REFERENCE / BUILDS SCOUT NODE
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xTAK / Builds / Scout

Scout
node.

The lightest node — a pocket-to-pack Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W running digiTAK, offline maps, and GPS for a single operator on the move. Custom-powered and sized to a compact printed case.

Runs netTAK Standalone digiTAK mbtileserver
A responder's gloved hands holding the compact Scout node before clipping it to a pack strap on a forest trail.
ComputeRaspberry Pi Zero 2 W
RunsdigiTAK (digirig)
Power4,000 mAh · panel-charged
GPSFast-fix

What the
Scout gives you.

The parts list.

The base build runs netTAK Standalone and mbtileserver. Add the digirig to run digiTAK, plus the optional GPS. Generic part on the left, where to buy on the right, and a note on what you can safely swap.

PartWhere to get itNotes & substitutions
Base build — runs netTAK Standalone + mbtileserver
ComputePi Zero 2 W kit Amazon Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W. This kit includes the short USB cable the build routes inside the case.
UPS / power boardPiSugar (Pi Zero) Amazon A PiSugar sized for the Pi Zero 2 W. Gives live battery state in adminTAK.
Battery4,000 mAh LiPo · 54×50 mm Amazon The 54×50 mm cell is sized to fit the custom Scout case.
microSD cardA1/U3 · 64 GB–512 GB Amazon Any A1/U3 card runs digiTAK. For offline maps (mbtileserver), size up: ~64 GB holds one map region, ~512 GB the full map set.
USB panel mount (data)Male USB, 23.7 mm Amazon Male-USB panel mount that mates the cable included with the Pi, bringing data to the case wall. The 23.7 mm barrel matches the 3D-printed case cutout.
USB-C charge-port mountPanel mount, 23.4 mm Amazon Panel-mount USB-C charge port at the case wall. The 23.4 mm barrel matches the 3D-printed case cutout.
5V power moduleCompact buck Amazon A very small 5V supply that installs inside the charge panel mount to power the Pi.
Charge connectorCable end Amazon Mates the other end of the charge cable.
Charging wire20–24 AWG silicone, ~6 in You supply About 6 in of 20–24 AWG silicone wire for the charge run. Any equivalent works.
Heat-set inserts — coversM3 kit Amazon M3 heat-set inserts for installing the covers.
Pi mounting screws2.5 mm plastic Amazon 2.5 mm plastic screws to mount the Pi to the PiSugar and the case.
Case screws3 mm stainless Amazon 3 mm stainless machine screws that thread into the heat-set inserts to close up the case.
Add for digiTAK
digirig interfaceUSB sound + PTT digirig.net Bridges an amateur (VHF/UHF) radio for digiTAK. Sold direct at digirig.net.
Digirig shielded cableUSB-C, ferrites Amazon Short shielded USB-C cable for the digirig — keeps RF off the data line.
Optional — GPS (position reports + clock sync)
GPS moduleBZGNSS BZ-251 Amazon The same fast-fix GPS as the other builds — no jumper wires needed on the Scout.
Download BOM (CSV) Opens in Excel / Google Sheets.

Some links above are Amazon affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate, xTAK earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We link the exact parts we build with; you're free to source equivalents anywhere.

Putting it together.

The Scout adds a small custom charging harness to the compact case. Step-by-step photos and the wiring detail are on the way.

Inside a completed Scout node: Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, PiSugar power board, and custom charge harness in the compact printed case.
Scout internals — Pi Zero 2 W, PiSugar, and the custom charge harness
The software the Scout runs

Put TAK in your pocket.

Build the hardware from this list, then license digiTAK — offline maps and the netTAK Standalone base come with it.

Get digiTAK