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Reviews For: Nano-node

Category: Interfaces, Radio to computer, amp, rotor, coax switch, internet

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Review Summary For : Nano-node
Reviews: 7MSRP: 495.00 base unit
Description:
First complete ECHO/IRLP node computer in an ultra small package
measuring just 5" W x 3" L x 1.7" H. The unit comes complete with the
ECHO/IRLP Debian Operating system pre-installed node number assigned.
(new or existing). " Just Plug and Plug". No Knowlege of Linux Required.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.micro-node.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0073.9
K6DPD Rating: 2020-05-03
The Nano-node is great, when it works :( Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This is definitely not a "plug & play" device and is very difficult to configure. Mine has had to be sent back for repair twice. Its never been back on the air since the last time I got it back from Mark for service, and he never replied to my follow-up emails.
N6TDG Rating: 2019-07-26
Nano-AE (Allstar) Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I have had one of Mark's Nano-AE units for about a year now. It came in very handy, (sadly) as my repeater link to the Winsystem in Paradise burned down as well as the owner's (WB6IAG) home. The Nano-AE has enabled me to keep in contact with fellow hams from Paradise that have scatted around the countryside as their town no longer exits.

But what about for the product? What can I say, it just works. Yes, it is a bit pricey, but it is well built, easy to use, easy to swith from one linked system to another through my browser or on the unit itself with a supplied stylus.

Mark gracefully took time to help me set the unit up. And when I had a problem with the unit, he took it back, fixed it and returned it to me very promptly as I was set to go on the road for many months.

As I write this, I am currently in a location that is devoid of repeaters and I am able to connect to not only the WInsystem, but to the Manchester Hub in England, or to a system in PA run by Doug Crompton, (27225)

One can built their own node or purchase one. There are several Allstar nodes being built today by amateurs, but I would have to say, this is the easiet to use and is very user friendly. My next plan is to get an optional cable and hook it to an Alinco 220 mobile unit and have the Winsystem available around town instead of my home...this way others can chime in via my node.
KG4UHV Rating: 2019-04-09
Excellent device. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Excellent product and outstanding customer service as well. This device is working like a charm. Thank you again Mark 73.
ZL2UFI Rating: 2018-03-05
Simple to setup and use ... Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have been an IRLP Node Operator since late 2003 - Node 6931. I have re-built the node several times due to hardware failures (mainly hard drives, power supplies or simply just a knackered PC). While it has not really been too much of a chore it does get to the point when you simply want to have a device with no moving parts, less power consumption and the like. While I did move to a Raspberry Pi node, internet issues, router issue and generally too busy to send the time to rebuild the node, 6931 went off the air for a year. I passed the Pi Node to a friend who has since got up and going, new node number 6713.

So I found a Nano-node for sale on a local auction site here in ZL, for about two thirds of the new price, plus I could have it in days not weeks from the USA.

I had the node up and running from the previous owner in less than 15 minutes!

I also setup EchoLink and had it all running on the internal 70 cm radio locally.

I read the online PDF manual once, then just referred to the odd section as required during the initial setup, or when to make the odd change.

It has operated well over a week without any issues,-reboots or anything else.

So I realise that this is not a cheap item at USD$495.00 plus postage but if you want a quick turn key solution without having to learn any Linux then this is the product. I bet it will last for years without any of the issues described above.

I have since ordered from Micro-node.com the WiFi, some cables etc, as I want to put the Node 5996 up on the local 6 m Repeater. I had easy and good communications with Mark Guibord as well.

So if you are looking at getting into this device don't hold back and buy one. I have not experienced any inference issues on HF as other reviewers have commented on.

Mark ZL2UFI/ZL2LV
SM2UQK Rating: 2017-03-30
Creates huge RFI on HF Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
The node works just fine, no problems. The range on the built in 70cm radio is rather good with external antenna, and the internal radio sounds ok.

But, there is one huge problem with it. It creates huge amount of RFI on HF. I moved mine out of the shack, and it's placed in the other side of the house but still create huge RFI on at least 20 meters. So I have to turn the Nano-node off to be able to work 20 meter.

The RFI is massive (S9+20) in 68 hz spaced peaks, and a lower RFI all over the band. The 68Hz paced peaks move on the band (but still covers all of the band) when the node is switching to TX.

I emailed Micro Node International about this problem but thy did not even send a reply :( Sad...

So if you are HF operator and want to have the node running while on HF this is NOT the node for you. Otherwise it's a ok but rather expensive product.
N6ESG Rating: 2016-09-22
Not for dummies Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
My first nano-node came with a defective printed circuit board. This was fixed but I found my Verizon Jetpack would not work with the nano-node. I obtained the larger Jetpack MiFi but could not get it to work. I may have the wrong numbers for Net Mash, Gateway IPA, and DNS IPA and do not know where to obtain the numbers. I did get the nano-node to work with my iPhone but only after 3 or 4 0n/off/on cycles. It was necessary to try 3 or 4 times before it would work. Using the iPhone is not a good idea as the battery drains rapidly and the iPhone heats up. I am going to keep trying and hoping to find a Elmer who can help. Have found some web sites that help some. For dummies this is not a plug and play devise. You better be very knowledgeable or have a good Elmer
K0AAJ Rating: 2015-09-05
Small device - big functionality Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
After many unsuccessful attempts to link-up with an IRLP node local to my area, I decided to install my own IRLP node and enjoy ECHO/IRLP whenever I wanted to link-up. I have enjoyed Echolink for a while, but wanted to access IRLP nodes as well. Not being unfamiliar with Linux, I thought of resources necessary to implement a IRLP card from IRLP.net and there are many options... some cheaper, some more expensive. I even went so far as to purchase a raspberry Pi and came close to ordering the IRLP card, cables, and software, but then I took a closer look at the Micro-node's Nano-node. The plug and play feature attracted me to Nano. Then there's the portability with the optional 2 port wifi. While my intent was to run a simplex link for local access using a 2m radio attached locally, I find the internal 0.2 watt radio in the Nano to be very handy around the house using a HT.

If you are wanting to install your own Echolink/IRLP node, do yourself a favor and consider the Nano-node. Mark Guibord at Micro-node will make sure you are completely happy with the Nano. I know I am!