¶ Stationary Mesh Nodes
¶ When would you use a stationary node?
A stationary node can be used to keep comms reliable when in your camp. Although not strictly necessary, it can help to increase the reliability of getting messages in/out of your camp — especially if you have obstructions such as RVs or other metal structures.
¶ TL;DR
Most people go without a stationary node and are totally fine. If you do set one up, client_base is the best choice.
¶ Meshtastic Role Settings
You can set your stationary node to either client or client_base. Here's the difference:
- Router mode is disabled in Meshtastic firmware and will actually reduce the reliability of comms in your camp if you have a node set to that nearby. Do not use it.
- Client acts like a normal node — it participates in the mesh like any other device.
- Client Base is the recommended setting. As long as your other nodes are in the solar node's favorites list, it will preferentially route your packets. Bonus: routing through a client_base node does not consume a hop, which means your message will travel farther, as its not wasting a hop trying to get the message out of your camp and to a router.
For full technical details, see the Meshtastic docs on client and client_base.
Discount codes are maintained on the 2026 Discount Codes page.
Also please remember to buy the 915mhz version of the radio if presented with the option at checkout — that is the version that works/is legal to use in the US.
¶ DIY vs Buy
| DIY | Buy |
|---|---|
| DIY stationary nodes give you full control over hardware selection, solar sizing, and enclosure. You'll need access to a 3D printer, soldering iron, and some patience. | Pre-built solar nodes take most of the guesswork out. They're designed for outdoor deployment and come with integrated solar charging, enclosures, and often Meshtastic pre-flashed. |
¶ SenseCAP Solar Node P1
Price: $77.99 — $62.39 with 20% off code SeeedBurningMesh2026
¶ Pro's
- Integrated solar panel with built-in charge controller — no separate solar hardware to source or wire up.
- IP66-rated outdoor enclosure designed for permanent or semi-permanent deployment.
- Ships with Meshtastic pre-flashed nRF52840 + LoRa radio.
- External antenna connector — swap in a higher-gain antenna for better range.
- Built-in GPS for location tracking and time sync.
- Designed for hands-off outdoor use; should survive playa conditions with proper mounting.
- Competitive price, especially with the Seeed Studio 2026 discount code.
¶ Con's
- Assembly and pole/mount installation required; not plug-and-play out of the box.
¶ ThinkNode M6 Outdoor
Price: $79.90 — $63.92 with 20% off code BURNINGMESH20
¶ Pro's
- Dedicated outdoor solar-powered Meshtastic node from Elecrow — purpose-built for this use case.
- nRF52840 core — well-regarded low-power platform with solid LoRa performance.
- Integrated solar charging — no external solar hardware needed.
- IP65-rated enclosure suitable for desert deployment.
- External antenna support for improved range.
- Built-in GPS.
- Available with the Elecrow 20% Burning Mesh discount code bringing it to a competitive price point.
¶ Con's
- Less community feedback than Seeed's SenseCAP line — fewer field reports from similar deployments.
- Weird ass mounting system
- May require light assembly and weatherproofing tweaks for full playa readiness.