Heltec v3
Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V3
★★★★☆ 4.0
📱 Companion Radio Introduced: September 2022
Overview
The Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V3 is one of the most popular entry-level LoRa devices for mesh networking. It combines an ESP32-S3 microcontroller with an SX1262 LoRa radio chip and a small OLED display in a compact form factor.
Key Features
- Dual-core ESP32-S3: Powerful processor for running MeshCore or Meshtastic firmware
- SX1262 LoRa chip: Long-range, low-power radio communication
- 0.96” OLED Display: Shows basic message and status information
- Battery ready: Built-in JST connector and charging circuit for LiPo batteries
- WiFi & Bluetooth: Connect to smartphones or configure via web interface
✓ Pros
- ✔ Budget-friendly option
- ✔ Small form factor
- ✔ Good battery management
- ✔ Built-in 0.96" OLED display
- ✔ Active community support
✗ Cons
- ✕ No GPS module included
- ✕ Requires external antenna
- ✕ Small display for detailed messages
Use Cases
Perfect for:
- First-time mesh network users
- Companion radio with smartphone app
- Experimental projects and learning
- Budget-conscious deployments
Setup Notes
- Requires external antenna (915MHz for US)
- Flash with MeshCore or Meshtastic firmware
- Connect via Bluetooth to smartphone app
- Optional: Add GPS module via expansion pins
- Can be powered by USB-C or LiPo battery
Additional Resources
- Official Documentation
- Meshtastic Hardware Guide
- Compatible with MeshCore Flasher
⚙️ Specifications
- MCU Chip
- ESP32-S3FN8
- LoRa Chip
- SX1262
- Antenna
- External U.FL/IPEX connector
- Size
- 51mm x 26mm x 11mm
- Price Range
- $20-30