'Emergency companion' mode for repeater to stabilize the mesh in black out scenario

[MeshTast]

Hey guys,
Due to its efficiency and range Meshcore in general would be amazing for emergency communication during natural disasters.
I have a solar-powered node in my attic running in repeater mode (I switched from Meshtastic). During a blackout, I want to use this specific independent node to communicate, as it works off grid.
However, then I have to switch it to companion. In an emergency without electricity reflashing with my notebook would waste power, and taking it down would even hurt the local mesh.
Could we add an 'emergency companion' function to the repeater firmware? Otherwise, people hosting vital repeaters are cut off from using their own infrastructure to communicate unless they buy a second solar node. And switching them to companions would hurt the mesh.
What are your thoughts or alternative ideas?

[ripplebiz]

We're unlikely to do this. The main firmwares were designed to have a singular role. (many reasons why)
It's easy to have just a cheap companion node in a drawer, ready for emergencies.

[ViezeVingertjes]

Hey guys, Due to its efficiency and range Meshcore in general would be amazing for emergency communication during natural disasters. I have a solar-powered node in my attic running in repeater mode (I switched from Meshtastic). During a blackout, I want to use this specific independent node to communicate, as it works off grid. However, then I have to switch it to companion. In an emergency without electricity reflashing with my notebook would waste power, and taking it down would even hurt the local mesh. Could we add an 'emergency companion' function to the repeater firmware? Otherwise, people hosting vital repeaters are cut off from using their own infrastructure to communicate unless they buy a second solar node. And switching them to companions would hurt the mesh. What are your thoughts or alternative ideas?

Its an odd use-case i think, KISS firmware could support this, but would add an additional device (raspi etc), so not the solution for you. Reflashing works fine through a mobile device, but indeed, then people around you lose the repeater also like you mention.

I think 'normally' people would have some kind of backup power for their companion (and other things), companion should last you a few days on battery (depending on which one you own), if power isnt restored at that point, MeshCore battery running low isnt your biggest problem anymore realistically.

[MeshTast]

Hey guys, Due to its e

We're unlikely to do this. The main firmwares were designed to have a singular role. (many reasons why) It's easy to have just a cheap companion node in a drawer, ready for emergencies.

Thanks for your rapid response 👍. It could be similar to the mobile repeater mode in the companion firmware?
In emergency case, I would like to lend my other 3 nodes to other people in the neighbourhood.

[MeshTast]

Hey guys, Due to its efficiency and range Meshcore in general would be amazing for emergency communication during natural disasters. I have a solar-powered node in my attic running in repeater mode (I switched from Meshtastic). During a blackout, I want to use this specific independent node to communicate, as it works off grid. However, then I have to switch it to companion. In an emergency without electricity reflashing with my notebook would waste power, and taking it down would even hurt the local mesh. Could we add an 'emergency companion' function to the repeater firmware? Otherwise, people hosting vital repeaters are cut off from using their own infrastructure to communicate unless they buy a second solar node. And switching them to companions would hurt the mesh. What are your thoughts or alternative ideas?

Its an odd use-case i think, KISS firmware could support this, but would add an additional device (raspi etc), so not the solution for you. Reflashing works fine through a mobile device, but indeed, then people around you lose the repeater also like you mention.

I think 'normally' people would have some kind of backup power for their companion (and other things), companion should last you a few days on battery (depending on which one you own), if power isnt restored at that point, MeshCore battery running low isnt your biggest problem anymore realistically.

Thanks for your quick response 👍.

As many others, I have some (in my case 3) heltecs v3 here. Battery is running low very quickly as you certainly know. Additionally, if these ESP32 or especially nRF52840 have no battery your can't even use them, as the current is to low for most of powerbanks. The real reliable nodes are those solar nodes with replaceable 18650s.

Anyway, in emergency case, I would like to lend my other 3 nodes to other people in the neighbourhood.
And: MeshCore becomes even more important in cases of several days without electricity. Think of earthquakes or flooding.