LilyGO V1.6 schematics

[faragher]

For reference: Many of us end up getting the LilyGO hardware for an RNode pre-configured as the Paxcounter, and while I was poking around, I noticed they have the schematic available for those of you working on your own hardware or working on firmware.

It's available in other places, but I figured I'd mention it here.

https://github.com/LilyGO/ESP32-Paxcounter/blob/master/T3_V1.6.pdf

[githubques]

A few LilyGo related questions:

1. Best places online to buy?

In anticipation of LilyGo's serving as stand alone RNS repeaters in the future to spread out a node network's reach:

2. Best batteries to use and where to buy?

3. Best solar cells to use and where to buy?

4. Decent to Best antennas to use and where to buy?

[faragher]

Can't answer those questions.

I bought my test units from Amazon for customer protections and fast delivery. You can order them from the company for like 5 USD cheaper, but I don't know their shipping terms.

Batteries are their own large conversation. The RNode cases have stated battery capacities, just make sure the polarity is correct. I can't recommend a style, since bought the wrong connector and had to replace the connector manually.

I don't know solar cells.

Antennas are generally situation specific, but I've had good luck with the Low Power Lab dipole. No housing and an optional connector, but dirt cheap for tuned dipoles.

[githubques]

Thanks for the tip about the Low Power Lab dipole. I'll try to pick up a few in addition to the antenna that comes with the LilyGo.

Found a site (other than Amazon) to source the LilyGo and a couple 16550 batteries for my existing ones. Will need to find a source for 5W solar cells.

[cobraPA]

Note that the RNode is not running the network layer today, so using it as a repeater requires quite a bit of work, or simpler would be a pair of RNode's (potentially) and something running the network/Reticulum. I guess one RNode and a Reticulum device would work as well.

[faragher]

Remember to check at cell phone shops, too. Of course they want to finance you a new phone, with insurance and blah blah blah, but if you get pre-paid service, they often have a cheap phone, like an LG, so discounted it's ridiculous. Just buy the phone, pay for a month, and never reload it. You're not even violating their terms of service, just taking advantage of a good deal.

I have an Android 8 and an Android 9, both with Snapdragon 630 chipsets. https://nanoreview.net/en/soc/qualcomm-snapdragon-630 They are lackluster industrial chips and basically anything made in the last five years, and certainly any flagship phones from the last 10, will blow them out of the water. Sideband is slow to boot (should change in the next update) but runs fine once open.

I only used LineageOS as a stepping stone to Kali Nethunter. Any Android OS with access to FDroid should run Sideband just fine (and let us know if it doesn't!). Even without FDroid you can always load the APK directly, I just find it convenient.

That being said, if you pull the SIM and stay off WiFi, you don't even need to root the phone unless you really, really hate Google.

[githubques]

"I have an Android 8 and an Android 9, both with Snapdragon 630 chipsets."

Looks like I found a deal on Coolpad Legacy running Android version 9 (Pie), however the specs list it as having Qualcomm Snapdragon 450. Is 630 the floor or will 450 do the trick?

If the Coolpad is a no go, I'll expand the search to the LG line of phones you mentioned.

"That being said, if you pull the SIM and stay off WiFi, you don't even need to root the phone unless you really, really hate Google."

I like playing around and if loading Lineage and/or Graphene gets rid of standard Google while still allowing RNS/SB to run as intended, I'll consider that a bonus.

[faragher]

There's nothing special about the 630, I just have two and they function fine. Actually very well since the last update.

https://nanoreview.net/en/soc-compare/qualcomm-snapdragon-630-vs-qualcomm-snapdragon-450

It's a big difference but not impossible. If you're willing to take the chance, money wise, I'd consider it. Please let us know how it works either way!

I love playing around with tech. I sadly bricked a tablet that way, but it was something I got for free. Speaking of, ask around at non-corporate cell phone shops, schools, etc. A lot of places have junk devices they haven't gotten around to taking somewhere, and if even half work, you're golden. Garbage tablet anyway.

[githubques]

I'll go for it with a 450 or two just see if it works like you say.

1. It says it works with Sprint only as the carrier. I won't be bothering with a carrier, but my question is will I be able to load Lineage OS (Graphene is Pixel only right now) and RNS/SB through FDroid or APK as soon as I get it or will I first have to set up a prepaid account with Sprint for at least a month?

If prepaid is the necessary, that complicates things since I'm planning on getting a few phones to test a mesh network and those costs can add up offsetting the "dirt cheap" price of each phone.

2. About two years ago, I came across a half dozen discarded droids, but all except one were too old for RNS. The one that looked like it would work was locked out because I didn't know the password and ended up giving it back. I've got another in my possession from someone who inherited it, but wasn't given the password. Is there a way to get into/wipe and reinstall these?

[Greenville71]

You need to boot the phone into recovery mode; hold down the volume, power and home button until you get what looks like a terminal

And no, you don't need to prepay