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CITY LINK MESH

Getting Started

Build your first CityLink node

YOUR FIRST NODE

Start small. Grow your mesh.

Getting on the mesh does not need to be expensive. A simple Meshtastic node can be built from around £30, while portable and permanent outdoor nodes can be expanded depending on antenna, battery and enclosure requirements.

Starter node

From around £30

First node · desk · home · USB powered

  • Example EU868 board: £19.99 reference price
  • 868–915 MHz antenna included with the example board: £0 extra
  • Compatible USB data / power cable: allow £3
  • Suitable USB power supply: allow £5

Example essentials total: £27.99, rounded to a guide budget of £30. The £19.99 board reference price may change; it is not a live quote. Reuse a suitable USB cable or power source if you already have one; an indoor enclosure is optional and is not included in this starting cost.

This is enough to start using the mesh where local coverage exists.

Portable node

From around £50

Portable · battery-powered use

  • Example EU868 board and included antenna: £19.99 reference price
  • Suitable USB power bank for battery power: allow £12
  • Enclosure: allow £8
  • Compatible USB cable: allow £3
  • USB supply for recharging the power bank: allow £5

Example essentials total: £47.99, rounded to a guide budget of £50. Choose a power bank that supports the node’s low current draw. A better antenna is an optional upgrade, not part of this starting cost. A LiPo build is an alternative and needs a compatible charging arrangement; do not assume a battery or charger comes with the board.

Outdoor / permanent node

From around £110

Fixed outdoor coverage · low-power installation · solar

  • Low-power Meshtastic hardware, such as a RAK/WisBlock class base and radio: allow £45
  • Quality external 868 MHz antenna: allow £15
  • Weatherproof enclosure: allow £15
  • Compatible battery: allow £15
  • Suitable charging / power arrangement: allow £10
  • Mounting / cabling: allow £10

Example essentials budget: £110. Solar panels and a compatible solar charging setup are optional additions, excluded from this starting cost. Check which power / charging functions your chosen hardware includes before buying separate parts.

The accessory and outdoor component allowances above are planning estimates, not supplier quotes. Totals assume buying the listed essentials; reusing suitable equipment can cost less. Prices are approximate guide prices, not fixed retail quotations, and will change depending on supplier, antenna, enclosure and battery choices. CityLink does not require equipment to be purchased from a particular supplier.

What do I need?

Radio

Must support Meshtastic and EU868.

Antenna

Choose the correct 868 MHz antenna and matching connector / pigtail.

Example hardware / Where to buy

These are examples, not endorsements. Prices and availability change; no live price is quoted here. Confirm the product is the EU/868 MHz version before ordering, and check exactly what is included.

CityLink does not receive commission from these links. Any affiliate arrangement added later will be explicitly disclosed.

Power

USB indoors, battery for portable use, battery / solar for outdoor use.

Case

Optional indoors; use a weather-resistant enclosure outdoors.

Phone

Android or iPhone running the Meshtastic app for configuration.

Choosing hardware

Heltec-style boards are examples of inexpensive starter hardware. RAK/WisBlock-style hardware is an option for lower-power, battery and outdoor builds. No particular manufacturer is required.

First power-up

  1. Attach the antenna.
  2. Power the node.
  3. Install / flash Meshtastic if required.
  4. Connect using the Meshtastic mobile app.
  5. Set the region to EU_868.
  6. Give the node a sensible short and long name.
  7. Configure the recommended CityLink settings (see below).
  8. Check whether nearby nodes are visible.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Ready to join CityLink?

Build and configure your node, then contact CityLink if you need help getting started. We’re happy to hear from new mesh users.

CONTACT CITYLINK