Meshtastic
- – A open-source project that uses low-powered LoRa Radios to create a decentralized off-grid mesh network for communications
So what does that mean?
It means that you can send basic text messages and other information without relying on internet or cellular infrastructure. All you need is for you to both have a Meshtastic enabled radio, and be in range of each other.
So how is that different from a Walkie Talkie?
For one, it’s text and not voice. Second, and most importantly, each radio in the network is able to receive AND retransmit what they can hear. This means that unlike a walkie talkie where you are limited to as far as your radio can broadcast a signal, with Meshtastic, a unit at the edge of your range will then rebroadcast your message for you extending your range out further. The more radios that are out there, the further you can talk.
What are the limitations?
At half to a single watt, the transmitting power on these little radios isn’t very much. This means altitude is everything for extending your range, but if there are enough radios on the Mesh, this won’t really matter.
| Height above Ground | Line of Sight Range |
| 3 feet | 2.25 miles |
| 10 feet | 3.85 Miles |
| 100 feet | 12.75 Miles |
You start putting trees in the way, buildings, concrete walls, and metal roofs and this range can drop down significantly. With that said, there have been reports of over 180miles from the tops of mountains with the right weather conditions.
What are the benefits?
As we know, hurricanes and severe weather is a known reality in Florida, and while we have been lucky for a while in Destin, our neighbors in Panama City Beach were hit hard back in 2018. Names like Dennis, Michael, Opal, and Ivan are not so distant in our minds.
These radios won’t stop the storm, but if even a few of them are still standing when one comes through, then we can get communications going, and communications is always important when things go wrong.
So how much does it cost?
About 30-40 bucks. Depending if you want it as a fully assembled unit or are wanting to get a little hands on, the price can vary significantly.
There is so much more to tell about these radios, but if you are interested in the way they work and how to work with them, then I advise you go to Meshtastic.org and learn about them!