Advice on new Meshtastic router build (solar powered + WiFi)

[vassilisv]

I am just getting started with Meshtastic and would like to setup a repeater node at my home to increase coverage in my area. A couple of key requirements:

1. I would like the repeater to be able to connect to my home WiFi so that I can integrate it with my Home Assistant setup.
2. I would also like to have the repeater be solar powered so that I can place it in higher and more favorable locations.

The combination of those two has proven somewhat difficult based on my research so far, as the battery and solar sizing will end up being too large to support the additional draw of the WiFi module (I am planning to use RAK Wisblock).

I was thinking that one option would be to utilize two nodes, one solar powered without WiFi setup as a router, then another node with WiFi in client mode that connects to my home network and is USB powered. Would that work and what would I be missing compared to a single node setup? Any other options I should be exploring? Thanks!

[TerryFrench]

Looks like that would work. If this is your home, would POE be an option to power a more power-hungry node?

[madeofstown]

If you want to run a solar node with WiFi abilities something with an ESP-32 chip is going to be your best bet, preferably with a way to attach an external antenna.

[dm5tt]

ESP32+Wifi doesn't make really fun with small solar cell. With that mode activated it will suck power like crazy.

[barryhunter]

The only 'drawback' (other than cost etc) of a two node setup I can see, is your 'client' node will be an extra hop away from other users.

Eg the standard HopLimit is 3, so your 'Router' node would see users within 3 hops.. But your client node, would only see nodes within 2 hops of the router. (assuming that the client node, wouldnt have much direct contact with remote nodes)

YEs, can raise the hoplimit on your client for outgoing, but doesnt work in reverse!

Being able to connect to the router, directly with wifi wouldnt have direct benefit. Wouldnt be able to update firmware like that for example.

Having MQTT gateway on your indoor client, wouldnt really be any different to it being on the router (other than the hoplimit range talked about)