cross-posted from: https://lemmy.radio/post/3983333
Meshtastic – an open-source mesh networking platform redefining communication. From decentralized, long-range capabilities to versatile applications in emergency response, outdoor adventures. Discover the diverse hardware options, step-by-step setup guide, and the remarkable range of 5 KM - 10 KM.
Is that 5-10 KM range based on frequencies available in the US, or worldwide?
This is one of the coolest things in tech and maybe the most important too. Relying on centralised infrastructure really puts you at the mercy of whoever owns and runs it, as well as their enemies. Look at the internet getting shut down in various places at various times and big institutions like healthcare grinding to a halt.
When I have more time I’m definitely going to try using this stuff.
I have a couple of nodes we take on our hiking trips for emergencies or when we split up and it works pretty well. It has a surprisingly good range with the right antennas.
Which antennas do you have? How far does it reach?
What exactly could I use this for? I know how LoRaWAN works, but it requires entrypoints into the internet. Does Meshtastic need these? Do I have to set up two nodes to use it for anything? Does it use existing LoRaWAN infrastructure?
You wouldn’t need internet access for these to work, although there is a public community WAN server you could join to operate under MQTT (which is their internet facing WAN function). They function off of LoRa RF on the 915mhz band in the U.S. (and other bands elsewhere) to do the bulk of the communication. BLE is also utilized for management.
These do need more than 1 node to operate properly, but since it works off the concept of a public mesh (with options to privatize), you don’t need two of your own devices in a developed location.
However, if no one is around or within line of sight… then you’ll have to work a little harder to get contacts/connections going.
Oh I see so it’s only text based communication basically
For now, yes. There are certain extensions and 3rd party plugins that are seeking to expand on that by adding BBS capability or JS8call (for expanded text & basic audio).
There’s limited bandwidth to work with on just the 915mhz band but you’d be surprised what you can push downstream.
I find it rather useless if it only supports text messaging. Why not use cb radio or whatever at that point? That seems more useful in a disaster situation.
Very low cost of entry ($30-40), mesh capability for redundancy, and its on fairly accessible public bands although it occupies a specific part of it. Also it comes with end to end encryption.
It’s just a far more cost effective solution compared to having a CB radio, where you’d need to be licensed to have certain features or to communicate on VHF/UHF etc. You also wouldn’t need to learn any sort of HAM based etiquette to operate these devices.
Although if you need the extra capability, like voice comms, and want the flexibility that comes with HAM you can also incorporate these into that system.
mesh capability for redundancy
That’s not an improvement over CB radio
If that’s the only gripe you have, then it just seems like you’re looking for reasons to not use this technology.
That’s okay, it’s not for everyone. If you prefer to use your HAM radio, by all means feel free to do so and occupy those frequencies.
Myself and others in the Meshtastic community will still welcome you with open arms, if and when you decide to check it out.
Stop spamming the technology community wit this stuff, keep it in amateur radio please
This isn’t quite amateur radio, that is accessible to non-HAMs as it doesn’t require as much knowledge and training.
Hi, I am sorry if my posts bother you. It is a new tech I am really trying to get more people to use it if they like it. It is a growing tech.
It’s generally discouraged to post exclusively from one’s own site/blog, especially in quick succession, to communities that are not dedicated to that. Most instances treat that as spam.
Well sorry :) If I could find another blog other than mine I would love to share it. It is new tech I am trying to let people know about it and hopefully we have enough interests that big bloggers write about it.
It’s great that you’re spreading the word but this must be done strategically, not just dumping a bunch of posts at once on random communities especially since they are all from your own blog.
Keep it to a slow trickle of info and not only will people be less annoyed but they also will have repeated, organic interactions with Meshtastic over a longer period instead of it being forced upon them all at once with spam.
The way you’re doing this they will disregard your posts and think the MT community is annoying and not worth engaging with.
When it gone over a tipping point, it does the opposite, no matter how good your intensions is. Sounds like you past that tipping point.
Well, Sorry to bother you then. Nothing else I can do
No, I’m not. Read my previous response.
