Sometimes I go on deep dives on random topics, thanks in part to my ADHD. My latest foray into this is a radio technology called Meshtastic.

What is Meshtastic?

Meshtastic is an open-source project that uses small license-free radios, not the internet, to allow people to share text-based communications. The radio devices, also called nodes, are inexpensive ($25-$150 USD) and require no license, but many require a phone and the Meshtastic app to operate. The radios can also contain additional sensors for GPS, Weather, and other kinds of data.

Meshtastic intends to have a large number of people with the devices, not only allowing person-to-person communications, but person-to-group communications and even private/encrypted group communications. All of the individual nodes mesh or communicate with each other, forming an independent communication grid, apart from the internet.

Note – Technically, there is a protocol called MQTT that allows direct communication between remote nodes over the internet, but this is NOT standard operation and is limited in scope. The point is for the communications to be over radio, not over the internet because the internet connection can fail. Some Meshtastic local communities ban the use of MQTT as it does not represent the true range of the local community and because MQTT conversations can overwhelm node traffic.

Wait, What?

OK, maybe that is not the best explanation…

I’m going to borrow/modify an explanation I’ve seen on Reddit and https://www.austinmesh.org/learn/#eli5

But, maybe you don’t want to get a message to the whole school. Maybe your teacher placed you in the back-right corner, and your best friend in the front-left corner. You want to get your friend a message, but do not want anyone else to understand it. You and your friend have a secret language that only you can understand, so you write a note in that language. The students between you and your friend copy your note and pass it along, but only your friend will understand it. You can also create a similar note for your Pokémon club members in the class, only the students who are part of the club and speak the special language of the club will understand the message as it gets passed to them. This is called encrypted communication; everyone can pass the message along, but only the people who understand the encrypted language can read and respond to it.

The point here is that Meshtastic allows individuals or even large groups to pass messages along to each other over radio in real time, either in a larger shared space, or encrypted group or private messages. The messages usually do not get saved, but are passed along at the time. So if someone is out of class one day, they will not receive the note.

But, What do I USE it For?

Meshtastic sounds kind of neat, but what can I use it for? Why should it matter to me?

Fun

For me, the first reason is just for fun and exploration. Who else can I find nearby or in towns that I visit who have nodes running? If I go on vacation, I could reach out to local people with nodes and ask them about the best local restaurants rather than the tourist traps. I might be able to use it while completely at a stop in traffic to let others know about the accident or backup.

Off-Grid

One practical use might be if you have a group going camping together. Maybe you all want to go on different hikes in the same area, but want to stay in contact and broadcast your GPS location to your buddies in case of an accident.

Maybe you live in a very small rural community where the internet, and even electricity is sketchy during storm seasons. You can set up self-contained, weather-resistant, solar-powered nodes around the area to act as repeaters and routers so that each individual person with their own node can communicate with each other, share the latest gossip, etc.

Emergencies

What if your car breaks down in an area with limited cellular coverage? What if an extended power outage due to a natural disaster takes out the internet, power, and cell networks? Meshtastic doesn’t require the internet, and as previously mentioned, devices can be set up to run on solar power or a backup battery. If there is another Meshtastic node nearby, you can reach out for help when no internet is available.

How to Get Involved

First, I recommend heading over to Meshtastic.org to find a list of supported devices and links to them. You will also want to download the Meshtastic app on your phone.

You can find a simple stand-alone Meshtastic-supported circuit board for as little as $25, but there are a variety of devices you can find on Etsy with custom cases, solar panels, etc. More expensive devices have the node and a built-in keyboard in a stand-alone unit, so you do not need to use your phone at all.

Second, if you are at all confused about Meshtastic, there are great videos on YouTube to help you better understand what it is, and how to set up your node. Here is a great playlist by The Comms Channel – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLshzThxhw4O5JTOACGHzYSSd3soDhoXKK

Lastly, check to see if your area has a local Meshtastic group. Many states and towns have small groups working to build out a robust Meshtastic network in their area. Some towns even have nodes at schools, fire departments, and other municipal buildings. It is amazing what a grassroots group of people can do to build a flexible and robust communication platform across an entire area without using the internet.