Meshtastic

What is Meshtastic?

Meshtastic is an open-source project that enables long-range, low-power communication using inexpensive LoRa radios. Devices form a mesh network that works without internet, cell service, or centralized infrastructure.

Messages hop from node to node, extending range automatically. Power consumption is low enough to run for days or weeks on battery.

This makes Meshtastic useful for:

• Community-scale communications
• Disaster and outage scenarios
• RF experimentation and learning
• DIY hardware projects

Local Mesh

• Central Valley Mesh – https://centralvalleymesh.net/
  Regional Meshtastic community from Bakersfield to Stockton.

• Fresno Mesh – https://fresnomesh.com/
  Local coordination, events, and node coverage.

• Tower Mesh – In progress
  Hyper-local mesh focused on the Tower District and surrounding neighborhoods.

Public Channels

Meshtastic channels are encrypted. To join a public channel, add it by name and key in the app.

Recommended Hardware

All-in-One / Handheld Devices

• WisMesh Pocket
• WisMesh Pocket Mini
• Heltec v4
• Heltec v3

Where to Buy Hardware

• Data Alliance
• Rokland

Available Hardware

We have a small pool of shared tools and hardware to support Meshtastic experimentation, antenna tuning, and node building:

• NanoVNA V3 Vector Network Analyzer 4.3
• Random LoRa antennas (various gains and form factors)
• Antenna adapters
  • SMA ↔ N-Type
  • SMA ↔ RP-SMA
  • IPEX / U.FL adapters
• Extra 3D printed cases for common Meshtastic boards

Nice-to-Have Additions (Wishlist)

• Outdoor-rated enclosures for permanent nodes
• Mast, clamp, and roof-mount hardware
• Higher-quality reference antennas
• Additional NanoVNA calibration kits

Maps and Coverage

Network Maps

• MeshMap
• Meshtastic Map by Liam Cottle

RF and Line-of-Sight Tools

• Distance-to-Horizon Calculator
• Topographic height heatmap
• heywhatsthat.com
• RF Line-of-Sight Visualizer

Gallery

Examples of Meshtastic nodes built and used by Root Access members.