sexy_peach 7 points 2 years ago

What exactly could I use this for? I know how LoRaWAN works, but it requires entrypoints into the internet. Does Meshtastic need these? Do I have to set up two nodes to use it for anything? Does it use existing LoRaWAN infrastructure?

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N1ghtstalk3r 9 points 2 years ago

You wouldn’t need internet access for these to work, although there is a public community WAN server you could join to operate under MQTT (which is their internet facing WAN function). They function off of LoRa RF on the 915mhz band in the U.S. (and other bands elsewhere) to do the bulk of the communication. BLE is also utilized for management.

These do need more than 1 node to operate properly, but since it works off the concept of a public mesh (with options to privatize), you don’t need two of your own devices in a developed location.

However, if no one is around or within line of sight… then you’ll have to work a little harder to get contacts/connections going.

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sexy_peach 2 points 2 years ago

Oh I see so it's only text based communication basically

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N1ghtstalk3r 6 points 2 years ago

For now, yes. There are certain extensions and 3rd party plugins that are seeking to expand on that by adding BBS capability or JS8call (for expanded text & basic audio).

There’s limited bandwidth to work with on just the 915mhz band but you’d be surprised what you can push downstream.

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sexy_peach -4 points 2 years ago

I find it rather useless if it only supports text messaging. Why not use cb radio or whatever at that point? That seems more useful in a disaster situation.

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amongstthetrees 5 points 2 years ago

Meshtastic has the mesh capabilities that others have mentioned but what's more immediately important is the ability to direct message others (no need to send private messages to everyone in range) and the ability to share GPS coordinates which is absolutely helpful in an emergency.

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