Elecrow ThinkNode M1
Elecrow ThinkNode M1
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Elecrow ThinkNode-M1 is a high-performance multi-function device integrating advanced wireless communication technology and multiple sensors. It is designed for outdoor adventures, environmental monitoring, and emergency communications. It uses nRF52840 as the main processor and supports Bluetooth. Users can easily configure and monitor it through their mobile phones. M1 comes pre-installed with Meshtastic firmware. Combined with the SX1262 wireless chip, the device can efficiently send and receive LoRa signals, providing users with reliable long-distance communication capabilities. M1 is perfectly compatible with the Meshtastic official App. Users can use the App to configure and manage device parameters, message communication, map and location sharing, network status monitoring, data recording and exporting, custom settings, etc.
The built-in 1.54-inch EPD display can view data and device status in real-time, which is convenient for users. In addition, M1 has a built-in 1200mAh rechargeable battery with a battery life of more than 48 hours, which meets the needs of long-term outdoor use. The external LoRa antenna supports different frequency selections. The device adopts an integrated closed shell design, which is compact, easy to carry, and durable. The built-in GPS module of M1 can provide accurate positioning in any environment and can be used as an independent communication tool in the absence of network coverage or in emergencies to protect the safety of users.
Features
- Thinknode M1’s firmware is adapted to the Meshtastic protocol, it can realize efficient and stable transmission and reception of Lora signals;
- Built-in GPS module, providing accurate positioning functions including GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS;
- RTC clock can keep accurate time records even when power is off, and can realize faster hot start of the device, support interruption/wake-up；
- 1.54-inch EPD display screen for real-time viewing of data and device status;
- Built-in 1200mAh lithium battery, it can work continuously for more than 48 hours;
- Low power consumption, the maximum working current is about 85mA (CPU+LoRa transceiver), and the low power consumption is about 5.6μA
- Compatible with the Meshtatic official App. Users can use the App to configure and manage parameters of the M1 device, communicate messages, share maps and locations, monitor network status, record and export data, customize settings, etc.;
- The closed shell with integrated design is compact and portable, easy to carry and durable;
- External LoRa antenna ensures the stability and efficiency of signal transmission;
Specs
- Interface: USB-C, RP-SMA
- Shell: ABS
- Dimensions: 82mm x 51.6mm x 26.3mm
- Weight: 81g
- Operating Temperature: -10°C to 50°C
Includes
- ThinkNode M1 Device
- LoRa Rubber Stick Antenna 915MHz (SMA-RP)
- USB-A to USB-C Cable
- User Manual
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I purchased the M1 as a companion device on the Meshcore network. The M1 works great! I also own an M5 (also great) and the M1 battery is far better, thanks to the nRF processor. The flashing was simple and painless, the device pairs to my phone seamlessly, the dimmable backlight is also a great feature. I have charged once when I got the device and probably have a good 24 hours of use on it and the battery is still at 72% (YMMV depending on duty cycle). I have been recommending the M! to all of my friends who are interested in Meshcore.
Updated to the most recent stable firmware (2.7.15.567b8ea beta) and while it makes for a lot of quality of life improvements, the battery life completely tanks. As of writing, I unplugged my device at 100% battery approximately 45 minutes ago, backlight at absolute minimum, and it is already at 92% battery. There is absolutely no way that the 48h battery life claim is correct at this point. I don't know if it is because of every screen forcing a lot of screen refreshes, or what, but it's quite unacceptable for a device like this. You can see in the screenshot how quickly the battery is dropping directly from the device logs; 5% drop in ~4 minutes after unplugging.
This seems to be a problem that many people have had with a quick search. I opened the case and checked the GPS antenna connection, updated the firmware to 2.7.15.567, factory reset the device... set it outside for two hours, took it driving for two hours... I've let the battery go from 100% to 15%, and it never picked up a single satellite. Clear skies and weather throughout.
I took a final stab at it after rebooting it again today, kept all of the location configs as default (not changing Advanced Location settings), set the device in an upstairs window for about an hour, and it abruptly has multiple satellites and a GPS location fix.
As to why it did not manage a fix after nearly 24 hours, especially on a long drive, is a mystery. Definitely a confidence blow as I intended on using this device for backcountry hiking/climbing/skiing communications between friends.
Great device otherwise.
Look I’m real real dumb and I don’t truly know how to make the most outta this gizmo but my smart friends are real pumped about it and we’re putting together a little neighborhood communication system. Neat little widget.
$54 on Elecro.com, otherwise a nice little node. Solid 2 days on a charge. Backlight stops working after the first screen sleep, but updating might fix a few bugs.