MeshCore device

LilyGo t-lora t3 v1

A veteran of the early mesh networking days. Still functional, but the T3 S3 carries the torch forward for new deployments.

Important: 868 MHz for Europe

Always buy the 868 MHz version for use in Europe. The 915 MHz version (US) is not allowed in Europe.

What is the LilyGo t-lora t3 v1?

The LilyGo T-Lora T3 V1 earned its place in mesh networking history. When enthusiasts first started building community networks across Britain, many began with this affordable board combining ESP32 processing with SX1276 LoRa.

Countless nodes hummed away in attics from Aberdeen to Brighton, forwarding messages through the early days of the mesh community. The board proved its worth but technology has moved forward.

Important: The SX1276 chip generation is being phased out of active firmware development. New users should strongly consider the T3 S3 which offers modern components and assured long-term support.

Technical specifications

Chipset ESP32 (dual-core 240 MHz) + SX1276 LoRa
LoRa Frequency 868 MHz (UK/EU) - legacy SX1276 chip
Display 0.96" OLED, 128x64 pixels
Battery External 3.7V LiPo via connector (not included)
GPS No (not built-in)
WiFi / Bluetooth WiFi 802.11 b/g/n + Bluetooth
Dimensions Compact board format
Special Features 4MB Flash, 520KB SRAM, CH9102F USB-TTL, BOOT and RESET buttons

Detailed description

The T-Lora T3 V1 represents an entire generation of mesh devices that bootstrapped the British community network. Many operators cut their teeth on these boards, learning the fundamentals of LoRa configuration and antenna placement.

Radio performance remains acceptable for its era: operation across the 868 MHz band, +20 dBm transmit capability, and -139 dBm receive sensitivity. These specifications enabled links across valleys in Wales and between hilltop farms in the Cotswolds.

If you already own T-Lora T3 V1 units, they continue functioning as useful network nodes. However, investing in new units makes little sense when the T3 S3 costs similarly while offering the modern SX1262 chip with superior receive sensitivity and guaranteed firmware updates.

Buy LilyGo t-lora t3 v1

This model is approaching end of life. We recommend the LilyGo T3 S3 for all new purchases. The modern chipset and active development make it worth the similar investment.

View t3 S3 on AliExpress

Make sure to select the 868 MHz version for Europe

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