Elecrow ThinkNode M5 Walkie-Talkie Pro
Elecrow ThinkNode M5 Walkie-Talkie Pro
Elecrow ThinkNode M5 Walkie-Talkie Pro is a compact handheld LoRa communication device built around the ESP32-S3 and SX1262. It is designed for users who want a ready-to-use portable node with GPS, Bluetooth phone configuration, 1.54-inch EPD display, and a built-in battery. This makes it especially suitable for outdoor adventure, emergency communication, community networking, off-grid messaging, event coordination, and field testing.
The ThinkNode M5 works well in both the Meshtastic and MeshCore ecosystems. It comes with pre-installed Meshtastic firmware, and it is also supported by the MeshCore Web Flasher, where M1, M2, M3, M5, and M6 are listed as supported Elecrow devices. That gives this device strong flexibility for users choosing between Meshtastic workflows and MeshCore workflows.

Features
- ESP32-S3 + SX1262 platform for portable LoRa communication.
- Pre-installed Meshtastic firmware for immediate Meshtastic use out of the box.
- Supported by MeshCore Web Flasher, giving it a real MeshCore upgrade path as well.
- Built-in GPS module supporting GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and QZSS.
- 1.54-inch monochrome EPD display for real-time status and information.
- 1200mAh rechargeable battery for portable outdoor use.
- Bluetooth Low Energy and Bluetooth 5 for phone-based configuration and control.
- Compact enclosed design with RP-SMA antenna, buttons, buzzer, and USB-C.
Specifications
| Main Processor | ESP32-S3, Xtensa 32-bit LX7 dual-core, up to 240MHz |
| System Memory | 512KB SRAM, 8MB PSRAM |
| Storage | 4MB Flash, 384KB ROM |
| Firmware | Pre-installed Meshtastic firmware |
| Display | 1.54-inch monochrome EPD |
| Display Driver | SSD1681 |
| Display Refresh Time | About 2 seconds |
| Bluetooth | BLE and Bluetooth 5 for phone configuration |
| LoRa | SX1262, EU 868MHz / US 915MHz, external RP-SMA antenna |
| Interfaces | USB Type-C, RP-SMA antenna port |
| Functions | GNSS, EPD display, RTC, USB2.0, PMU, buzzer |
| Buttons | Knob switch, function button, page-turn button, GPS switch, reset button |
| Battery | 1200mAh built-in lithium battery |
| Power Input | 5V / 1A via USB or lithium battery |
| Power Consumption | About 340mA max, about 34uA low-power standby |
| Operating Temperature | -10 to 50 C |
| Storage Temperature | -20 to 60 C |
| Relative Humidity | 10% to 95% @ 40 C, non-condensing |
| Size | 82 x 51.6 x 26.3 mm |
| Enclosure | ABS plastic housing |
| Net Weight | 81g with case |

Applications
- Meshtastic handheld node for portable off-grid messaging and location sharing.
- MeshCore handheld node for secure mesh communication using the MeshCore firmware path.
- Outdoor adventure and emergency communication where cellular service is weak or unavailable.
- Community networking and field coordination with portable LoRa devices.
- Technology prototyping and testing for Meshtastic and MeshCore workflows.
Packing List
- ThinkNode M5 LoRa transceiver x1
- USB-A to Type-C cable x1
- LoRa RP-SMA rubber antenna x1
- User manual x1
Other Content
Meshtastic workflow
The ThinkNode M5 is ready for the Meshtastic app for configuration, messaging, map and location sharing, monitoring, and export workflows. If you want to understand how device roles, rebroadcast settings, and low-power behavior affect real deployments, you can also read the OpenELAB Meshtastic device configuration guide and the OpenELAB Meshtastic network setup guide.
MeshCore workflow
The ThinkNode M5 is also a valid MeshCore device. Since the MeshCore Web Flasher explicitly lists M1, M2, M3, M5, and M6, the M5 can be flashed and used in the MeshCore ecosystem as well. This is important for users who want a compact handheld device but prefer MeshCore over Meshtastic.
Portable field-oriented design
The built-in battery, GNSS support, e-paper display, and enclosed case make this device much closer to a finished handheld node than a bare LoRa dev board. That is one of the main reasons it works well for mobile field use, quick deployment, and personal carry.

Resources
- Elecrow wiki
- User manual PDF
- CE report
- FCC report
- Meshtastic official site
- Meshtastic Web Flasher
- MeshCore official site
- MeshCore Web Flasher
- OpenELAB Meshtastic device configuration guide
- OpenELAB Meshtastic network setup guide
FAQ
Is the ThinkNode M5 ready for Meshtastic out of the box?
Yes. It ships with pre-installed Meshtastic firmware and is designed to work with the Meshtastic app.
Can it also be used for MeshCore?
Yes. The MeshCore Web Flasher lists the M5 among the supported Elecrow devices, so it can also be used in the MeshCore ecosystem.
Does it have GPS?
Yes. It includes GNSS support for GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and QZSS.
Is it a better fit for handheld field use or fixed infrastructure?
It is better suited to portable field use, personal carry, and mobile communication scenarios than fixed solar infrastructure deployments.
1. General Shipping Information
- We provide reliable shipping services with a tracking number for each order.
- Shipping addresses must be entered in English and should not contain special symbols, so that the courier system can recognize your location correctly.
- Please make sure your shipping address is accurate before placing your order. We ship strictly according to the address provided at checkout.
- In-stock orders are usually dispatched within 1 business day after order confirmation.
- Estimated delivery times refer to the period after dispatch and do not include order processing time, weekends, public holidays, customs inspection, or force majeure delays.
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If you require expedited shipping, please contact our customer support team at info@openelab.io for a customized quote based on your destination.
2. Shipping Rates & Options
Shipping rates are calculated based on order value, destination, and available shipping methods. The final available options will be displayed at checkout.
2.1 Germany Domestic Shipping
| Shipping Method | Order Value | Cost | Est. Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deutsche Post | €0.00 - €50.00 | €4.95 | 2-4 Business Days |
| Deutsche Post | Over €50.00 | Free | 2-4 Business Days |
|
DHL Paket (Faster Delivery) |
€0.00 - €50.00 | €6.95 | 1-3 Business Days |
|
DHL Paket (Faster Delivery) |
€50.00 - €100.00 | €2.00 | 1-3 Business Days |
|
DHL Paket (Faster Delivery) |
Over €100.00 | Free | 1-3 Business Days |
2.2 Selected EU Countries / Regions
Available EU shipping destinations are shown at checkout based on your shipping address. For orders shipped to selected EU countries or regions outside Germany, we use FedEx Regional Economy.
| Shipping Method | Order Value | Cost | Est. Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| FedEx Regional Economy | €0.00 - €100.00 | €7.95 | 3-5 Business Days |
| FedEx Regional Economy | Over €100.00 | Free | 3-5 Business Days |
EU orders may be fulfilled from our Munich warehouse or, when applicable, from our Shenzhen warehouse depending on inventory availability. For EU member states, OpenELAB covers applicable import duties and taxes under DDP service where required.
2.3 United States
| Region | Shipping Method | Order Value | Cost | Est. Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Continental U.S. (50 States) |
USPS Ground Advantage | €0.00 - €45.00 | €4.95 | 3-7 Business Days |
| USPS Ground Advantage | Over €45.00 | Free | 3-7 Business Days | |
| USPS Priority Mail | €0.00 - €45.00 | €16.95 | 1-4 Business Days | |
| USPS Priority Mail | Over €45.00 | €14.95 | 1-4 Business Days | |
|
Non-Continental U.S. (AK, HI, PR, etc.) |
USPS Ground Advantage | €0.00 - €60.00 | €6.95 | 5-9 Business Days |
| USPS Ground Advantage | Over €60.00 | Free | 5-9 Business Days |
Non-Continental U.S. regions include Alaska, American Samoa, Guam, Hawaii, the Marshall Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and U.S. Armed Forces addresses.
2.4 International Destinations Outside the EU
For selected international destinations outside the EU, including Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Norway, shipping rates are as follows:
| Order Amount | Shipping Cost |
|---|---|
| €0.00 - €300.00 | €19.95 |
| Over €300.00 | Free |
For non-EU destinations, import duties, taxes, and customs fees may be charged by the destination country and are the responsibility of the recipient.
3. Warehouses & Fulfillment
Our products may be stored in our Munich, Arlington, and Shenzhen warehouses. The actual shipping warehouse depends on product availability and destination.
3.1 Munich Warehouse
For products stored in our Munich warehouse, we use Deutsche Post or DHL Paket for domestic deliveries within Germany. For selected EU destinations outside Germany, we use FedEx Regional Economy.
3.2 Arlington Warehouse
For products stored in our Arlington warehouse, we use USPS or UPS for deliveries within the United States.
3.3 Shenzhen Warehouse
For pre-order items or products fulfilled directly from our Shenzhen warehouse, we arrange reliable international shipping based on destination and inventory status. For EU member states, OpenELAB covers applicable import duties and taxes under DDP service where required.
4. Inventory, Pre-orders & Split Shipments
- Inventory Status: Please check the product page for real-time stock information. If an item is out of stock in our local warehouses, it may be marked as “Pre-order”.
- Pre-order Fulfillment: Pre-order items may be shipped directly from Shenzhen or restocked to a local warehouse first before final delivery.
- Split Shipments: If your order contains both in-stock and pre-order items, we may ship them separately. No additional shipping fee will be charged for split shipments caused by our fulfillment arrangement.
5. Customs, Taxes & Delivery Issues
5.1 Customs and Taxes
For EU Member States:
Whether shipped from Germany or China, OpenELAB covers applicable import duties and taxes under DDP service where required. Customers in EU member states should not be charged additional import duties or VAT upon delivery.
For destinations outside the European Union, such as Switzerland, Norway, and the United Kingdom, import duties, taxes, and customs fees may be charged by local authorities upon delivery. These fees are the responsibility of the recipient.
5.2 Damaged, Delayed, or Lost Parcels
Please inspect your parcel upon delivery where possible. If you notice visible damage, please report it to the courier and contact us as soon as possible. This does not affect your statutory consumer rights.
If your parcel is delayed, lost, returned to sender, or the tracking information has not updated for an unusual period of time, please contact us at info@openelab.io. We will assist you in checking the shipment status with the courier.
5.3 Incorrect Address or Failed Delivery
If a parcel cannot be delivered due to an incorrect or incomplete address provided by the customer, refusal of delivery, or failure to collect the parcel, additional shipping or return costs may apply.
6. VAT
For orders within the EU, VAT is collected at checkout according to the applicable destination rules. No additional VAT should be collected upon delivery for EU member state orders covered under our DDP shipping arrangement.








