LILYGO
T-Beam v1.1 LoRa + GPS (Meshtastic)
Send text messages with no cell towers, no WiFi, and no monthly fees. The T-Beam v1.1 combines an ESP32, LoRa radio, GPS module, and 18650 battery holder into a single board designed for Meshtastic mesh networking. Drop a few of these around your neighborhood and you have a private, off-grid communication network with GPS position sharing.
Project idea: Set up a 3-node Meshtastic network across your property with solar-powered relay nodes for off-grid text messaging and GPS tracking during outdoor activities.
Key Features
- LoRa radio with multi-kilometer range: tested mesh links of 5-10+ km line-of-sight, depending on antenna
- GPS module built in: position sharing, asset tracking, and geotagged messages out of the box
- 18650 battery holder on-board: runs for days on a single cell in router mode
- Meshtastic firmware ready: flash and join the network in under 10 minutes with the Meshtastic flasher
- ESP32 with WiFi + Bluetooth: configure via phone app (Android/iOS) over BLE
- SMA antenna connector: swap in a better antenna for serious range improvements
- Open-source everything: firmware, apps, and protocol are all on GitHub
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the realistic range for Meshtastic on the T-Beam?
With the stock antenna, expect 1-3 km in urban environments and 5-10+ km with clear line-of-sight. Swapping to a tuned Yagi or higher-gain antenna pushes range further. Mesh relaying means your message can hop through intermediate nodes to reach even farther.
Which LoRa frequency should I choose for use in the US?
For the US, select the 915 MHz variant. This operates in the ISM band and requires no license. The 868 MHz version is for EU use. Make sure you order the correct frequency for your region, as the radio hardware is frequency-specific.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included with the T-Beam v1.1 LoRa + GPS (Meshtastic)?
The T-Beam v1.1 LoRa + GPS (Meshtastic) includes the main product as listed, any accessories shown in the product images, and a quickstart guide. Check the product description above for the full list of included components.
Is the T-Beam v1.1 LoRa + GPS (Meshtastic) compatible with Home Assistant?
Compatibility depends on the product type. Every product page at Kindly Morrow includes a compatibility section. Look for supported ecosystems (Home Assistant, Zigbee, Z-Wave, WiFi) in the product description and tags above.
What skill level is the T-Beam v1.1 LoRa + GPS (Meshtastic) designed for?
The T-Beam v1.1 LoRa + GPS (Meshtastic) by LILYGO is designed to be accessible for beginners. If soldering or advanced setup is required, that is clearly noted in the product description. Our starter kits include step-by-step guides.
