Lmst

Anyone in Palmerston North/Te Papaioea playing around with Meshtastic?
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#Meshtastic #offgridcommunication #PalmerstonNorth #Aotearoa #resilience #collapse

Now that's a #LoTech method of #OffGridCommunication @delta ! TY for sharing!

#SolarPunkSunday #EmergencyCommunication #OffGridCommunications #Whistles

11 #OffGridCommunication Methods: Staying Connected in Emergencies and Remote Areas

September 18, 2023

"In today's digital age, staying connected is often taken for granted. We rely heavily on our smartphones and the internet to keep in touch with loved ones and access vital information. However, in emergency situations or remote areas where traditional communication methods may become unreliable or fail, it is essential to have alternative means of staying connected. Off-grid communication techniques offer a lifeline for individuals to communicate with others and seek help when needed.

Here are five reliable and realistic off-grid communication methods that let you have a conversation like you would on a cell phone when your cell is down for the count:

1. Ham Radio: Making Connections, No Matter the Distance

When it comes to off-grid communication, few methods can match the power and versatility of ham radios, also known as amateur radios. Ham radios work by transmitting and receiving signals through antennas.

Their range of communication can vary depending on factors such as frequency, antenna height, atmospheric conditions, and obstacles like buildings or terrain. In optimal conditions, ham radios can communicate over hundreds of miles, potentially even globally. Ham radios are beneficial for emergency communication and can provide a means of staying in touch with others during natural disasters or in remote wilderness areas. It is important to note that obtaining a license and some technical knowledge is necessary to operate a ham radio legally and effectively.

When traditional infrastructure falters, or in off-grid scenarios where traditional cellular networks are inaccessible, ham radios prove their worth as a reliable means of communication.

2. CB Radio: Keeping Your Group Connected

For those looking for a simple and accessible option, CB radio comes to the rescue. Citizens Band radio, or CB radio, operates on a set of 40 channels and does not require a license to use. It is a simple and effective off-grid method that offers a reliable means of communication within a localized area. CB radios are commonly used by truck drivers, outdoor enthusiasts, and emergency responders. CB radios work by transmitting and receiving radio signals using handheld devices or mounted units in vehicles.

While their range is shorter compared to ham radios, typically reaching a few miles, CB radios still prove effective for staying connected with your group while exploring remote areas or during emergencies when cellular networks go down. With their simplicity and ease of use, CB radios ensure you'll be able to communicate when it matters most.

3. Satellite Phone: Communication Without Boundaries [Note: Will not work after #KesslerSyndrome events]

When you find yourself in areas without cellular coverage, satellite phones step in to bridge the gap. By connecting to orbiting satellites, these devices provide global coverage, allowing you to make calls and send messages from virtually anywhere on the planet.

Whether you're exploring remote regions or facing emergencies in areas lacking traditional infrastructure, satellite phones become invaluable tools for staying connected. It's worth noting that satellite phones may come with a higher price tag compared to other options, but their ability to keep you in touch with the world makes them well worth the investment.

4. Walkie Talkies: Portable and Practical Communication

If you're looking for a portable and practical off-grid communication solution, look no further than walkie talkies. These handheld devices provide short-range communication through radio waves. They are simple to use and do not require any licensing.

Walkie talkies work by transmitting and receiving radio signals between two or more devices. The range of communication for walkie talkies typically varies based on factors such as terrain, obstacles, and the power of the devices. In general, walkie talkies can provide effective communication in the range of a few miles, making them ideal for coordinating activities within a group or staying in touch during outdoor adventures. Walkie talkies are commonly used by hikers, campers, and event organizers, enabling quick and reliable communication in off-grid situations.

5. Mesh Networking Devices: Building Connections Without Infrastructure

When traditional infrastructure is unavailable, mesh networking devices step in to establish connections where none exist. Devices like goTenna or Sonnet create peer-to-peer networks, forming a web of interconnected devices. They create a decentralized network by linking multiple devices together, with each device acting as a "node" or connection point that can directly communicate with nearby devices.

It's important to note that the range of mesh networking devices depends on factors such as the number of devices in the network and the surrounding terrain. These devices excel in situations where communication becomes difficult due to the lack of infrastructure.

Two "One Way Street" Options

Sometimes, off-grid communication becomes a "one-way street" situation where you either need to receive or send critical information without engaging in a full-blown conversation. Two options that fit this scenario are shortwave radios and GPS messenger beacons.

Shortwave radios provide up-to-the-minute information during emergencies, even when cell phone towers fail. As seen in the case of the Maui fires, communication failures left people without a way to get in touch with loved ones, and critical cell phone alerts went undelivered. In such scenarios, shortwave radios can provide reliable and up-to-the-minute information, potentially saving lives.

GPS messenger beacons, on the other hand, allow users to send distress signals and their precise coordinates to rescue services. This enables quick and targeted assistance in emergency situations, even when direct communication is not possible.

Four Low-Tech Off-Grid Communications Techniques

Off-grid communication doesn't have to be high-tech to be effective. The classic survival movie scene of building a roaring fire on a deserted island/remote mountain/in a dense jungle to signal for rescue is a cliche for a reason and speaks volumes of the power of low-tech and no-tech methods to communicate the need for help. From #SmokeSignals to #flares to #mirrors to #whistles, resources as simple as these can help save the day. These low-tech visual and auditory signaling techniques can be highly effective in emergencies when you simply need to be spotted or heard.

Bottom Line: Off-Grid Communication Methods can be a Critical Lifeline

Mastering off-grid communication techniques is vital for increasing self-reliance and preparedness in emergency situations and remote areas. By understanding and utilizing these methods, individuals and their families can stay connected, seek help when needed, and increase their chances of survival. From a high-tech ham radio or satellite phone to a simple radio and whistle, having a range of off-grid communication tools is an essential part of any emergency preparedness plan."

Source:
https://www.survivalfrog.com/blogs/survival/11-off-grid-communication-methods-staying-connected-in-emergencies-and-remote-areas

#SolarPunkSunday #MeshNetworks #HamRadio #CBs #WalkieTalkies #OffGridCommunications #EmergencyCommunication #OffGridCommunication #StayingConnected

Now this article has a date (2025) and discusses some of the various devices.

What Is #Meshtastic? Build Your #OffGrid #MeshNetwork in 2025

By Zero Zhang, July, 2025

"Introduction: The Rise of Off-Grid Communication

"From backcountry adventures to disaster response and decentralized events, the need for reliable, long-range, and infrastructure-free communication is growing fast. As cellular networks become overloaded or unavailable in remote areas, more developers and makers are turning to a surprising solution: Meshtastic.

"Meshtastic is an open-source project enabling low-power, long-range, off-grid mesh communication using #LoRa radios. In 2025, it’s more than a buzzword—it’s a movement.

What Is Meshtastic?

"Meshtastic is a community-driven open-source protocol and firmware that transforms affordable LoRa radios into personal mesh communicators. You can send short text messages, GPS coordinates, and alerts across a peer-to-peer network — all without Wi-Fi, cellular, or internet.

Key Features:

💡 Open-source firmware and apps
📡 Based on LoRa radios (license-free ISM bands)
🔋 Ultra-low power consumption (ideal for solar or battery-powered nodes)
🌐 Fully decentralized, mesh-based networking
📱 Mobile apps (Android/iOS) for easy use

"It’s designed for adventurers, emergency responders, farmers, festival organizers, and anyone who needs local communication where traditional networks don’t reach."

#SolarPunkSunday
#OffGridCommunication #OffGridCommunications
#EmergencyCommunication

Like I mentioned, I don't know a lot about #MeshNetworks, but I'd love to know what others think of the #MeshTastic systems. This seems to be a pretty up-to-date guide on how to set up a Mesh network (there wasn't a date on the piece, but they referenced QR codes). Personally, I'd rather go the #HamRadio route, but there's a few hoops to jump through for that (like the Ham radio test and licensing).

How to Set Up Meshtastic: A Beginner-Friendly Guide You Need

"Meshtastic enables encrypted communications over distances of 11 kilometers with uninterrupted line of sight. Setting up this powerful technology is surprisingly simple.

"A LILYGO® TTGO Meshtastic T-Beam board costs just $30 and ships with pre-installed software. The devices are equipped with AES256 encryption to ensure secure communications between authorized radios. A single 18650 battery powers these units for days without charging, and solar cells can keep them running indefinitely.

"This piece covers the complete setup process for #TBeam, #HeltecV3, and #TDeck hardware. You’ll learn everything about antenna installation, firmware updates, and message configuration to optimize your device’s performance in #OffGrid conditions."

https://www.besthamradio.com/how-to-set-up-meshtastic/

#SolarPunkSunday #OffGridCommunication #EmergencyCommunication

Since I'm not familiar with #MeshNetworks, I can't vouch for #BearTooth #communication devices. I do know that the first model (which was a lot cheaper), was touted to have a range of 2 miles, but was a pain to pair up devices, and also had a bad reputation of not working. So, when I came across BearTooth MKII at a much higher cost, I wonder if they've improved on the bugs from the older versions. If anyone knows more about BearTooth or mesh networks in general, please feel free to chime in...

https://beartooth.com/

#SolarPunkSunday #OffGridCommunication #EmergencyCommunication #CommunicationDevices #MeshNetworks

I want meshtastic (off grid communication network) and I want everybody to have it. Meshtastic.com. I am not knowledgeable about the technology, but I will try to learn it.
#meshtastic #OffGridCommunication #resist

I've been reading about Reticulum, which is a network stack that can run over just about anything, including LoRa.

It’s not compatible with Meshtastic so it's either/or with choosing one to run on a node.

It's kinda interesting. It's intended to allow running any application over the network and it will be securely and privately routed.

Meshtastic and Reticulum aren't really comparable. Meshtastic is more of a messaging application that uses the LoRa radio. Reticulum, by itself, is infrastructure to put applications on.

There are messaging applications that work on Reticulum using Lightweight Extensible Message Format (LXMF). I think these applications can work similar to how Meshtastic works, though I'm not sure if it can do anything like a "default" channel like Meshtastic for just broadcasting messages.

I guess I have another rabbit hole to explore.

There doesn't appear to be any iOS apps for talking to a Reticulum LoRa node, so not sure this is something I'll commit to.

My stationary node will continue to run Meshtastic for now.

#Meshtastic #Reticulum #OffGridCommunication #Nerd

"Getting further away from the things that we own"

a fun little anti-internet video with a data backup using bulletin board (BBS) system and radio

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCswJK7ESNc

#bbs #backup #offgridcommunication #mcom #restoringsettings #btechuvpro

📡 Ever wondered what led to Meshtastic? Learn a little about the creator and original developer of #Meshtastic @geeksville and what inspired the idea. Click to read the full story! https://www.qrz.com/articles/node_1718399850 #OffGridCommunication #originstory

#offgridcommunication

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