Just getting thoughts out of my head
That is all that this video is about. I'm just rambling on about the practical uses of LORA and mesh networks in general, and particularly using Meshtastic.
I've been interested with Meshtastic and mesh networks in general for a while now, but hesitant to dive into yet another rabbit hole of radio related projects. But as you can tell, I'm diving in now.
Gateway to Ham Radio, or at least a way for having off grid communications with the neighborhood
Like many hams, I have family, friends, and neighbors that I would like to be involved with amateur radio for emergency communications. Like many hams, I find amateur radio to be a great option for local off grid communications when for whatever reason there is no cell phone service or power.
I have people in my life who are interested in ham radio, but at this point are not willing to put forth the effort to get their license. I get it, I truly do. For most of us the subject matter for the tests are incredibly dry and boring.
However, its real easy to download a free intuitive to use text messaging app and sync a bluetooth device to your phone. Which is where Meshtastic come into the scenario. Being able to send text messages and share GPS locations to each other without internet or cell service.
I think this could be a gateway to ham radio for some people. At a bare minimum, a good way for the neighborhood to be in touch with each other, if power internet or cell coverage is interrupted for whatever reason.
Let the testing begin
So as I type this, my collection of Meshstatic LORA devices has grown from the 2 I showed in the above video to 3. I picked up another Lilygo T Beam. Now that I've done some initial range testing between 2 devices, it's time to expand range with a third device by forming a mesh network.
I'll be using the cross country ski trail loops near my home for my "proving grounds" for experimentation with the Meshtastic devices I am acquiring. It's a logical location for me to do my range testing for several reasons. Close to my house, varying terrain and the loop structure of the trail system gives me lot of options for locations.
With there being a few options for LORA devices to use with Meshtastic, I will be able to do some solid comparisons of the different features of the different LORA devices.
Then over time as I collect a few different devices, I will give some away to family friends and neighbors. See if I can't plant a few seeds and grow a functional mesh network in my immediate area and possibly beyond. We'll see.
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