Bay Area Meshcore
Bay Area Meshcore
We're building an off-grid wireless communications network using little low-powered radios and the MeshCore open-source radio software platform.
Email us about adding Meshcore to your location
What is MeshCore?
MeshCore is a mesh network of low-cost low-power radios forming an off-grid, entirely wireless encrypted packet-based messaging system. The Bay Area Meshcore group are a bunch of hobbyists building a network for the Bay Area, built on rooftops, hilltops and treetops. With easy setup and an unobstructed range of tens of kilometers, the barriers to getting started are low and you can get to the fun parts quickly.
A typical radio can be built for about $25, or bought pre-assembled for just a little more. Most radios are small enough to fit in your pocket, and because they're usually used through a mobile app, you don't even have to take it out of your pocket to use it.
No ham licenses or other permits are required. Other than an inexpensive radio, it costs nothing, and there's no hidden AI or cryptocurrency angle.
Getting Started
See the MeshCore introduction or the Wiki for a basic overview of MeshCore.
We do most of our coordination through Discord, so join early to get acquainted and get suggestions on first steps.
Suggested Settings
We use the "US Recommended" settings, which you'll find as a preset in the mobile apps or web interface. If entering manually, use:
- 910.525MHz
- Bandwidth 62.5kHz
- Spreading factor 7
- Coding rate 5 (or higher if needed)
Suggested Hardware
If you need a radio, some suggested starters are the SenseCAP T1000E, the WisMesh Pocket, or the Heltec LoRa v3 (with case). Both bare boards and pre-built radios are available from their manufacturers or on Amazon, eBay, etc.
If you're able to do basic electronics assembly and have access to a 3D printer to print a case, consider the RAK WisBlock starter kit, or the Heltec LoRa v4.
If you're unsure, don't buy anything until you've chatted with folks in the community and gotten suggestions for your sitution.