatar/discourse.cumbriacq.com/m5lee/32/233_2.png) [@M5LEE](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/u/M5LEE)\
**Post date:** [24 August 2026 07:29 UTC](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/t/my-first-two-weeks-on-meshcore-from-penrith/537/6 "2026-08-24T07:29:28Z")

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hi nic yeah more the merrier. are you wanting advice on what to build or buy?

are you in a good location for uhf repeaters too ? like uhf ham repeater ? be good to extend the range of [cumbriacq.com](http://cumbriacq.com) too.

Lee

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**Author:** ![DrNic](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/user_avatar/discourse.cumbriacq.com/drnic/32/536_2.png) [@DrNic](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/u/DrNic)\
**Post date:** [24 August 2026 07:40 UTC](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/t/my-first-two-weeks-on-meshcore-from-penrith/537/7 "2026-08-24T07:40:19Z")

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Hello Lee,

I can access GB3VE and GB3CA, I currently have a Diamond X510N on the side of the house. Plus I have a mobile set up on one of the vans.

If you do have any recommendations for node/repeaters, especially ones that are novice friendly I’d be very grateful.

Thanks

Nic

M7NIZ

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**Author:** ![M5LEE](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/user_avatar/discourse.cumbriacq.com/m5lee/32/233_2.png) [@M5LEE](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/u/M5LEE)\
**Post date:** [24 August 2026 08:03 UTC](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/t/my-first-two-weeks-on-meshcore-from-penrith/537/8 "2026-08-24T08:03:35Z")

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I still think these ones on ebay are the best built ones [https://ebay.us/TyVQgF](https://ebay.us/TyVQgF)

Theres loads of them though for sale pre built.

I would deffo put up a repeater and then you will need a client device. Maybe a **[Seeed Studio Wio Tracker L1 Pro for MeshCore](https://www.google.com/search?ibp=oshop&prds=pvt:hg,pvo:48,mid:576462862579127825,imageDocid:16037126062084136173,gpcid:2523184783669368608,headlineOfferDocid:8357994871526120287,catalogid:12229842766117870534,productDocid:10903056992174553639,rds:CSS_PC_2523184783669368608%7CPC_2523184783669368608%7CPROD_CSS_PC_2523184783669368608%7CPROD_PC_2523184783669368608&q=product&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiR8u3Q5riWAxUVW0EAHbJuAn8Qxa4PegoIAggACAAIChAE)** or a **SenseCAP Card Tracker T1000-E**

Wonder if anyone else in the group can recommend something else?

Lee

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**Author:** ![G0ISW](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/user_avatar/discourse.cumbriacq.com/g0isw/32/562_2.png) [@G0ISW](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/u/G0ISW)\
**Post date:** [24 August 2026 17:08 UTC](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/t/my-first-two-weeks-on-meshcore-from-penrith/537/9 "2026-08-24T17:08:26Z")

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I can definitely recommend the Seeed Studio Wio Tracker L1 Pro with Meshcore and GPS for a novice.

It is small shirt pocket sized, well built, has internal GPS if you want to use that, 5 days long battery, external antenna port if you want to try different aerials and it works really nicely with the MeshCore app on your smartphone, easy to setup and use.

I bought mine from AliExpress for £43, today it is listed for £33 delivery, was within about 10 days [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005011837330549.html?spm=a2g0o.order\_list.order\_list\_main.22.1f181802mQ86Px](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005011837330549.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.22.1f181802mQ86Px)

73 de Philip G0ISW

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**Author:** ![DrNic](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/user_avatar/discourse.cumbriacq.com/drnic/32/536_2.png) [@DrNic](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/u/DrNic)\
**Post date:** [24 August 2026 18:18 UTC](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/t/my-first-two-weeks-on-meshcore-from-penrith/537/10 "2026-08-24T18:18:20Z")

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Hi Philip,

Thanks so much for taking the time to advise me, I’ll definitely put that on my list.

Looking forward to getting everything orders and setup!

All the best,

Nic

M7NIZ

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**Author:** ![DrNic](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/user_avatar/discourse.cumbriacq.com/drnic/32/536_2.png) [@DrNic](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/u/DrNic)\
**Post date:** [24 August 2026 18:20 UTC](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/t/my-first-two-weeks-on-meshcore-from-penrith/537/11 "2026-08-24T18:20:14Z")

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Thanks Lee,

All gone on my shopping list.

Nic

M7NIZ

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**Author:** ![G0ISW](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/user_avatar/discourse.cumbriacq.com/g0isw/32/562_2.png) [@G0ISW](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/u/G0ISW)\
**Post date:** [24 August 2026 20:41 UTC](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/t/my-first-two-weeks-on-meshcore-from-penrith/537/12 "2026-08-24T20:41:41Z")

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I think if I can move my repeater this weekend it may help get signals in your direction Nic

 ![image](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/uploads/default/original/1X/5584d4270e3eee070441b6ed8aab2cee1920d0d9.jpeg)

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**Author:** ![M5LEE](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/user_avatar/discourse.cumbriacq.com/m5lee/32/233_2.png) [@M5LEE](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/u/M5LEE)\
**Post date:** [24 August 2026 21:39 UTC](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/t/my-first-two-weeks-on-meshcore-from-penrith/537/13 "2026-08-24T21:39:11Z")

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No problem Nic. We are all here to help. Hope you get it all sorted soon

Lee

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**Author:** ![G0ISW](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/user_avatar/discourse.cumbriacq.com/g0isw/32/562_2.png) [@G0ISW](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/u/G0ISW)\
**Post date:** [25 August 2026 07:02 UTC](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/t/my-first-two-weeks-on-meshcore-from-penrith/537/14 "2026-08-25T07:02:21Z")

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Hi Nic,

Whilst you wait to get on MeshCore you can use their online app from PC to view a map of this area and using the tools tab plot antenna coverage from any point or line of sight between 2 points. [https://app.meshcore.nz/](https://app.meshcore.nz/)

Map\>tools\>antenna coverage then long hold down mouse cursor to set a point and watch it draw

I have been this morning looking at further potential sites for a repeater and will need to do some dog walking to covertly locate a suitable mounting point

You could try this for your location and see where might be best for your own setup and where would not be so good to reach existingb MeshCore Nodes (repeaters) [https://map.meshcore.io/?zoom=11&lat=54.6144&lon=-2.6086](https://map.meshcore.io/?zoom=11&lat=54.6144&lon=-2.6086)

There is a node shown at Winton, quite close to you, from 28 days ago, but I am not sure if it is still active or not

hope this helps

73 de Philip G0ISW

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**Author:** ![M1AJF](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/34f0e0/32.png) [@M1AJF](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/u/M1AJF)\
**Post date:** [25 August 2026 17:03 UTC](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/t/my-first-two-weeks-on-meshcore-from-penrith/537/15 "2026-08-25T17:03:34Z")

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@G0ISW I own both the Clifton and Great Dun Fell repeaters. I had an issue last week with the one at my QTH as the solar panel had become obstructed and didn’t charge the batteries. I’m hoping to mount it a little higher but being at the South of our village still think I’ll struggle to link directly to Penrith.

@DrNic there is another user in Kirkby Stephen G4SPR who is also looking at mounting a repeater but I’m not too sure where. He is struggling to hit the GDF repeater, probably due to Roman Hill above Warcop. World be good if we could get a couple of repeaters to extend the coverage.

Andrew M1AJF

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**Author:** ![G0ISW](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/user_avatar/discourse.cumbriacq.com/g0isw/32/562_2.png) [@G0ISW](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/u/G0ISW)\
**Post date:** [25 August 2026 17:33 UTC](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/t/my-first-two-weeks-on-meshcore-from-penrith/537/16 "2026-08-25T17:33:12Z")

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Hi Andrew,

Thanks for your message, your gb-ev-rpt is very well sited. I can confirm there is no line of sight between you and where I am at Penrith due to the Clifton hill being in the way.

Coincidentally I have yesterday and today been in discussion with Dan, also here in Penrith and keeper of R1PNR/R2PNR, about a new location for a node/repeater that should cover all Penrith, Clifton, out to Nic and up to Carlisle. Hopefully we might between us find the time to experiment with this in the next couple of weeks.

Like you we need a location that is not just good for RF, but also the sun as that will be needed for power.

73 de Philip G0ISW

[https://www.qsl.net/g0isw/](https://www.qsl.net/g0isw/)

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**Author:** ![DrNic](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/user_avatar/discourse.cumbriacq.com/drnic/32/536_2.png) [@DrNic](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/u/DrNic)\
**Post date:** [26 August 2026 08:45 UTC](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/t/my-first-two-weeks-on-meshcore-from-penrith/537/17 "2026-08-26T08:45:37Z")

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Hi Andrew,

I’m up for that, I’ll look through the threads and see if I can locate them and start a conversation. I’ll look into getting the kit that Lee suggested and find a suitable location for it. I have a new barn going up and with a spare GRP pole I should be able to get it 10m high. However that will put it about 20m from some over head power lines, do you think that would create an interference problem? If so I’ll find somewhere else for it to go.

Cheers,

Nic

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![DrNic](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/user_avatar/discourse.cumbriacq.com/drnic/32/536_2.png) [@DrNic](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/u/DrNic)\
**Post date:** [26 August 2026 08:56 UTC](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/t/my-first-two-weeks-on-meshcore-from-penrith/537/18 "2026-08-26T08:56:42Z")

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A cracking tool.

 ![IMG_1873](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/uploads/default/original/1X/ce0c3fc32fcac5e77a0f0847072f49020ed4bd45.jpeg)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![DrNic](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/user_avatar/discourse.cumbriacq.com/drnic/32/536_2.png) [@DrNic](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/u/DrNic)\
**Post date:** [26 August 2026 10:11 UTC](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/t/my-first-two-weeks-on-meshcore-from-penrith/537/19 "2026-08-26T10:11:43Z")

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Annoyingly, I’m in a white bit surrounded by red! However with a repeater 10 to 15m up I should be Ok.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![G0ISW](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/user_avatar/discourse.cumbriacq.com/g0isw/32/562_2.png) [@G0ISW](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/u/G0ISW)\
**Post date:** [26 August 2026 10:33 UTC](https://discourse.cumbriacq.com/t/my-first-two-weeks-on-meshcore-from-penrith/537/20 "2026-08-26T10:33:46Z")

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Hi Nic,

I can see some of your red area coverage hitting the higher ground of Penrith, which is encouraging. I found yesterday that even moving the location of a node/repeater 50-100m can make a world of difference for coverage on the tool map.

Thinking ahead you may have your companion device with you at home in the low white area, but potentially you might have other options for your repeater on higher ground on your farm?

Potentially when some of us move our own repeaters, fairly soon, we might significantly improve signals in your direction.

I have just today repainted my own repeater in a suitable camouflage colour, getting rid of all the bright shiny metal and anti-rust, prior to its intended rural move 🏞

73 de Philip G0ISW

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