118 lines
10 KiB
Markdown
118 lines
10 KiB
Markdown
# Board Comparison
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This page is meant to help you choose a board, not just list every technical detail.
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If you only want a quick answer:
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- for a roof-mounted or set-and-forget MQTT repeater, start with `heltec_v4`, `heltec_v4_tft`, `Station_G2`, or `T_Beam_S3_Supreme_SX1262`
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- for an app-first Wi-Fi companion, headless boards are fine and often simpler
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- if you want an onboard screen people will actually use, prefer TFT boards
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- if you want a low-power status screen, prefer e-paper boards
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The tables below are built from the repo's PlatformIO board metadata and variant build flags.
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- `Target` is the short board name used in this comparison page. Release filenames and local build commands still use the full env names such as `heltec_v4_repeater_mqtt`.
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- `RAM` is the MCU's built-in RAM.
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- `PSRAM` is extra memory on some boards. More PSRAM usually means more headroom for UI, MQTT, and future features.
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If a board enables PSRAM but the repo does not declare the exact size, it is shown as `Yes (size not declared)`.
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## Start Here
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- Pick an `ESP32-S3` board with `16MB` flash and PSRAM if you want the most headroom for MQTT plus UI: `heltec_v4_tft`, `heltec_v4`, `Station_G2`, `T_Beam_S3_Supreme_SX1262`.
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- Pick a TFT board if this will be used as a human-facing companion or field node: `heltec_v4_tft`, `heltec_tracker_v2`, `LilyGo_TDeck`, `Heltec_T190`.
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- Pick e-paper if you want a status screen with lower idle draw and less frequent refresh: `Heltec_E213`, `Heltec_E290`, `Heltec_Wireless_Paper`, `ThinkNode_M5`.
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- Pick a headless board if this is mainly a fixed MQTT gateway and screen space is not useful: `Xiao_C3`, `RAK_3112`, `Tenstar_C3`, `Heltec_ct62`, `Generic_E22`.
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- Pick a headless Wi-Fi companion if the phone app will be the primary UI anyway: `Xiao_C3_companion_radio_wifi`, `RAK_3112_companion_radio_wifi`, `Xiao_S3_WIO_companion_radio_wifi`, `Station_G2_companion_radio_wifi`.
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- Pick a GPS-capable board if location-aware/mobile use matters: the T-Beam family, `heltec_tracker_v2`, `Heltec_v3`, `heltec_v4`, `Station_G2`, `ThinkNode_M5`.
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- If you want the most conservative, older radio family choices, the `SX1276` boards are `LilyGo_TLora_V2_1_1_6`, `Tbeam_SX1276`, and `Heltec_v2`.
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## `repeater_mqtt` Boards
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This table includes all repeater MQTT targets currently defined in `variants/eastmesh_mqtt/platformio.ini`.
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| Target | CPU | RAM | PSRAM | Flash | LoRa | Display | GPS | Notes |
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| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
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| Ebyte_EoRa-S3 | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | Yes (size not declared) | 4MB | SX1262 | OLED (SSD1306) | No | more memory headroom |
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| Generic_E22_sx1262 | ESP32 / 240 MHz | 520 KB | No | 4 MB | SX1262 | None | No | headless |
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| Generic_E22_sx1268 | ESP32 / 240 MHz | 520 KB | No | 4 MB | SX1268 | None | No | headless |
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| Heltec_ct62 | ESP32C3 / 160 MHz | 400 KB | No | 4 MB | SX1262 | None | No | headless |
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| Heltec_E213 | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | 8 MB | 16MB | SX1262 | E-paper (2.13") | No | low-power display, more memory headroom |
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| Heltec_E290 | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | 8 MB | 16MB | SX1262 | E-paper (2.9") | No | low-power display, more memory headroom |
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| Heltec_T190 | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | 8 MB | 16MB | SX1262 | TFT (ST7789) | No | richer UI, more memory headroom |
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| heltec_tracker_v2 | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | No | 8MB | SX1262 | TFT (ST7735) | Yes | richer UI, GPS |
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| Heltec_v2 | ESP32 / 240 MHz | 520 KB | No | 8 MB | SX1276 | OLED (SSD1306) | No | |
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| Heltec_v3 | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | No | 8 MB | SX1262 | OLED (SSD1306) | Yes | GPS |
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| heltec_v4 | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | 2 MB | 16MB | SX1262 | OLED (SSD1306) | Yes | GPS, more memory headroom |
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| heltec_v4_tft | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | 2 MB | 16MB | SX1262 | TFT (ST7789) | Yes | richer UI, GPS, more memory headroom |
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| Heltec_Wireless_Paper | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | No | 8 MB | SX1262 | E-paper (2.13") | No | low-power display |
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| Heltec_Wireless_Tracker | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | No | 8 MB | SX1262 | TFT (ST7735) | Yes | richer UI, GPS |
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| Heltec_WSL3 | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | No | 8 MB | SX1262 | None | Yes | headless, GPS |
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| LilyGo_T3S3_sx1262 | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | Yes (size not declared) | 4MB | SX1262 | OLED (SSD1306) | No | more memory headroom |
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| LilyGo_T3S3_sx1276 | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | Yes (size not declared) | 4MB | SX1276 | OLED (SSD1306) | No | more memory headroom |
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| LilyGo_TBeam_1W | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | Yes (size not declared) | 16MB | SX1262 | OLED (SH1106) | Yes | GPS, more memory headroom |
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| LilyGo_TDeck | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | No | 16MB | SX1262 | TFT (ST7789) | Yes | richer UI, GPS |
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| LilyGo_Tlora_C6 | ESP32C6 / 160 MHz | 512 KB | No | 4 MB | SX1262 | None | No | headless |
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| LilyGo_TLora_V2_1_1_6 | ESP32 / 240 MHz | 520 KB | No | 4 MB | SX1276 | OLED (SSD1306) | Yes | GPS |
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| M5Stack_Unit_C6L | ESP32C6 / 160 MHz | 512 KB | No | 4 MB | SX1262 | None | Yes | headless, GPS |
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| Meshadventurer_sx1262 | ESP32 / 240 MHz | 520 KB | No | 4 MB | SX1262 | OLED (SSD1306) | Yes | GPS |
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| Meshadventurer_sx1268 | ESP32 / 240 MHz | 520 KB | No | 4 MB | SX1268 | OLED (SSD1306) | Yes | GPS |
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| Meshimi | ESP32C6 / 160 MHz | 512 KB | No | 4 MB | SX1262 | None | No | headless |
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| nibble_screen_connect | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | No | 4MB | SX1262 | OLED (SSD1306) | No | |
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| RAK_3112 | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | No | 8 MB | SX1262 | None | Yes | headless, GPS |
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| Station_G2 | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | Yes (size not declared) | 16MB | SX1262 | OLED (SH1106) | Yes | GPS, more memory headroom |
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| Station_G2_logging | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | Yes (size not declared) | 16MB | SX1262 | OLED (SH1106) | Yes | GPS, more memory headroom |
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| T_Beam_S3_Supreme_SX1262 | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | 8 MB | 8MB | SX1262 | OLED (SH1106) | Yes | GPS, more memory headroom |
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| Tbeam_SX1262 | ESP32 / 240 MHz | 520 KB | No | 4 MB | SX1262 | OLED (SSD1306) | Yes | GPS |
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| Tbeam_SX1276 | ESP32 / 240 MHz | 520 KB | No | 4 MB | SX1276 | OLED (SSD1306) | Yes | GPS |
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| Tenstar_C3_sx1262 | ESP32C3 / 160 MHz | 400 KB | No | 4 MB | SX1262 | None | No | headless |
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| Tenstar_C3_sx1268 | ESP32C3 / 160 MHz | 400 KB | No | 4 MB | SX1268 | None | No | headless |
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| ThinkNode_M2 | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | No | 4MB | SX1262 | OLED (SH1106) | No | |
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| ThinkNode_M5 | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | No | 4MB | SX1262 | E-paper (GxEPD) | Yes | low-power display, GPS |
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| WHY2025_badge | ESP32C6 / 160 MHz | 512 KB | No | 4 MB | SX1262 | None | No | headless |
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| Xiao_C3 | ESP32C3 / 160 MHz | 400 KB | No | 4 MB | SX1262 | None | Yes | headless, GPS, web panel off |
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| Xiao_C6 | ESP32C6 / 160 MHz | 512 KB | No | 4 MB | SX1262 | None | No | headless |
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| Xiao_S3_WIO | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | No | 8 MB | SX1262 | None | Yes | headless, GPS |
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Note: all current `repeater_mqtt` boards support the local web panel except `Xiao_C3`, where it is disabled to preserve limited board resources.
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## `companion_radio_wifi` Boards With A Display
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These are the Wi-Fi companion targets that have a display configured for local status, setup help, or occasional direct interaction.
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| Target | CPU | RAM | PSRAM | Flash | LoRa | Display | GPS | Notes |
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| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
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| Heltec_v2 | ESP32 / 240 MHz | 520 KB | No | 8 MB | SX1276 | OLED (SSD1306) | No | |
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| Heltec_v3 | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | No | 8 MB | SX1262 | OLED (SSD1306) | Yes | GPS |
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| heltec_tracker_v2 | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | No | 8MB | SX1262 | TFT (ST7735) | Yes | richer UI, GPS |
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| heltec_v4 | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | 2 MB | 16MB | SX1262 | OLED (SSD1306) | Yes | GPS, more memory headroom |
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| heltec_v4_tft | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | 2 MB | 16MB | SX1262 | TFT (ST7789) | Yes | richer UI, GPS, more memory headroom |
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| LilyGo_TBeam_1W | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | Yes (size not declared) | 16MB | SX1262 | OLED (SH1106) | Yes | GPS, more memory headroom |
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| LilyGo_TLora_V2_1_1_6 | ESP32 / 240 MHz | 520 KB | No | 4 MB | SX1276 | OLED (SSD1306) | Yes | GPS |
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| nibble_screen_connect | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | No | 4MB | SX1262 | OLED (SSD1306) | No | |
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| Station_G2 | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | Yes (size not declared) | 16MB | SX1262 | OLED (SH1106) | Yes | GPS, more memory headroom |
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| T_Beam_S3_Supreme_SX1262 | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | 8 MB | 8MB | SX1262 | OLED (SH1106) | Yes | GPS, more memory headroom |
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| ThinkNode_M2 | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | No | 4MB | SX1262 | OLED (SH1106) | No | |
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| ThinkNode_M5 | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | No | 4MB | SX1262 | E-paper (GxEPD) | Yes | low-power display, GPS |
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## `companion_radio_wifi` Headless Boards
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These are the Wi-Fi companion targets that rely on the companion app as the primary interface. For many users, this is the best everyday option.
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| Target | CPU | RAM | PSRAM | Flash | LoRa | GPS | Notes |
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| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
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| Heltec_WSL3 | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | No | 8 MB | SX1262 | Yes | headless, GPS |
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| RAK_3112 | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | No | 8 MB | SX1262 | Yes | headless, GPS |
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| Xiao_C3 | ESP32C3 / 160 MHz | 400 KB | No | 4 MB | SX1262 | Yes | smallest headless option, web panel off |
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| Xiao_S3_WIO | ESP32S3 / 240 MHz | 512 KB | No | 8 MB | SX1262 | Yes | headless, GPS |
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## Practical Picks
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- Best all-round MQTT repeater with screen and memory headroom: `heltec_v4_repeater_mqtt`, `heltec_v4_tft_repeater_mqtt`, `T_Beam_S3_Supreme_SX1262_repeater_mqtt`, `Station_G2_repeater_mqtt`.
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- Best MQTT repeater if you want a simple headless install: `RAK_3112_repeater_mqtt`, `Tenstar_C3_sx1262_repeater_mqtt`, `Heltec_ct62_repeater_mqtt`, `Generic_E22_sx1262_repeater_mqtt`.
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- Best low-power display MQTT builds: `Heltec_E213_repeater_mqtt`, `Heltec_E290_repeater_mqtt`, `Heltec_Wireless_Paper_repeater_mqtt`, `ThinkNode_M5_Repeater_mqtt`.
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- Best companion choices if you want the richest local UI: `heltec_v4_tft_companion_radio_wifi` and `heltec_tracker_v2_companion_radio_wifi`.
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- Best companion choices if you want maximum memory headroom: `T_Beam_S3_Supreme_SX1262_companion_radio_wifi`, `heltec_v4_companion_radio_wifi`, `heltec_v4_tft_companion_radio_wifi`, `Station_G2_companion_radio_wifi`.
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- Best companion choices if you are happy with an app-first, mostly headless setup: `Xiao_C3_companion_radio_wifi`, `RAK_3112_companion_radio_wifi`, `Xiao_S3_WIO_companion_radio_wifi`, `Station_G2_companion_radio_wifi`.
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- Best companion choices if you prefer OLED over TFT: `T_Beam_S3_Supreme_SX1262_companion_radio_wifi`, `heltec_v4_companion_radio_wifi`, `LilyGo_TBeam_1W_companion_radio_wifi`.
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