🛒 How to Buy Your First Meshtastic Node (UK 868 MHz Guide)
If you’ve read our Meshtastic Beginner’s Guide and are ready to join the mesh, this post will walk you through buying your first node in the UK — without needing any tech experience.
We’ll explain which devices to choose, pre-flashed vs unflashed, optional extras like antennas, and tips for complete beginners.
🤔 What to Look for in a Meshtastic Node
Meshtastic nodes are small LoRa devices that send text messages across a mesh network. Here’s what matters for beginners:
- Frequency: In the UK, the legal frequency is 868 MHz. Make sure the device supports this.
- Ease of use: Some devices come pre-flashed with Meshtastic software — perfect if you don’t want to deal with flashing firmware.
- Power options: Nodes can run on USB power banks, making them portable.
Popular beginner-friendly options:
| Device | Amazon Price | AliExpress Price | Pre-Flashed Option | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heltec V3 (868 MHz) | £20.69 Buy here | £16.49 Buy here | Sometimes | Compact, reliable, lots of tutorials online |
| LILYGO® TTGO (868 MHz) | £33.00 Buy here | £18.55 Buy here | Usually not | Comes with GPS, supports external antenna |
⚠ IMPORTANT – ensure you purchase the 868MHz version
Prices correct at time of writing – prices will vary with time!
AliExpress delivery can take 2-3 weeks!
⚡ Pre-Flashed vs Unflashed Nodes
- Pre-flashed: Works out of the box. Just pair with the Meshtastic app on your phone. Ideal for non-techies.
- Unflashed: Requires a one-time firmware install. Don’t worry — we have a “How-To Flash Firmware” post coming, and I can help Croxton villagers directly.
Tip: For absolute beginners, buying a pre-flashed node removes any hesitation and gets you chatting immediately.
📡 Optional Extras: Antennas & Power
- Outdoor antennas can extend range dramatically — e.g., my LILYGO® TTGO node reaches 10+ miles with a £10 antenna.
- Important: You don’t need outdoor antennas to join a local mesh. Standard setups work perfectly for villages or farms.
- Power banks let you keep nodes running during power cuts or fieldwork.
🛒 Step-By-Step Buying Guide
- Decide which device fits your needs and budget.
- Check if it’s pre-flashed or unflashed.
- Consider optional extras (antenna, power bank) — but remember, not essential.
- Buy from a trusted UK seller or Amazon (Any of my links above!).
- Once it arrives, follow our Meshtastic Beginner’s Guide to pair it with your phone and join the network.
Villagers in Croxton: bring your node and phone — I can help set it up if you want, so you don’t have to worry about flashing firmware.
✅ Final Thoughts
Buying your first Meshtastic node is easy, cheap, and beginner-friendly:
- Price: Around £20–30 for a starter device
- Licence-free: Legal in the UK on 868 MHz
- Optional extras: Antenna and power banks can help, but aren’t required
- Support: Help available for Croxton villagers
With your first node in hand, you can start connecting to your local mesh — and experience the freedom of off-grid messaging.