Build Guide
Mobile Go-Bag
A ready-to-grab outage kit that trades raw range for speed, portability, and muscle memory
The go-bag is not supposed to be elegant. It is supposed to be there when cell service is down, power is flaky, and you do not want to remember where the cable went.
Hardware Selector
Heltec V3 plus small antenna
Simpler and often slightly better on runtime if you do not care about onboard GPS.
20,000mAh bank
Worth it if the bag will support multiple devices or longer outage windows.
Label card
Add a printed card with your device name, local channel notes, and the date you last charged the pack.
Packing Logic
Keep one cable attached
Do not make your outage workflow depend on finding the correct USB cable in the dark.
Pre-pair the phone
First pairing should happen on a calm afternoon, not in the middle of a storm.
Use a checklist card
Battery date, channel name, and node name should live in the bag, not just in your memory.
Setup Drill
- Flash and configure the node with your normal region and naming.
- Pair it to the phone you will actually carry.
- Put the node, cable, power bank, and printed reference card in the bag.
- Once a month, power the kit on for a two-minute readiness drill.
- Update the charge date after every drill.
Runtime Reference
| Power Source | Device Style | Estimated Runtime |
|---|---|---|
| 10,000mAh bank | Wireless Tracker class device | ~4-5 days |
| 10,000mAh bank | Simpler Heltec V3 style device | ~6-8 days |
| 20,000mAh bank | Most compact nodes | ~8-14 days |
Readiness Questions
Could someone else in your house use this bag?
If not, add a printed reference card and simplify the contents.
Is the bag really charged?
If you do not run a monthly drill, you do not actually know.