FAQ
Common questions about Beacon 2
Answers to the questions we hear most often before customers commit to Beacon 2.
- What's in the box with OffGrid Beacon 2?
- Beacon 2 ships with the radio (Meshtastic pre-flashed), a replaceable SMA antenna, a belt clip, a USB-C charging cable, an emergency whistle, and display-stand packaging that doubles as a desk kickstand.
- How is Beacon 2 different from Beacon 1?
- Beacon 2 adds a larger 3000 mAh battery (multi-week standby), N48H magnets that grip and hold (the slipping issue from Beacon 1 is solved), a replaceable external SMA antenna with an on/off switch, sun-tolerant filament, a charge-light cutout, a reset button, a belt clip, and an emergency whistle.
- Is Meshtastic already installed?
- Yes. Beacon 2 ships with current Meshtastic firmware pre-flashed and the US region pre-configured. Pair with the Meshtastic app over Bluetooth 5.0 and you are on the mesh in under ten minutes.
- What is the range of Beacon 2?
- Up to 10+ km line of sight on LoRa at 902–928 MHz with the stock antenna. Real-world range in forests, cities, or hills is shorter, but Meshtastic's mesh routing extends coverage as more nodes join your network. A higher-gain antenna (SMA, screw-on) extends range further when stationary.
- Does Beacon 2 work with iPhone and Android?
- Yes. Beacon 2 attaches magnetically to MagSafe iPhones and the most popular MagSafe cases. Android phones work with a MagSafe-compatible case or adapter ring. Pairing is via the official Meshtastic app over Bluetooth 5.0.
- Do I need a license?
- No. Beacon 2 operates on the unlicensed 915 MHz ISM band in the United States when the correct Meshtastic region is selected (set at the factory). No ham or GMRS license is required.
- Can I run MeshCore instead of Meshtastic?
- Yes. The underlying RAK4630 hardware (nRF52840 + SX1262) supports both Meshtastic and MeshCore firmware, so you can run the workflow you already prefer.
- How long does shipping take?
- OffGrid Beacon 2 ships free from the United States with a 1–3 day handling window and 2–7 day USPS or UPS transit. International shipping is not currently offered.