Cell networks are the first thing to fail in a storm, a big outage, or a remote hunting lease. Meshtastic is an open-source project that turns small, inexpensive radios into a text-messaging network that does not need cell towers, Wi-Fi or a license.
How it works
Meshtastic runs on low-power LoRa radios that pair with your phone over Bluetooth. You type a message in the Meshtastic app, and the radio sends it. Every Meshtastic radio in range can relay messages for others, so a group of devices forms a mesh that can stretch farther than any single radio.
- License-free in the U.S.: it uses the 902–928 MHz unlicensed band.
- Encrypted: channels use AES encryption by default, so only people with your channel key can read your messages.
- Low power: devices can run for days on a small battery, and many pair well with a solar panel.
- Cheap: entry-level devices cost tens of dollars, not hundreds.
What it is good for
- Staying in touch with family during power or cell outages
- Coordinating a group at a hunting camp, range day or event with no signal
- Sharing GPS positions within a group
- Building a neighborhood network for emergencies
What it is not
- It is text, not voice. Messages are short, and they can take seconds to arrive.
- Range depends on terrain. A few miles between radios is realistic with clear line of sight. Hills, buildings and trees cut that down. Mounting a node high makes the biggest difference.
- It is only as private as your settings. The default public channel is readable by anyone running Meshtastic nearby. Create a private channel with its own key for your group, and do not broadcast your exact location to strangers.
- Licensed ham mode is different. Licensed amateur radio operators can run Meshtastic at higher power, but amateur rules prohibit encryption, so those messages are readable by anyone.
Getting started
Buy two devices so you can test with someone else, install the Meshtastic app, set your region to US, create a private channel, and share the channel with your group using the QR code in the app. Then test range from places you actually go.
Fully Loaded Clip will follow up with hands-on testing and range results.
