Elecrow ThinkNode M3 Meshtastic Tracker

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This device comes from muziWORKS. The description starts with:

The ThinkNode-M3 Meshtastic tracker is a high-performance device designed specifically for Meshtastic users. Integrating the LR1110, nRF52840, and GPS modules, it provides a high-precision, low-power positioning and communication solution. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry and install, ensuring accurate location tracking whether worn on the body, mounted on a vehicle, or discreetly placed anywhere.

The Elecrow ThinkNode M3 is configurable as a tracker or as a Meshtastic node. The tiny instruction sheet that comes with it has two QR codes: one for the tracker manual and one for the Meshtastic manual.

Reading through the two manuals, I see some interesting differences. If you want the temperature and humidity environmental sensors (I do), the device must be configured as a Meshtastic node. If you want to use it as a tracker, you don’t get access to those sensors. For use as a tracker, you create an account on a specific website where you can track movement of the device.

The ThinkNode M3 is a little larger than I had pictured. I shouldn’t be surprised because it has the radio, antenna, and battery inside. It comes with the bits you see below. The wall holder secures the M3 quite well. I did not try the included adhesive pad. The knife lanyard was an interesting inclusion in the package. It does work well when choosing to carry the M3 in a pocket or bag.

 You’ll need a charger for the USB-to-magnetic-coupler cable. I tried one of my big PD (power delivery) chargers and it didn’t work, but a lower powered charger worked fine. The LED blinks red while charging.

I configured the ThinkNode M3 as a Meshtastic node. Configuration is much like other Meshtastic nodes, no surprises there.

The node does show humidity. However, the reported temperature was elevated during battery charging. The sensor picked up the heat generated during charging. Once the charging cycle completed, the device cooled and the reported temperature was then reflective of the room temperature. Screenshots below show the difference.

Overall, this device works well as a Meshtastic node. At a price of $39, it also a great value for a Meshtastic device. It is slim enough to slip into a pocket. It is surprisingly capable for such a compact device.

UPDATE: I did try to update the firmware. Interestingly, this device offers over-the-air updates via Bluetooth. I tried that and the firmware update failed partway through the process. I’m working with support on how to recover the device. My recommendation: don’t update the firmware over Bluetooth!