Here is another good unit, the SenseCAP T1000-E. It costs a bit more (about $50.00) but comes fully assembled, is waterproof and has a GPS receiver. It's about the size of a credit card but thicker. You don't need the GPS but you may find sending your location useful. It cannot be charged via USB-C but that is because you need to use the supplied cable that maintains the waterproof integrity.

• Companions connect to smartphones via Bluetooth, allowing users to send short text messages through the Meshcore app.

Range varies:

• Urban/mountainous areas: limited due to obstructions.
• Clear line of sight: several miles or more.

Repeaters

Repeaters extend the range of Meshcore communications. Compaions can communicate directly if they are within range of each other but repeaters can extend the range beyond that of companions alone.

Companions can send messages directly over short distances or over longer distances using repeaters.

 A few strategically placed repeaters can extend the range of Meshcore communication potentially for many miles. There are currently already over 150 repeaters in the southern California region. It is not uncommon for messages to travel from Ventura County to the Mexican border and beyond. Nevertheless, there are still dead areas that cannot reach any repeaters. Also, many of the existing repeaters are installed by enthusiests in unsecure locations. To provide better coverage and redundance we are adding our own repeaters securly placed on church member's property.

A solar-powered rooftop repeater

• Repeaters extend the reach of companions by relaying signals across the network.
• A repeater uses the same hardware as a companion but is programmed differently and equipped with a large backup battery.
• Six well-placed outdoor repeaters can cover about 95% of the San Diego East Stake, with indoor units filling gaps.
  
  Costs:
  
  
  • Indoor repeater: about $45.00 (protected inside homes, limited range).
  • Weatherproof, solar-powered repeater: about $65.00 to $75.00 (strategically placed at or above rooftops for wide coverage).

Current Community Network

• Southern California already has about 250 volunteer-operated repeaters, many on mountaintops with wide coverage.
  • Messages can travel from Ventura County or Victorville to the Mexican border.
• However, coverage is unreliable
  •  Some areas don't have adequate coverage
  • Repeaters placed at unauthorized, hidden locations are subject to damage, theft, or removal
    • Example: The Cowles Mountain repeater failed due to rain damage, cutting off connectivity to western Santee until it's replaced.

Our Local Mission

• By deploying repeaters at church member's houses, we add redundancy to the greater network.
  • Repeaters in authorized, protected locations are not subject to theft or removal.
  • Indoor repeaters are protected from the weather and don't require special installation
  • Rooftop solar-powered repeaters provide wide-area coverage.
• Together, these ensure our church community remains connected during emergencies.