Heltec
Heltec Wireless Mini Shell
The Heltec Wireless Mini Shell is a fixed LoRa device by Heltec, based on the ESP32-S3 microcontroller and the SX1262 LoRa transceiver. It transmits at up to 22 dBm with -148 dBm receive sensitivity and draws about 110 mA on average. It is compatible with Meshtastic.
Compatible with:Meshtastic
Specifications
- Manufacturer
- Heltec
- Type
- fixed
- Microcontroller
- ESP32-S3
- LoRa transceiver
- SX1262
- Max TX power
- 22 dBm
- Sensitivity (SF12 BW125)
- -148 dBm
- Average draw
- ~110 mA
Estimated battery life
| Battery | Autonomy |
|---|---|
| 2,000 mAh | 0.8 days |
| 3,000 mAh | 1.1 days |
| 5,000 mAh | 1.9 days |
| 10,000 mAh | 3.8 days |
| 20,000 mAh | 7.6 days |
Theoretical range
| Antenna height | Range |
|---|---|
| 1.5 m | 10.1 km |
| 5 m | 14.3 km |
| 20 m | 23.5 km |
| 50 m | 34.2 km |
Line of sight at 915 MHz, stock 2.15 dBi antenna on both ends, receiver at 1.5 m. Range = min(FSPL, radio horizon).
Community builds with the Heltec Wireless Mini Shell
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Have a Heltec Wireless Mini Shell? Share your buildFrequently asked questions
How long does a Heltec Wireless Mini Shell last on battery?
At about 110 mA average draw, a Heltec Wireless Mini Shell runs roughly 1.1 days on a 3000 mAh 18650 cell and 3.8 days on a 10000 mAh pack. Real-world life depends on transmit duty cycle, screen and Bluetooth use.
What is the range of a Heltec Wireless Mini Shell?
With the stock 2.15 dBi antenna at 5 m, the theoretical line-of-sight range is about 14.3 km. In practice terrain and obstacles reduce it; raising the antenna is the single most effective improvement.
Is the Heltec Wireless Mini Shell good for a solar node?
It can work, but at ~110 mA average draw it needs a bigger panel and battery than nRF52840-based boards (≈12 mA).