What is Meshtastic and why do I need it?
I get this question a lot. In short: Meshtastic is an open source project that enables two or more users to send and receive short messages using inexpensive Long Range, or LoRa, radios. Messages automatically route from one Meshtastic radio, or node, to another, even if the sender and recipient aren't directly connected. Meshtastic is great for communicating inexpensively and off-grid when traditional infrastructure is cost-prohibitive or not available. Meshtastic networks, or meshes, can be found all over the world and if one doesn't exist near you, you can create one yourself.
Some key features of Meshtastic:
Long Range communication without a license (personally tested over five mile send and receive, range tests here).
Decentralized - Messages hop from one node to another, repeaters optional
Low power requirements - Depending on platform and manufacturer, devices can run for several days on battery. Solar panels can be used for permanent or semi-permanent outdoor installations.
Inexpensive - Reliable Meshtastic devices can be purchased for as low as $50 USD
Choice of hardware - Meshtastic runs on many devices made by multiple companies. This gives you choice and reduces the chance of a single company's actions killing the project, like with other proprietary off-grid messengers.
With all these great benefits, you’d think everyone would be communicating with Meshtastic! However, there are a few drawbacks, and we’ll start with the most obvious one: Meshtastic it not a replacement for WhatsApp, Signal, or your messenger of choice. You can’t send photos, voice memos, PDF’s, or anything that isn’t text or a GPS location (if your radio has a GPS) across the state, country, or globe. Your range is only as far as the mesh to which you’re connected.
Another hurdle for beginners and one that inspired me to write this series is that it isn’t easy to get started with Meshtastic without help. For many looking into off-grid communications, it can seem intimidating: different vendors sell various models, each with their own benefits and drawbacks, and there’s enough community-built hardware available on Etsy to confuse even experienced users.
To get started, choose a System on a Chip, or SoC. Meshtastic presently runs on three different SoCs:
nRF52 - Low power and best suited for portable or solar devices. Includes bluetooth for connection between the node and another device like a phone. Easy to update firmware.
RP2040 - Based on the Raspberry Pi platform. These chips are cheap and readily available, but require another dedicated module to handle communication.
ESP32 - The most popular of the Meshtastic-capable SoCs. This older chip is typically more powerful, but portable devices running on it tend to have poorer battery life compared to their nRF52 counterparts. Despite that, it's often found in popular handhelds such as the LILYGO T-Deck and T-Beam. ESP32 devices also include both WiFi and Bluetooth for enhanced connectivity.
Next, let’s talk about a few scenarios where Meshtastic really shines. I'll review a few use cases and my experience with each so far, including purchase recommendations and observations:
Getting started and using Meshtastic as an everyday messenger for peer-to-peer communication
Temporary mesh deployment for a limited event or emergency where cellular coverage may be strained or nonexistent
Deploying a fixed node for reliable off-grid communication
Ready to proceed? Let’s purchase a radio…
Sources: