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What is Meshtastic? - Full Guide on How To Get Started
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this post was submitted on 07 Aug 2024
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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?
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.
Oh I see so it's only text based communication basically
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.
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.
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.
That's not an improvement over CB radio
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.
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.
awesome
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 :)
Ok so I got myself a heltec v3 xD
Sweet, have fun! Heltecs are some of the easiest devices to get started with. Just make sure to keep it charged :)
Meshtastic has the mesh capabilities that others have mentioned but what's more immediately important is the ability to direct message others (no need to send private messages to everyone in range) and the ability to share GPS coordinates which is absolutely helpful in an emergency.
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.
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.
My understanding is that it's peer-to-peer using two or more radio transmitters, so it shouldn't need access to the internet.
To use Meshtastic you only need 1 device to talk to the others. If you want to talk with a friend each one need to have a device. Other than that you don't need anything. Get a device flash it then you are good to go