How we rate compatibility
Compatibility statuses say how well a pairing is documented. They are separate from whether we tested a product.
The four statuses
| Status | Means |
|---|---|
| ✓Documented: documented | The maker or the project publishes support for this exact model, and we cite it. Our data uses the word "verified" for this; it does not mean we tested it. |
| ≈Likely: likely | Documented at the family, chip or tier level, or by a reputable retailer, but not for this exact unit or variant. |
| ?Unverified: unverified | We could not find documentation either way. Treat it as unknown. |
| ✕Not compatible: not compatible | A published requirement or a published dimension rules it out. |
The traps we check for
MeshCore versus Meshtastic
Separate networks. A board that runs both runs one at a time, and a radio on one network does not message radios on the other. Support also varies by board revision, so we rate each firmware on its own line.
915 MHz versus 868 MHz
US LoRa use is in the 902 to 928 MHz band. European 868 MHz variants are not substitutes. Some boards cover both in hardware and set the band in firmware, which is why the region setting matters before first use.
Antenna connectors
SMA and RP-SMA look alike and do not mate. Board-level IPEX (U.FL) jacks come in generations that do not mix, and they wear out after few connections. Outdoor antennas often use N-type. Match type and gender at both ends.
Antenna gain and the 6 dBi line
Under 47 CFR 15.247(b)(4), using an antenna above 6 dBi in this band means reducing conducted power by the amount over 6. Gain is not free range; it reshapes the pattern. The US rules, cited.
Firmware support is not legal approval
A board listed by a firmware project can still be sold without US equipment authorization. We record an FCC ID only when we find one.
Solar inputs and cells
Node boards take a narrow solar voltage range and expect a specific cell chemistry. A 12 V or 18 V panel on a 5 V input can destroy the board.