The ThinkNode M1 brings a 1.54″ e-paper show, injection-molded housing, and spectacular 4-5 day battery life to the Meshtastic handheld marketplace for $40.50 (naked) or $53.90 (with case). With a machined management knob and devoted GPS change, it is probably the most polished consumer-ready units we have examined however does the brand new InkUI dwell as much as the {hardware} high quality?
Unboxing and First Impressions
The ThinkNode M1 arrives in polished packaging that instantly alerts a extra consumer-focused method than typical DIY Meshtastic {hardware}. Contained in the field, you will discover:
- 1x ThinkNode M1 Gadget
- 1x USB-A to Kind-C Cable
- 1x LoRa Antenna
- 1x Person Handbook
The construct high quality is genuinely spectacular and represents a big step up from the 3D-printed enclosures widespread on this house. Not like most ready-to-use handhelds, the ThinkNode M1 options an injection-molded ABS plastic housing placing it in the identical league as premium units like RAKwireless’s card-styled node and the T1000-E, relatively than the everyday 3D-printed crowd.
The machined management knob deserves particular point out. It turns easily with satisfying tactile suggestions, feeling extra like a client electronics product than a DIY radio. The bodily controls are thoughtfully laid out:
- Machined knob (prime) – easy rotation with good resistance
- GPS change – devoted {hardware} toggle (big plus no software program diving required)
- Perform button – for picks and display screen management
- Web page flip button – menu navigation
- Reset button – not very simply accessible
- Lanyard holes – sensible for out of doors carry
The e-paper show sits behind a recessed mounted window, giving the machine a clear, unified look. Total, this appears like a completed product designed for precise shoppers, not simply lovers prepared to tinker.
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This machine makes use of an RP-SMA antenna connector, not normal SMA.
Ensure that to confirm connector kind earlier than attaching an antenna or shopping for a brand new one — RP-SMA and SMA aren’t suitable and forcing the mistaken kind can harm the connector.
Options Overview
The ThinkNode M1 is concerning the dimension of a matchbox 82 by 51 millimeters but inside, it’s full of stable {hardware}.
It runs on the Nordic nRF52840, the identical dependable energy environment friendly chip utilized in most handheld Meshtastic units. For long-range communication, it makes use of the new SX1262 radio, which might push as much as +22dBm of transmit energy. It helps each 915MHz and 868MHz bands, so you should use it just about anyplace. Configuration is easy, simply join over Bluetooth utilizing the Meshtastic app in your telephone.
On the entrance, there’s a 1.54” e-paper show, the identical form of display screen utilized in e-readers. It’s not quick about two seconds per refresh nevertheless it’s straightforward on the eyes and stays readable even beneath daylight, which makes it good for out of doors use. The display screen can be backlit, making it handy to make use of in the dead of night. You get one of the best of each worlds the backlit gentle of an OLED show and the facility effectivity of e-paper.
The M1 additionally consists of GPS with multi-constellation help (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS). It locks rapidly and stays correct. There’s a small however sensible contact right here: the RTC clock. It retains time even when the machine is off, so your timestamps keep appropriate and GPS begins sooner after reboot one thing most units skip however seems to be actually helpful in apply.
It’s acquired the small issues lined too, a buzzer for alerts, LEDs for LoRa and GPS standing, and a 1200mAh battery that prices over USB-C. The entire thing weighs simply 81 grams with the case and feels sturdy due to the ABS plastic shell.
Out of the field, it’s already working Meshtastic firmware, so you may pair it, be a part of a mesh, and begin sending messages or sharing location instantly.
Flashing the Firmware
The ThinkNode M1 comes preflashed with Meshtastic firmware, however if you wish to replace to the most recent model (particularly to make the most of the brand new InkUI optimized for e-paper shows), this is the method:
Erase the Present Firmware:
- Navigate to the Meshtastic Web Flasher
- Choose “ThinkNode M1“ from the machine choices
- Click on on the trash image subsequent to the flash button to erase the present firmware
Coming into DFU Mode:
You may must enter DFU mode (Gadget Firmware Replace mode) to proceed:
Possibility 1: Double-press the reset button on the machine. A USB drive ought to seem in your laptop.
Possibility 2: Click on “Enter DFU Mode” within the Internet Flasher (after clicking Flash and Proceed), choose the right COM Port, then click on Join.
Erase the Flash in DFU Mode:
- As soon as in DFU mode, the ThinkNode M1 will seem as a drive in your laptop
- Obtain the Flash Erase UF2 file and duplicate it to the DFU drive
- After transferring, the drive will disappear and the machine will reboot
- Return to the Internet Flasher and click on “Open Serial Monitor”, choose the right COM Port, then click on Join
- Wait a couple of seconds—it ought to show “completed” as soon as formatting is full
Flashing the New Firmware:
- After erasing, return to the Internet Flasher and select the newest firmware model (2.7.x advisable for InkUI help)
- Choose Flash, and you may must enter DFU mode once more (repeat the earlier step)
- As soon as in DFU mode, obtain or copy the UF2 file for the brand new firmware onto the DFU drive
- The machine will mechanically reboot as soon as the switch is full
Efficiency
Battery Life
The ThinkNode M1’s battery efficiency exceeded expectations. With a comparatively modest 1200mAh battery. Nonetheless, real-world testing revealed spectacular outcomes:
Battery-only operation (GPS disabled): The machine lasted 4-5 days with typical utilization patterns together with periodic display screen updates and message transmission. That is glorious efficiency for an e-paper handheld of this dimension. Nearly of the lengthy lasting units in actual world testing in comparison with the shape issue!
Anticipated efficiency (GPS enabled): Based mostly on typical GPS energy draw, we estimate 2-3 days of runtime with steady GPS operation nonetheless very respectable for a 1200mAh battery.
In comparison with comparable units:
- Wio Tracker L1 Professional (2000mAh): ~2.5 days with out GPS
- WisMesh Pocket V2 (3200mAh): 3-5 days with out GPS
- ThinkNode M1 (1200mAh): 4-5 days with out GPS
For a tool with a backlit e-paper show and this battery capability, these outcomes are fairly spectacular and in addition in step with what we would count on from environment friendly nRF52840 energy administration. The mix of the ultra-low-power SSD1681 e-paper driver (~5.6μA in sleep mode) and the nRF52840’s energy effectivity actually shines right here in relation to energy effectivity.
GPS Efficiency
The built-in GPS module carried out as anticipated, delivering dependable positioning with no surprises which is strictly what you need in a handheld machine.
Multi-constellation help (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS) ensures sooner lock instances and higher accuracy in comparison with GPS-only options. In our testing:
The devoted GPS {hardware} change is a standout characteristic. Relatively than diving into software program menus to toggle GPS on/off, you merely flip a bodily change. That is extremely handy for:
- Conserving battery when positioning is not wanted
- Fast GPS allow/disable throughout energetic use
- Clear visible affirmation of GPS state
One sensible good thing about the RTC integration: the real-time clock maintains correct time even when powered off, which helps the GPS obtain sooner sizzling begins by sustaining satellite tv for pc almanac information and lowering time-to-first-fix.
Total, GPS efficiency is stable and dependable no points to report, simply reliable positioning whenever you want it.
Vary and Connectivity
Vary testing revealed some fascinating outcomes that require context to interpret correctly. In our standardized testing setting (city heart, clear climate circumstances), the ThinkNode M1 achieved roughly 1.71km of dependable vary.
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This take a look at was performed in clear climate throughout a interval when most of our current opinions have been completed in winter circumstances. Our vary testing methodology makes use of a constant location and path to permit relative comparisons between units, this isn’t a measurement of most potential vary, however relatively a standardized benchmark for device-to-device comparability.
Sign Energy Observations: Throughout testing, we seen the M1 struggled barely extra with sign power consistency in comparison with another units. In comparison with the ThinkNode M2 (which we’ll assessment quickly), we noticed:
- Occasional delays in message acknowledgments (ACK)
- Some transmission failures on the fringe of vary
- Much less constant sign power at comparable distances
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Some location factors have been omitted from our testing information for privateness causes.
Vary Efficiency Perspective: The ~1.71km end in city circumstances is sufficient however not distinctive. For comparability with units examined in the identical setting:
- Wio Tracker L1 Professional: ~1.8km (very near T1000-E efficiency)
- T1000-E: ~1.8km+ (considered one of our prime performers)
- WisMesh units with exterior antennas: 800m-1km+ (FPC antenna baseline)
The slight battle with sign consistency is value noting, notably for those who’re deploying this as an edge node the place dependable connectivity is vital. Nonetheless, for typical mesh participant roles or handheld use the place you are inside a reasonable distance of different nodes, the efficiency needs to be enough.
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This machine makes use of an RP-SMA antenna connector, not normal SMA.
Ensure that to confirm connector kind earlier than attaching an antenna or shopping for a brand new one — RP-SMA and SMA aren’t suitable and forcing the mistaken kind can harm the connector.
Show and Person Interface
The 1.54″ e-paper show is the ThinkNode M1’s defining characteristic, and its person expertise varies dramatically relying on which firmware model you are working.
Outdated UI (Pre-2.7 Firmware)
With the older Meshtastic UI, the e-paper expertise was useful however finicky. E-paper shows weren’t initially a main focus for Meshtastic’s interface design, and it confirmed:
- Slower display screen updates
- Occasional lagging or unresponsiveness
- Little or no you are able to do aside from scrolling by way of pages
InkUI (Firmware 2.7+)
After flashing to firmware 2.7.x with InkUI, the expertise transforms fully. InkUI is particularly designed for e-paper shows, and the distinction is instantly apparent:
Display screen Conduct:
- A lot sooner refresh charges – noticeable enchancment in responsiveness
- Optimized rendering – higher person expertise, much less laggy
Management Scheme Modifications: With InkUI, the button/knob features are remapped:
- Perform button: Toggle display screen backlight on/off
- Knob (flip): Alter display screen brightness
- Web page button (single press): Cycle by way of pages/choices
- Web page button (lengthy press): Entry choices menu/choose
Person Expertise Commerce-offs: InkUI is certainly higher optimized for e-paper, however the brand new management scheme is much less intuitive than we would hoped:
- Attending to particular features takes extra button presses
- The knob’s brightness-only position appears like underutilizing good {hardware}
- Menu navigation requires extra deliberate consideration
That stated, the general expertise is considerably improved from the pre-2.7 firmware. The display screen behaves rather more like a correct e-paper interface, with sooner updates and higher rendering. It is a trade-off: barely much less intuitive controls in change for significantly better show efficiency.
E-Paper Advantages
The e-paper show excels in a number of key areas:
- Out of doors readability: Wonderful visibility in direct daylight (no backlight glare)
- Energy effectivity: Solely attracts energy throughout refresh, not whereas displaying static content material
- Readability at angles: Not like LCDs, stays clear from any viewing angle
- Eye consolation: No PWM flicker, simpler on eyes throughout prolonged use
E-Paper Limitations
- Refresh latency: Even optimized, e-paper cannot match OLED response instances
- No real-time updates: Standing indicators have to be manually refreshed
- Ghosting: Occasional residual photographs if partial refreshes accumulate
The show expertise with InkUI is genuinely good significantly better than the previous UI. Whereas the management scheme is not good in contrast to the joystick from the Wio Tracker L1 Pro, the display screen itself behaves correctly and makes the machine nice to make use of. When you’re contemplating the ThinkNode M1, we strongly advocate flashing to firmware 2.7+ instantly to get the InkUI expertise.
Expandability and Customization
The ThinkNode M1 is designed as a ready-to-go handheld, and that philosophy extends to its method to growth: there primarily is not any.
No Exterior Growth
Not like modular boards (RAK19007, WisMesh Board ONE, and so on.), the M1 provides:
- No WisBlock sensor slots
- No Grove connectors
- No accessible I2C/UART headers
It is a deliberate design alternative Elecrow positioned this as a consumer-ready machine, not a growth platform. When you want sensor growth, environmental monitoring, or customized peripherals, you will need to have a look at different fashions.
Inside Entry
Opening up the machine reveals SWD (Serial Wire Debug) programming pins on the PCB. Nonetheless:
- Their actual capabilities and use circumstances are not clearly documented
- Probably supposed for manufacturing facility programming or superior debugging
- Not designed for end-user modification
For the typical person, these pins will not be related. For superior builders, they could allow customized firmware experimentation however you are by yourself with out official documentation.
Pricing
The ThinkNode M1 lands at $40.50 for the naked board or $53.90 with the case, which positions it very apparently within the Meshtastic market. It’s one of many solely ready-to-use handhelds with a correct case you may truly purchase proper now, alongside the T-Echo at round $62. In comparison with the T-Echo, the M1 undercuts the worth whereas providing a much bigger battery, higher controls, a devoted GPS change, and a smaller, extra pocketable kind issue.
The closest different is the Wio LP Pro. Sure, the M1 is sort of $10 dearer, however you get for much longer battery life due to the e-ink show whereas preserving an nearly an identical and even smaller kind issue. The M1 additionally consists of an RTC clock, a devoted GPS button, and a premium injection-molded really feel, whereas the LP Professional is bare-board or 3D printed case. The trade-off is shedding photo voltaic functionality, however for a lot of customers, the additional battery longevity and completed product high quality are well worth the worth for one thing meant for use as handheld.
Seeed Studio’s Wio LP Professional with e-ink remains to be bare-board solely, and even when the case arrives it’ll value greater than the OLED model, so the M1’s ready-to-use e-paper bundle is interesting. The Wio Tracker L1 Pro at $42.90 packs spectacular options like photo voltaic charging, a joystick, growth slots that’s inconceivable to make use of with handheld as a result of dimension, GPS, and a 2000mAh battery, nevertheless it’s 3D-printed and doesn’t really feel as premium. The M1’s injection-molded case, e-paper show, and 4–5 day battery life make it really feel like a real completed handheld.
On the upper finish, the WisMesh Pocket V2 at $99 and Board ONE Pocket at $66 are both 3D-printed or restricted in battery life and vary, whereas the T1000-E at $39.90 has nice vary and IP65 water resistance however no display screen or full controls. DIY choices like XIAO ESP32S3 kits are cheaper however require meeting, growth boards, and compromise on battery and vary.
At $53.90, the M1 isn’t the most affordable possibility however the associated fee displays e-paper, injection-molded manufacturing, built-in battery, GPS, buzzer, RTC, and a high quality machined knob, all assembled and able to go. It’s a mid-tier machine that fills a spot out there: a elegant, outdoors-friendly, standalone handheld that beats cheaper 3D-printed or bare-board alternate options in usability and battery life.
Last Ideas
The ThinkNode M1 is a standout within the Meshtastic handheld market, providing a uncommon mixture of polished construct high quality, lengthy battery life, and outdoor-friendly and energy environment friendly e-Ink show. It’s not the most affordable possibility, nevertheless it delivers a whole, ready-to-use expertise that almost all DIY or 3D-printed alternate options merely can’t match. The injection-molded housing, machined management knob, devoted GPS change, and considerate touches just like the RTC clock all make it really feel like a real client machine relatively than a hobbyist mission.
Whereas it lacks growth choices and trades off photo voltaic charging discovered on some rivals, the M1 excels at what it’s designed for: a standalone, dependable, and moveable handheld for out of doors use. The InkUI firmware dramatically improves the e-paper expertise, making navigation and messaging smoother, even when the management scheme takes some getting used to.
When you prioritize multi-day battery life, rugged usability, and a premium really feel in a compact bundle, the ThinkNode M1 hits a candy spot. For individuals who need most options per greenback, photo voltaic charging, or sensor growth, different units could also be extra appropriate however for an on a regular basis handheld that “simply works” out of the field, the M1 is tough to beat.
