Every Nomad Forge EDC Node arrives fully assembled and ready for quick setup.
Included in the package:
1. EDC Rugged Case
Custom Nomad Forge enclosure with the Heltec V4 LoRa board installed.
2. Heltec V4 LoRa Board
Pre-installed and flashed with the latest stable firmware:
• Meshtastic (default)
• MeshCore (available on request)
The device is tested before shipping.
3. 3000 MAH Battery
A rechargeable lithium battery powers the node for portable off-grid use.
4. Upgraded LoRa Antenna
Higher-performance antenna for improved range compared to stock antennas.
5. Hex Key (Allen Key)
Used to open the enclosure for battery access or maintenance.
The Nomad Forge EDC node enclosure is secured with two hex screws on the back to keep the device protected during everyday carry.
To open the case:
-
Use the included hex key (Allen key) to remove the two screws on the back of the enclosure.
-
Once the screws are removed, the back cover may still sit tightly in place.
-
The case has two small grooves designed for opening the enclosure.
-
Insert a small flat screwdriver into one of the grooves and gently lift the cover.
-
The back panel should lift off easily.
Inside the enclosure you will find the battery compartment and internal electronics.
Important
Apply gentle pressure only when opening the case to avoid damaging the enclosure.
When reassembling, place the cover back and tighten the screws snug but not overly tight.
After opening the case you will see the internal components of the node.
The device includes:
• Heltec V4 LoRa board
• Rechargeable 3.7V lithium battery
• JST battery connector
• Internal wiring and antenna connection
Important:
The battery is intentionally shipped disconnected.
This is done for shipping safety and battery protection during transport.
Do not connect the battery yet.
The antenna should always be installed before powering the device.
The battery is shipped disconnected for safety during transport.
After installing the antenna, you can now connect the battery.
To connect the battery:
-
Locate the two white JST connectors inside the case.
-
Align the connectors and gently push them together until they click into place.
Important
Make sure the wire colors match on the same side.
The red wire should line up with the red wire, and the black wire should line up with the black wire.
Do not force the connector if it does not align correctly.
Once the battery is connected, the device will receive power and the Heltec V4 board will start booting.
After connecting the battery, the device will automatically power on.
The screen will light up and display the Meshtastic startup screen, confirming that the node is running.
This indicates that:
• The battery is connected correctly
• The device is receiving power
• The firmware has successfully booted
Once the screen turns on, the node is ready to be configured.
After confirming the device powers on, you can close the enclosure.
Before closing the case, make sure the battery wires and connector are tucked neatly inside the internal channel.
The Nomad Forge enclosure is designed so the cables sit in a recessed area, which prevents them from being pinched when the cover is installed.
Closing the case
-
Ensure the wires are positioned inside the internal cable space.
-
Align the back cover with the case edges.
-
Press the cover gently into place.
-
Reinstall the two screws using the included hex key.
The cover should sit flush and properly aligned with the case.
Do not overtighten the screws — snug is sufficient to secure the enclosure.
Once closed, the node is ready for normal use and configuration through the Meshtastic app.
To safely power down the node, use the Program button.
The Program button is the larger button on the front of the device.
To shut down the device:
-
Press and hold the Program button.
-
Hold it for about 3–4 seconds, then release the button.
-
After releasing, the screen will display “Shutting Down…”.
-
The device will then power off.
Plug in usb c power cord to turn it back on.
Note
Sometimes it may take a couple of tries for the shutdown command to trigger.
If the message does not appear, simply repeat the process.
Buttons on the Device
• Large button — Program button (used for power functions)
• Small button — Reset button
The reset button is typically not required for normal use.
Once the device is powered on, the next step is to connect it to your phone.
First, download the Meshtastic app from the App Store or Google Play.
After installing the app:
-
Open the Meshtastic app on your phone.
-
Tap the Connect tab.
-
The app will scan for nearby nodes using Bluetooth.
-
Your node should appear in the list (for example: Meshtastic_XXXXX).
-
Tap on your node to connect.
When prompted, confirm “Connect to new radio”.
Once connected, your phone will act as the interface for messaging, settings, and network configuration.
Note
Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone, and keep the node close to the device during the first connection.
After selecting your node in the Meshtastic app, your phone will display a Bluetooth pairing request.
At the same time, the node’s screen will show a pairing code.
To complete pairing:
-
Look at the number displayed on the node screen.
-
Enter that same number on your phone when prompted.
-
Tap Pair.
Once the numbers match and pairing is confirmed, the phone and node will connect.
After pairing is complete, the app will allow you to:
• Send and receive messages
• Configure node settings
• View nearby nodes
• See the mesh map
The connection uses Bluetooth, so your phone should stay within range of the node during use.
You're Ready to Join the Mesh
Your Nomad Forge EDC node is now set up and ready to use.
The best way to see how the mesh network works is simply to take it out and explore.
Try bringing the node with you on a walk, hike, or a short drive around town and watch the Meshtastic app as it discovers other nodes nearby. You may be surprised how many nodes appear once you start moving around.
Every node you encounter becomes part of the mesh network, helping extend communication range for everyone connected to it.
Over time, as more nodes are deployed in an area, the network becomes stronger and messages can travel much farther than a single radio could reach alone.
Experiment with it, check the Nodes tab in the app, and see who else is out there on the mesh.
Welcome to the network — and enjoy exploring the world of off-grid communication with your Nomad Forge node.
Battery Safety Disclaimer
This device contains a rechargeable lithium battery. Lithium batteries can be hazardous if used, damaged, or handled improperly.
By using this product, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
• Do not puncture, crush, bend, or modify the battery.
• Do not expose the battery to excessive heat, fire, or water.
• Do not charge the battery with damaged cables or power sources.
• If the battery becomes swollen, damaged, or overheats, discontinue use immediately.
• Only use the battery as intended with the device.
Nomad Forge Supply is not responsible for any damage, injury, loss, or liability resulting from improper use, mishandling, modification, or replacement of the battery.
Use this device and its battery at your own risk.
Always follow proper lithium battery safety practices.