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| | |  Phlog: Eightbitswide
| | |   
| | |  Date: 7/12/24
| | |  Subject: //\eshtastic
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  v    Created on the Agon, a z80 based single board computer.
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My continued exploration of wireless networking has led me to an
a community based mesh networking called Meshtastic.  This type of
wireless networking has become popular over the last couple years.
It uses the same license free 900Mhz (United States Frequency) that
the small REYAX radios use.  The radios I purchased for Meshtastic
are Heltec V3 LORA boards.  Unlike the REYAK boards which are
simple serial radios, the Heltec boards have an additional ESP32
which can be loaded with the Meshtastic software. 

Meshtastic searches for other radios running the same software
within communication range to build a "mesh" network to which
text messages can be transmitted across.  The messages can be either
open on a public channel or sent privately using encryption.
The interface for sending these message is a simple app for your
phone or tablet which connected to the ESP32 via Bluetooth or
Wifi.  

Pulling back the curtain, Meshtastic has a lot of Python code
running in the background, allowing for Python apps and interfaces
to be created for sending all sorts of short message transmittions.
Theu may be simple "hellos" from neighbors, friends, and family, to
messages which contain temperature or other sensor data.  There
is even a small old school BBS system being developed which allows
for public news, and private email over a Meshtastic network.

I've started with two Heltec radios with two addtional units on
order from Aliexpress. I'm running simple 900Mhz 10" inch omni
directional antennas on them, with one in an upstairs window, and
one on the radio console of my truck as a mobile unit.   I have
coverage over most of my small community.  About 2+ miles.

We have a local Facebook group in our community.  I've already
put out the word about a new Meshtastic network coming online.
Several new "nodes" have already popped up as a result.

Eightbitswide