LoRa is a long range wireless technology that allows for decentralized communication over long distances using very little power.
Meshtastic is an open source mesh network built to run on affordable LoRa devices.
Getting Started
The way to get started is to pick up a basic LoRa board and antenna, flash the firmware and install the mobile app, and get meshin'! A few of us have gotten started with the following setup, which come with two sets of parts:
- Heltec LoRa 32 v3 (2 pack)
- 915MHz LoRa Antenna 3dBi + IPEX Cable (2 pack)
- We've also found this 5dBi 2-pack, but haven't tested 'em yet. Stay tuned. -dmp
Set one up at home as your base node and strap the other onto a power bank with a couple of zip ties for a quick-and-easy (if a bit clunky) mobile setup.
See the Meshtastic documentation for supported hardware.
Resources
Information
- Meshtastic Documentation
- Testing & Reviewing LoRa® Antennas
Gear
Maps
- MeshMap
- Meshtastic Map by Liam Cottle
Local Mesh
Groups / Projects
- Central Valley Mesh is a group of Meshtastic users from all around the Central Valley, from Bakersfield to Stockton.
- Fresno Mesh (TBA)
- Tower Mesh (TBA)
Public Channels
| Channel | Key | Description |
|---|---|---|
TowerMesh | vySS2Q6fJdeCQawzkWChzm9Lll0ygltmAKcogdC+zIM= | All things Tower District. |
RootAccess | h8gwZBuMRdmu8Y0S4YeoOwgBftmlAgusGvPCMwGJ4Q0= | Specific to the space and everything we do here. |
Gallery
Here are some of our member's Meshtastic nodes.
Equipment needs
General radio
- NanoVNA V3 Vector Network Analyzer 4.3
- Misc antenna adapters, both straight through and short cable – IPEX/U.FL, SMA, RP-SMA, N-Type
Hackerspace Mesh Node
We'd like a fairly decent node on the roof of the space. Here's the shopping list.
- Board, TBD
- Antenna with mounting hardware, TBD
- Weatherproof junction box (5.9"x5.9"x3.5") with mounting kit
- Compact USB charger
- Short USB-C cable