LoRa Mesh Radio Communication - Ravenwood Acres

Mesh communications offer numerous benefits that make this technology which is a compelling choice for various communication applications. One key advantage is their ability to create a decentralized network, eliminating the need for a centralized infrastructure like cell towers or Wi-Fi routers. This makes mesh networks highly resilient in situations where traditional communication systems may fail, such as during natural disasters or in remote areas with limited connectivity. Additionally, mesh networks provide a high level of reliability by automatically rerouting data through alternative paths if one node or connection fails. This redundancy ensures that messages can still be delivered even if some nodes become inaccessible. Furthermore, mesh communications are highly scalable, allowing networks to expand effortlessly by simply adding more nodes. Thus lending it self to be ideal for small to large-scale team deployments. Moreover, mesh networks using the LoRa and Meshtastic firmware offer enhanced privacy and security, as data is encrypted and routed directly between devices without passing through a central authority. This feature is particularly valuable in today’s world of data mining and increasing privacy concerns. Overall, mesh communications empower communities, organizations, and individuals to establish robust, resilient, and secure networks that is the perfect compliment to your emergency communication (EmComm) plan.

As Meshtastic users grow you need a tool to help you connect with with those users. MeshSense’s computer application will give the situational awareness and features to monitor your local mesh network. New newest feature is their global mapping tool that is gamer changer in the world of Meshtastic.

Details: T-Deck is a pocket-sized gadget with a 2.8-inch, 320 x 240-pixel IPS LCD display, a mini keyboard, and an ESP32 dual-core processor. It is not a smartphone though it looks like one- but you can use your programming knowledge to turn it into a standalone messaging device or use with coding software for programming.
– MCU: ESP32-S3FN16R8 Dual-core LX7 microprocessor
– Wireless Connectivity 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi & Bluetooth 5 (LE)
– Development Arduino, PlatformlO-IDE, Micropython
– Flash: 16MB
– PSRAM: 8MB
– Battery ADC PIN: IO04 (JST 1.25 connector)
– Onboard functions: Trackball, Microphone 2x, Speaker

Remember that the actual range achievable with LoRa depends on various factors, including terrain, environmental conditions, interference, and regulatory restrictions. It is recommended to perform real-world testing and validation to determine the maximum range attainable for your specific application.

Choosing a better antenna can also have a dramatic improvement on range. If you want learn I recommend these article:

Part1:https://medium.com/home-wireless/testing-lora-antennas-at-915mhz-6d6b41ac8f1d

Part 2: https://medium.com/home-wireless/testing-and-reviewing-lora-antennas-5b37dfa594a3

Are you looking for a truly rugged Meshtastic/ LoRa Radio that can operator in the toughest conditions? You should consider the AT Labs RM to fulfil those needs. RM-1 Radio Link

Today, I am restart my aerial Meshtastic relay/repeater testing. I am now using is the RAKwireless 19003 Mini Meshtastic Starter Kit. With an aerial repeater you can overcome terrain and other obstacles to expand your mesh network into denied areas.

Key objectives: Reduce radio weight to increase drone airtime, and improve rapid deployability.

I started my journey with Meshtastic over two years ago and this year it has really grown in popularity. Today we’ll discuss some the issues around using Meshtastic radios for emergency communications and what is next for the project. Hint, the future is looking really promising! Announcement from Meshtastic: https://meshtastic.org/blog/introducing-meshtastic-solutions/

2024 is going to be a great year and there is lots exciting changes coming. One is I created a new YouTube Channel to host all my LoRa Mesh and Emergency Communications content. For the first 6 months or so I will be posting my content in both locations. So please click the image and subscribe to my new channel and stay tuned for more updates.

Have you ever wondered why LoRa 32 chip in Lilygo devices says 868/915 MHz? Long story short, I needed 868 MHz devices for a upcoming trip to Europe. So it turns out all you need is some 868 MHz antennas and change the region to EU 868 in the Meshtastic app and you are G2G. @emcommsolutions

UPDATE! This file is no longer available. The link below has been update to Alley Cat’s design which my current recommendation. It is time to swap out my old T-Deck case with the latest snap together case from KO4WHD.

Part 9 will close out this emergency comms series. I have been testing my T-Beam devices for several months. My initial thoughts are they are a game changers and is perfect team communication.