Meshtastic

Meshtastic LoRa is a text-based mesh network using small, relatively inexpensive radios on the 915MHz set up with Bluetooth or WiFi connected to an Android or iOS phone app. The phone is used to type the text. The radio automatically connects to the local mesh network and sends the low bandwidth text message. A small OLED screen shows the received message. 

This system does NOT use cell access. It’s a great way to use one of those unused cell phones you have in a box in your attic looking for a use.

LoRa stands for Long Range. What’s so special about that? You don’t need an amateur license to use the mesh network as its encrypted and puts out LESS than 100mW. That’s One-Five Thousandth of the high level QRP setting. Your amateur radio license prohibits encrypting messages. Using the 70cm band used by devices in Europe presents some challenges in set up. If you are going to purchase a device or two or three, MAKE SURE you order one capable of 902-929MHz in the 33cm band. The US units TX/RX at 915 MHz. 

World Band use:

• Europe 863-870MHz

• India 865-867 MHz

• Asia 915-928 MHz

• So. America 915-928 MHz

• No. America 902-928 MHz