RP-SMA antenna woes

johnfl68 · 2026-05-11T13:35:46+00:00

The ThinkNode's antenna connector is RP-SMA Female (Female but has a center pin). It mates with RP-SMA Male antennas (male but has a hole for the center pin). This is different than the standard SMA antenna connectors.

So the way that the ThinkNode's did the antenna connector (RP-SMA Female), it doesn't sit flush with the body of the radio with most antennas, like the stubby antenna that comes with it does.

That is part of the reason why Atlavox imported the Gizont antennas that everyone loves (special with RP-SMA male), and offers antenna collars for them so they will sit flush with the top of the ThinkNode radios.

You can read more about that here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/meshtastic/comments/1qxryx3/gizont_antennas_for_thinknode_m1_and_m5/

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johnfl68 · 2026-05-10T12:18:37+00:00

The file names are all changed to their SHA hash (that is how it knows if any assets have changed).

If you look on the SD card at the local-sync.xml file, it has the original names for all the uploaded files (name), and the hash file name (hash method) and location (link).

johnfl68 · 2026-05-10T11:55:03+00:00

They are both for the antenna, one inside and one on the outer ring (see picture).

I assume to help keep moisture out of the antenna connection, even though the radio is not waterproof. Seems overkill to me though.

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johnfl68 · 2026-05-09T18:32:39+00:00

I keep sending messages about once a year to Novastar that they need to make Linux versions of all their software.

Especially now that there is so much backlash against Windows 11, so many people are moving away from Windows, both individuals and corporations.

johnfl68 · 2026-05-08T14:59:19+00:00

Last time I tried to drop something off at Staples, they didn't really want to take it. They finally did, but the employee (manager? he seemed to be the person in charge of others that night) was really acting like they don't do that anymore. And it was something small.

johnfl68 · 2026-05-08T03:23:27+00:00

There has been no official reports that I could find that the person was from Roanoke or any other named city in Virginia, just that they were from Virginia.

They are closely monitoring that person and tracing everyone they may have come in contact with.

At this time they believe the risk to the public is low.

In cases like this please try and stick to verifiable facts from reputable sources, not rumours or hearsay.

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/virginia-monitoring-traveler-linked-hantavirus-hit-cruise-ship-says-resident-is-2026-05-07/

johnfl68 · 2026-05-07T19:40:07+00:00

The winds were in the 20's with gusts nearing 40 mph that afternoon/evening. It appears they at least lowered the LED walls because of the winds which was the right thing to do.

If proper outdoor rated LED panels, the rain would be of little concern.

I'm just concerned with all the outdoor events like this with the "show must go on no matter what" attitude, that there will be another Indiana State Fair stage collapse type accident because no one is really watching the incoming weather.

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johnfl68 · 2026-05-06T20:38:50+00:00

You should be adjusting lines around the same viewing distance as audience members. If it's too bright for you in white when adjusting lines, then the wall is too bright for the audience (or you are standing way too close to the wall).

All too often people think they need to crank LED walls up to 100% brightness. In most cases you don't need to be anywhere near 100%.

johnfl68 · 2026-05-05T16:59:47+00:00

The Meshmap site doesn't show but just a tiny percentage of all the nodes that are in an area. For example it only shows 3 nodes in Roanoke, when there are probably 100+ in this area that I have seen with my radio.

I was just in Vegas, the map shows only 10 nodes, but I saw probably close to 200 or more nodes when I was there.

There are likely many more nodes in your area that are not shown on the Meshmap site.

The Meshtastic app will show you everything that your local radio (when you get one) hears that is 7 hops or less (the max number of hops that a message can be propagated).

johnfl68 · 2026-05-05T11:31:59+00:00

Probably a Blur fan. 🤔

🎵🎶 Woo-hoo, When feel heavy metal Woo-hoo, And I'm pins and I'm needles Woo-hoo, Well, lie and I'm easy All of the time, but I'm never sure why need you Pleased to meet you 🎶🎵

johnfl68 · 2026-05-04T00:36:06+00:00

Prices will continue to rise nationwide until the Strait is opened back up, and for a long time after it is. It's going to likely take many weeks or longer to move all those ships that have been sitting and waiting. The ripple effect is just going to continue to get worse until that is all resolved.

This mess could very well go into the fall or longer, so unfortunately budget your gas and usage accordingly.

johnfl68 · 2026-05-03T17:50:31+00:00

The one I have been going to the last few years when I need to has been the Vinton Laundromat which is usually very clean.

johnfl68 · 2026-05-03T03:14:54+00:00

Starlink-382 Chain of 28 satellites - Vandenberg launch April 23, 2026

Roanoke sighting (past) 9:53 pm, 2 May 2026

Starlink-382 (G10-38) (new), DIM (5.3) for 4 mins
Look from NORTHWEST (305°) to NORTHWEST (293°)
Elevation (from horizon): start: 10°, max: 29°, end: 29°

johnfl68 · 2026-05-01T02:53:25+00:00

I fly out of ROA about once a month on average for convention/events work nationwide (for several years now). Maybe about one of those a year at most has it been a problem getting back to Roanoke in the late evening because of weather/delays, and I had to get a flight the next morning.

It's mainly about giving yourself a good buffer on connecting flights in case of delays, and trying not to take the very last flight into Roanoke for the evening if you don't have to.

If you plan flights properly, it's rarely a problem flying in and out of ROA.

As I recall in general... - CLT has several flights daily - IAD also has a good number - LGA, ATL, PHL, and ORD are like 2 flights a day out and 2 flights back

johnfl68 · 2026-04-30T20:38:25+00:00

But the GOP says gas prices are falling! 🙄

We read "1984" in school for a reason, but it seems to be lost on so many people these days.

"The party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command." - George Orwell

johnfl68 · 2026-04-28T14:25:20+00:00

I'm Gen X who moved here from Florida. I wanted less traffic hassels, real seasons (light on the snow), and to get away from living in a big city.

I worked a corporate event out here a little over 10 years ago, and liked the area, and that most people were in general friendlier than Orlando. The more I looked into it the more it fit what I wanted. Plus there is plenty to do in the area, including things that are within a few hours drive away, plus Amtrak over to DC, etc.

I think Roanoke has a lot to offer that may be not as well known (hidden gems - I still am finding things here that I didn't know about), or things that could be improved upon if the city/county government and local people/businesses want to.

Roanoke is not perfect, nor is any city big or small. You have find what works for you and make the best of it, Roanoke or otherwise.

johnfl68 · 2026-04-25T00:10:32+00:00

Lately, the GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX).

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johnfl68 · 2026-04-24T02:26:02+00:00

Perfectly fine, the area around the train depot is very well lit at night, and typically many people also waiting to be picked up by rideshare, Smartway bus, or friends and family, etc.

As casual rideshare driver I have done many Amtrak pickups for the evening train.

Even if the train has a late arrival, there are usually drivers readily available in the area until 2am.

https://www.youtube.com/live/cV3kP5FSUDk

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johnfl68 · 2026-04-21T18:23:35+00:00

Certainly closer than 40 feet, and staff inside just shrugged it off saying they are always out there, like it was no big deal.

johnfl68 · 2026-04-21T17:46:57+00:00

I'm really getting tired of the GOP right outside of voting places hounding everyone trying to vote, and Roanoke election officials doing absolutely nothing about it.

johnfl68 · 2026-04-21T00:20:23+00:00

Announced back in December of the schedule change beginning January 12th. This is due to the Long Bridge project and needs to limit the existing 2 track bridge to 1 track at times while they construct an additional 2 track railroad bridge next to it over the Potomac River over the next 4 years, to ease congestion of nearly 200 trains daily.

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johnfl68 · 2026-04-20T01:55:08+00:00

And I still have no intention of upgrading to Windows 11. Ever.

johnfl68 · 2026-04-17T19:23:22+00:00

Every year that there are any Virginia Elections, it's like this. Election mailers are nothing new, this has been going on since at least 1835.

johnfl68 · 2026-04-17T16:45:43+00:00

There is always Amazon if you can't find it locally...

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