Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Testing the Elecrow ThinkNode M6, a solar powered Meshcore and Meshtastic node built around the nRF52840 chip, in real world RV and state park conditions. This review covers the hardware breakdown including the 6W solar panel, 7000mAh battery, and GPS, then shows how this node has earned a permanent spot in my portable off grid communications setup.
Rather than just running through spec sheet numbers, this video shows the M6 doing actual work: mounted on a mast roughly 25 feet above my RV, it delivers solid Meshcore coverage across an entire state park campground. If you're running a mesh network for RV travel, overlanding, boondocking, or emergency communications, this is a real field test of whether a compact solar node can replace a bulkier fixed setup.
Topics covered include hardware overview of the Elecrow M6, nRF52840 chip and what it means for LoRa performance, solar charging and battery runtime in the field, GPS, and mast mounting for maximum coverage.. If you're building a portable mesh network for RV camping, ham radio field ops, or off grid emergency comms, this node is worth a serious look.
Perfect for ham radio operators, Meshcore and Meshtastic users, RV and camping enthusiasts, overlanders, and anyone building a resilient off grid communication network.
🔹My Favorite Gear - amazon.com/shop/km4ack
🔹Links mentioned in the video
Elecrow M6 - amzn.to/3RLpKnQ
Official Site - elecrow.com/thinknode-m6-outdoor-solar-power-for-meshtastic-powered-by-nrf52840-supports-gps.html?Idd=5
🔹Raspberry Pi Build Guide - tiny.cc/pi4guide
🔹Frequently Asked Questions - tiny.cc/km4ack-faq
🔹Weekly Newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/40da1fe472e3/km4acknewsletter
🔹Follow Me
Twitter @km4ack
🔹FREE Get Started Guide - tiny.cc/getstartedguide
🔹Cool Ham Gear - km4ack.com
🔹Support the channel through Patreon - patreon.com/km4ack
🔹Did you just get a raspberry pi and want to hook it up to your radio? Start here youtu.be/E1SEgPFQk4M
Want your raspberry pi to play nice with your ham radio? Are you into digital modes like FT8, JS8Call, FLDIGI, Winlink, APRS, Digipeaters and others? Each week I put out new content showing you exactly what steps to take to get the latest ham radio software on your raspberry pi. Whether you just want to ragchew or are seriously into emergency preparedness, emcomm, or ARES and want to learn all you can about using the raspberry pi to drive your ham radio, this channel has something for you. Be sure to click the subscribe button and ring the bell before heading off. That way you will get notified of all future videos.
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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Testing the Elecrow ThinkNode M6, a solar powered Meshcore and Meshtastic node built around the nRF52840 chip, in real world RV and state park conditions. This review covers the hardware breakdown including the 6W solar panel, 7000mAh battery, and GPS, then shows how this node has earned a permanent spot in my portable off grid communications setup.
Rather than just running through spec sheet numbers, this video shows the M6 doing actual work: mounted on a mast roughly 25 feet above my RV, it delivers solid Meshcore coverage across an entire state park campground. If you're running a mesh network for RV travel, overlanding, boondocking, or emergency communications, this is a real field test of whether a compact solar node can replace a bulkier fixed setup.
Topics covered include hardware overview of the Elecrow M6, nRF52840 chip and what it means for LoRa performance, solar charging and battery runtime in the field, GPS, and mast mounting for maximum coverage.. If you're building a portable mesh network for RV camping, ham radio field ops, or off grid emergency comms, this node is worth a serious look.
Perfect for ham radio operators, Meshcore and Meshtastic users, RV and camping enthusiasts, overlanders, and anyone building a resilient off grid communication network.
🔹My Favorite Gear - amazon.com/shop/km4ack
🔹Links mentioned in the video
Elecrow M6 - amzn.to/3RLpKnQ
Official Site - elecrow.com/thinknode-m6-outdoor-solar-power-for-meshtastic-powered-by-nrf52840-supports-gps.html?Idd=5
🔹Raspberry Pi Build Guide - tiny.cc/pi4guide
🔹Frequently Asked Questions - tiny.cc/km4ack-faq
🔹Weekly Newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/40da1fe472e3/km4acknewsletter
🔹Follow Me
Twitter @km4ack
🔹FREE Get Started Guide - tiny.cc/getstartedguide
🔹Cool Ham Gear - km4ack.com
🔹Support the channel through Patreon - patreon.com/km4ack
🔹Did you just get a raspberry pi and want to hook it up to your radio? Start here youtu.be/E1SEgPFQk4M
Want your raspberry pi to play nice with your ham radio? Are you into digital modes like FT8, JS8Call, FLDIGI, Winlink, APRS, Digipeaters and others? Each week I put out new content showing you exactly what steps to take to get the latest ham radio software on your raspberry pi. Whether you just want to ragchew or are seriously into emergency preparedness, emcomm, or ARES and want to learn all you can about using the raspberry pi to drive your ham radio, this channel has something for you. Be sure to click the subscribe button and ring the bell before heading off. That way you will get notified of all future videos.
🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
