What is it?
Meshtastic is free, community-built software that lets small, inexpensive radios pass text messages to each other without cell service, internet, or the power grid. Each radio also relays messages for the others, so the more neighbors who have one, the farther messages can travel across our area.
You read and type messages on your own phone using the free Meshtastic app (iPhone and Android), which connects to your radio by Bluetooth. The radio does the long-distance part.
Why it matters for us
When power and cell service go down, neighbors can still check in, ask for help, and share updates. River Road Neighbors is planning practice drills where teams report back over the radio network, so everyone can get comfortable with it before a real emergency. Our first drill is Saturday, October 24 at 10am.
What Daniel built
Daniel, one of our River Road Neighbors organizers, built a radio from a small reusable computer (a Raspberry Pi), a radio add-on board, and an antenna. It now runs around the clock at a home in the neighborhood as a relay for our area, helping pass messages farther.
That approach takes some tinkering and comfort with computers. If you are interested in building your own, contact Daniel directly. He is happy to share the full technical details and help you get it working.
The easy way: ready-made radios
You do not need to build anything. Several radios come with the software already installed. Charge it, turn it on, pair it with the app, and you are on the network.
Make sure the listing says 915 MHz (the US version). Prices change often; these are ballpark figures.
SenseCAP Card Tracker T1000-E
About the size of a credit card, sealed and water-resistant, with GPS and a notification buzzer. A good first radio or everyday-carry option.
Search listingsHeltec MeshPocket
A phone power bank with the radio built in, available with a 5,000 or 10,000 mAh battery, and it can wirelessly charge your phone. Reviewers report about a week between charges for radio use. Great for emergency kits.
Search listingsRAKwireless WisMesh Pocket
The Mini is small and simple, with an on/off button, and pairs with your phone. The full version adds a screen, GPS, a larger battery, and an external antenna.
Search listingsBefore you buy
- We do not all need one right away. One radio per household, or even one per block that neighbors share during an outage, already strengthens the network.
- If several neighbors are interested, we can order together.
- Once your radio arrives, Daniel is glad to help you get set up.
Getting started (once you have a radio)
- Install the free Meshtastic app on your phone.
- Charge and turn on your radio.
- In the app, add a new device and pair over Bluetooth.
- Set the region to US.
- Give your radio a short name so neighbors can recognize you.
Learn more
- Meshtastic project: meshtastic.org
- Local mesh community (Portland area): MeshOregon, meshoregon.com
Questions, or want help choosing or setting up a radio? Contact Daniel (leave a note in the sign-up form), or catch him at the next River Road Neighbors meeting.