Dual node Meshtastic and MeshCore. I think both networks have their benefits, and now I don't have to choose. We'll see how two nodes does in the winter. But right now a single solar panel is plenty to keep the battery constantly topped up.
That makes sense. My understanding is gain is expressed relative to a perfect omnidirectional antenna. So, higher gain means you're making trade-offs in the area covered by the antenna. I've ordered some 2 dBi antennas to test with before deploying these.