Frequently asked questions

Email info@pls3d.store for repairs, issues, or suggestions. Every device is handmade in small batches, so direct feedback genuinely shapes what changes in the next one. There could be hardware or software issues I’m not aware of - just tell me, and I’m happy to help solve them.

Install the Meshtastic app (iOS or Android), scan for nearby devices, select RBaken, and confirm the pairing code shown on its screen. Once paired, every setting can be configured from the app. You can also connect over USB and use the web client at client.meshtastic.org without installing anything.

RBaken ships with settings already optimised for the radar view and team navigation, so it works out of the box. Double-check that RBaken’s Radio Mode matches the rest of your team’s nodes - devices on different radio modes can’t hear each other even on the same channel. The two things worth personalizing are the device name and your channel configuration. If you change or create a channel, keep “Precision Location” enabled - the radar view needs full-precision positions to show accurate distances. For screen timeout, one minute is a good default. If you want to tune range, update frequency, and battery life for your specific team size, use the configuration planner on this site.

Yes. RBaken detects and displays any Meshtastic device on the same channel that shares its location, as long as it’s set to the same radio mode. Different radio modes use different spreading factors and bandwidths, so devices on mismatched modes can’t hear each other even if they share a channel.

RBaken runs a custom Meshtastic build with a few extras on top - the radar UI and some hardware-specific tweaks - and remains fully compatible with standard Meshtastic features. Those extras are on track to become part of the official Meshtastic firmware. If you manually flash stock/official Meshtastic firmware, you’ll lose the RBaken-specific features until you reflash the RBaken build. A custom builds page is coming soon - since I’ll keep developing and fixing issues, you’ll be able to flash the latest custom build yourself. Instructions will follow once it’s live.

RBaken uses a 3000 mAh, 3.7 V LiPo battery. Typical use gets you ~30-36 hours; heavy use (frequent updates, screen always on) will bring that down. Charge through the waterproof USB-C port with any standard USB-C cable and charger. Don’t charge RBaken with more than 5 V. It will destroy it. If RBaken is going into storage for a while, leave it powered off at roughly 80-90% charge rather than fully charged or fully drained - that’s easier on the battery long-term.

RBaken ships with a 5 dBi antenna tuned for the EU868 LoRa band. It performs best mounted and held vertically. The antenna is swappable, so you can fit a different one if your setup calls for it.

It clips over the screen and buttons to stop accidental presses while carrying the device or moving during low-light operations. This is the experimental first-batch cover, so the design may change in future batches. It’s easy to lose in the field, so if you use the cover, avoid mounting RBaken on exposed external parts of your gear.

Not fully, but the first batch is built to handle heavy rain and brief water exposure. It isn’t rated for submersion. Opening the enclosure yourself can compromise the seal, so avoid doing that unless necessary. A fully waterproof version is in development for a future batch. Your feedback and suggestions will help find the best solution for it.

The first batch enclosure is 3D-printed in PLA+, rated for an operating range of -20°C to 50°C. Yes, I know PLA+ isn’t as tough as ASA or PETG, but it’s durable enough for what RBaken needs right now. Avoid leaving it in prolonged high heat or direct sunlight - a hot dashboard or windowsill, for example - since that can soften the print over time. I’ll experiment with other enclosure materials for future builds - your feedback and suggestions help a lot here too.

It comes with an adjustable MOLLE clip that supports two carry angles and works on both MOLLE webbing and belts. Additional mounting options are in development (for example, a magnet clip). Share your feedback and ideas on what you’d like to use.