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Version: 2.8

RAK WisMesh 1W Booster Starter Kit

The WisMesh 1W Booster Starter Kit is a high-power Meshtastic solution designed for extended mesh range. Powered by the RAK3401 WisBlock Core module with the Nordic nRF52840nRF52840A Nordic microcontroller from the nRF52 family, used in devices such as the RAK WisBlock core modules. Provides Bluetooth LE 5.0 and very low power consumption. MCUMCU (Microcontroller Unit). The microcontroller that runs the firmware on a device. The hardware tables list the MCU for each supported board. and the RAK13302 1W LoRaLoRaA low-power, long-range wireless communication technology used by Meshtastic devices to enable communication over distances of several kilometers without the need for cellular, Wi-Fi, or other traditional network infrastructures. transceiver module, this kit delivers up to 1W (30 dBm) transmit power with enhanced receiver sensitivity for reliable long-range communication.

Unlike common high-power solutions that boost TXTX (Transmit). The transmitting of data over the radio link. but degrade RXRX (Receive). The receiving of data over the radio link., the RAK13302 integrates a dedicated RFRF (Radio Frequency). The radio signal a node transmits and receives over LoRa. filter stage with the SKY66122 power amplifier, significantly enhancing both transmission power and receiver sensitivity for longer range, more stable links, and stronger mesh reliability.

Specifications​

  • Base Board
  • MCUMCU (Microcontroller Unit). The microcontroller that runs the firmware on a device. The hardware tables list the MCU for each supported board.
    • RAK3401 (nRF52840nRF52840A Nordic microcontroller from the nRF52 family, used in devices such as the RAK WisBlock core modules. Provides Bluetooth LE 5.0 and very low power consumption.)
      • ARM Cortex-M4F
      • 1MB Flash and 348KB SRAM
      • Bluetooth BLEBLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). The default wireless connection between a node and a phone client. 5.0
      • Very low power consumption
  • LoRaLoRaA low-power, long-range wireless communication technology used by Meshtastic devices to enable communication over distances of several kilometers without the need for cellular, Wi-Fi, or other traditional network infrastructures. Transceiver:
    • RAK13302 1W LoRaLoRaA low-power, long-range wireless communication technology used by Meshtastic devices to enable communication over distances of several kilometers without the need for cellular, Wi-Fi, or other traditional network infrastructures. Module
      • Semtech SX1262SX1262A Semtech sub-GHz LoRa transceiver, used in most current Meshtastic hardware and recommended over the older SX127x series. transceiver
      • SKY66122 power amplifier (1W / 30 dBm)
      • Integrated SAW filter for enhanced reception
      • Additional LNA for improved receiver sensitivity
  • Frequency Options:
    • 900 MHzMHz (Megahertz). A unit of frequency equal to one million hertz (cycles per second), used to specify the operating frequency of LoRa devices in the Meshtastic network, affecting range and data rate. band (US915, AU915, etc.)
  • Connectors:
    • USBUSB (Universal Serial Bus). The wired connection used to power a device, flash firmware onto it, and communicate with it over serial.-C
    • IPEXIPEXA miniature coaxial antenna connector found on many boards. The docs write it as U.FL/IPEX, using the two names interchangeably. to SMASMAA threaded coaxial connector for attaching an external antenna. RP-SMA is the reverse-polarity variant, which is not interchangeable with it. for LoRaLoRaA low-power, long-range wireless communication technology used by Meshtastic devices to enable communication over distances of several kilometers without the need for cellular, Wi-Fi, or other traditional network infrastructures. antenna
    • JSTJSTA small keyed board connector used for battery and solar leads, such as PHR-2 for a LiPo battery and ZHR-2 for solar input. PHR-2 connector for 3.7v LiPo battery
    • JSTJSTA small keyed board connector used for battery and solar leads, such as PHR-2 for a LiPo battery and ZHR-2 for solar input. ZHR-2 connector for 5v solar panel

Features​

  • 1W (30 dBm) transmit power for extended range
  • Enhanced receiver sensitivity with integrated LNA and SAW filter
  • Full WisBlock ecosystem compatibility (sensors, displays, etc.)
  • 4 sensor slots for WisBlock Sensor Modules
  • Multiple power options: USBUSB (Universal Serial Bus). The wired connection used to power a device, flash firmware onto it, and communicate with it over serial., battery, or solar

Power Requirements​

caution

The RAK13302's 1W RFRF (Radio Frequency). The radio signal a node transmits and receives over LoRa. stage requires a stable 5V supply. The 3.3V rail cannot deliver the surge current needed during 1W LoRaLoRaA low-power, long-range wireless communication technology used by Meshtastic devices to enable communication over distances of several kilometers without the need for cellular, Wi-Fi, or other traditional network infrastructures. transmission, so the module must be powered either by a battery or an external 5V source. Power source selection is handled via the 3-pin jumper on the RAK13302:

  • IN_5V: Powered through the RAK19007 Base Board. A Li-Ion battery must always be connected, paired with one of the following:
    • USBUSB (Universal Serial Bus). The wired connection used to power a device, flash firmware onto it, and communicate with it over serial. + Li-Ion battery
    • Solar panel + Li-Ion battery
    • 5V via solar connector + Li-Ion battery
  • EX_5V (Recommended): Accepts a regulated 5V/1.5A supply directly through the connector on the RAK13302, powering the entire stack including the Base Board, Core module, and 1W transceiver. A connected battery will also be charged in this mode.

Resources​

  • Firmware file: firmware-rak3401-1watt-X.X.X.xxxxxxx.uf2
  • Further information on the WisMesh 1W Booster Starter Kit can be found on the RAK Documentation Center.
  • Purchase Links:

RAK WisMesh 1W Booster Starter Kit