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What is Meshtastic? - Full Guide on How To Get Started

cross-posted from: 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.

umami_wasbi ,

Is that 5-10 KM range based on frequencies available in the US, or worldwide?

N1ghtstalk3r ,
@N1ghtstalk3r@lemmy.world avatar

It’s achievable by any frequency supported by Meshtastic. The average range you can expect, with good LoS, is between that 5-10km range.

However, if you have different circumstances you can expect less or even far above the average.

meshtastic.org/docs/overview/range-tests/

The range test article above shows the current record for a successful ping/chirp to another node (Point to Point, no additional hops). It’s at 254km currently :)

Churbleyimyam ,

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.

PunkiBas ,

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.

sexy_peach ,
@sexy_peach@feddit.org avatar

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?

N1ghtstalk3r ,
@N1ghtstalk3r@lemmy.world avatar

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.

sexy_peach ,
@sexy_peach@feddit.org avatar

Oh I see so it’s only text based communication basically

N1ghtstalk3r , (edited )
@N1ghtstalk3r@lemmy.world avatar

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.

sexy_peach ,
@sexy_peach@feddit.org avatar

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.

N1ghtstalk3r , (edited )
@N1ghtstalk3r@lemmy.world avatar

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.

sexy_peach ,
@sexy_peach@feddit.org avatar

mesh capability for redundancy

That’s not an improvement over CB radio

N1ghtstalk3r ,
@N1ghtstalk3r@lemmy.world avatar

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.

sexy_peach ,
@sexy_peach@feddit.org avatar

No I think it’s actually kinda cool, but not useful for many. That’s completely fine.

I just wanted to point out that decentralization wasn’t an improvement over radio.

Myself and others in the Meshtastic community will still welcome you with open arms, if and when you decide to check it out.

awesome

N1ghtstalk3r ,
@N1ghtstalk3r@lemmy.world avatar

Ahh fair enough. I can see where you’re coming from.

I find the added redundancy to be a beneficial addition in my scenario, particularly for emergency situations where cell service is out (due to overuse/congestion).

These don’t need multiple points of redundancy to work but it does add peace of mind imo. Decentralization is a core principle of Meshtastic so that’s also another strong point that pushed me towards the protocol.

But I can respect not everyone has the same requirements or interests :)

HappyTimeHarry ,

Its a totally separate thing from LoRaWAN. Its useful for messaging across town (if you live in an area with enough nodes), and it can do things like report on temperature an humidity or when a sensor is tipped, some devices support GPS too.

N1ghtstalk3r ,
@N1ghtstalk3r@lemmy.world avatar

Yeah, I personally have a handful of nodes scattered around my local area.

They’re mostly situated with family, so it’s become a sort of adhoc emergency comms network if a hurricane or other natural disaster causes issues for me locally.

Churbleyimyam ,

My understanding is that it’s peer-to-peer using two or more radio transmitters, so it shouldn’t need access to the internet.

Docus ,

Stop spamming the technology community wit this stuff, keep it in amateur radio please

adrelien OP ,

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.

umami_wasbi ,

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.

N1ghtstalk3r ,
@N1ghtstalk3r@lemmy.world avatar

Is there a set “tipping point” in this community? Or are we back to arbitrary rules like Reddit?

It’s technology related and OP is eager to share, again you really don’t have to click on the link or look at this post if it bothers you.

umami_wasbi ,

That “tipping point” is totally subjective. Different people have different level of tolerance. You might find it useful and others might find it annoying. My response is a neutral response that observed from the comment OP replying to.

Sure one doesn’t have to look at this but I would also recognize their right to voice being annoyed. I believe this community is civilize, right?

Grippler , (edited )

I think the persistent borderline spam-posting about this, coupled with exclusively linking to your own site, is triggering a negative response from some/many people.

You offer nothing about this tech or topic, only links taking people away from Lemmy and on to your site. If you want to spread the word, you should actually write something in your Lemmy posts explaining what it is, why to use it etc. to get people interested, and then they can take a deep dive on your site if they want. Currently your posts are too low effort with just links and not a single word attached.

N1ghtstalk3r ,
@N1ghtstalk3r@lemmy.world avatar

The two points I can agree with here are redirecting traffic to their website and the lack of some context before doing so.

I don’t have an issue with OP posting about this frequently, but to be fair if you’re doing it to farm traffic to your own website with the most minimal effort involved possible then it becomes an issue.

OP should definitely at least put some effort into this going forward.

Grippler ,

I’ve seen a handful of these posts in the last 24h or so, IMO that is pretty excessive but that’s subjective. But for me its especially the lack of effort, coupled with high frequency, that gives it a traffic farming vibe.

N1ghtstalk3r ,
@N1ghtstalk3r@lemmy.world avatar

I don’t understand your comment. This IS technology, thus it’s perfectly fine to post here. You don’t need to click on it or view it.

And I can appreciate OP wanting to share a new concept or idea, or promoting this project further as it’s interesting imo.

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