LORA Mesh Network Communications

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. 

LoRa Radio Projects

RAKwireless WisMesh Pocket All-in-one Meshtastic Handheld 915 Mhz Radio with LoRa Antenna & GPS
RAKwireless Mini Meshtastic Starter Kit US915 RAK19003 + 4631

ISM Antennas

wireless, internet, router-35062.jpg

See below for my current top picks for 915 Mhz LoRa antennas. 

  1. TE Connectivity Linx ANT-915 
  2. Nearson Flexible Whip
  3. RF MAX Vehicle NMO antenna

     

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

Today I share my thoughts on my newest LoRa device the T-Beam Supreme

It time to build a proper solar mesh node for Ravenwood Acres. 

If you want to get the most range out of your LoRa Mesh device while on the go you need an external vehicle antenna.

My new Ender 3d printer has arrived and I have started building my own solar Mesh Node. 

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

Are looking to integrate you Meshtastic radios with ATAK? Then this video is for you. 

Updated video on how to update the firmware on your T-Beam Supreme using https://flasher.meshtastic.org

The world of Meshtastic/LoRa Mesh Communication is blowing up. If you want to learn more start at meshtastic.org. Next join us in our Telegram group. 

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.

Tim and I had a great discussion about off-grid communications using the LoRa protocol and Mesh devices. 

https://meshtastic.org/

https://meshtastic.discourse.group/

https://canvis.app/meshtastic-map

I am nearly finished building the ultimate off-grid LoRa Solar Mesh Node. The next step will installation, taking in consideration solar exposure and antenna placement. 

My solar node build is coming along nicely. My Voltaic just arrive which is key piece to finishing this project. 

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.