Meshtastic is a relatively new form of decentralized communications that allows users to send and receive encrypted text messages in the 900 MHz band without the need for cellular networks or a license. Meshtastic nodes are inexpensive, open source, and are easy to use via smartphone app, even without cellular services. Some nodes are even GPS-enabled for location sharing. The catch? Meshtastic’s range is quite limited outside of areas with a lot of nodes. It’s probably great in areas where friends have established a robust network of devices. There are only two users in my immediate area; so, my results have been less than impressive. Still, it’s alleged to be an emerging technology with its best days still to come.
I have traveled to areas with more Meshtastic users and have seen my feed come to life. The ability to receive loads of messages from total strangers is not useful to me; so, I don’t consider that to be a great benefit to having a node. But users who know each other in those areas very likely have established private networks where they can chat amongst themselves. Is that more useful than doing the same thing via smartphone? It may be if the group contains users who don’t necessarily want to give their direct phone number to everyone in the group. The Meshtastic app can be muted or turned-off altogether so that the smartphone still functions without Meshtastic messages chirping throughout the day and night.
Most devices are handheld. I chose to start with an Atlavox beacon solar node mounted to my car so that it’s always close by, powered, outside, and perhaps useful to others users. Some say that I’ve chosen an expensive first node. I chose this device due to its ruggedness, antenna options, weather resistance, and flexible mounting options. Now that I’ve done my share of testing, I’ll probably buy a few handheld units that can be tucked away and then given to family members when they are needed. Of course, I’ll configure each node and appropriate smartphone to work immediately. It takes just a few minutes to teach new users how to use a configured handheld Meshtastic node.
What is the best use of Meshtastic for ME? Ordinarily, I don’t find it very useful since I have the power of ham radio at my fingertips. However, my family members are not licensed amateur radio operators; so, Meshtastic may provide us with backup communications if cellular networks fail. Yes, it happens! Evacuation trips come to mind since we live in a hurricane-prone area. We would probably evacuate separately so that we could save both of our vehicles and transport our pets. IF we evacuate, odds are fair that we would leave early enough that cellular services and other infrastructure would still be in place. However, during the rush of an evacuation, there’s a good chance that cellular services will be unavailable or at least burdened to the point of dropping calls or not connecting at all. Don’t think for a second that cellular service providers won’t prioritize network traffic to first responders during a natural disaster or other widespread demand; the outage may happen sooner than you’d expect!
When that happens, we’d probably still use GMRS radios before relying on a Meshtastic network because they’re easier and safer to use while driving. There’s a chance that GMRS channels might have more traffic than usual, but I think that our mobile rigs will outperform any handhelds that may be nearby. Meshtastic will shine if we want or need to convey information that we don’t want shared on open voice channels. Remember, Meshtastic nodes can send encrypted messages as well as their GPS location! THAT, I think, is probably when Meshtastic will provide a unique, security-conscious capability. Our small network of 2-3 radios should be fairly dependable for a several miles since my beacon is mounted outside with a gain antenna. That should be plenty since we’d likely stay within sight of each other. My beacon would also expand the range of other Meshtastic users traveling on the same roads.
For now, I cannot proclaim that Meshtastic is blowing my socks off. It’s not nearly as useful as a smartphone, amateur radio, or even GMRS. But it is still a great tool for a layered approach to emergency communications.
Still Figuring It Out,
Scott
