It’s Been a Good Run, Phone Providers (Part 3)

Inevitable really.
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#meshtastic #LoRa #3dprinting

Enter the Meshtastic Revolution
In this video, I explore Meshtastic, a decentralized, peer-to-peer LoRa communication network that operates without the need for centralized cell towers. With Meshtastic devices, you can send text messages from 34,000 feet or across remote landscapes while being completely off-grid. Powered by affordable, open-source microcontrollers like Arduino and easily programmable through PlatformIO, Meshtastic eliminates monthly phone bills while offering robust encryption to ensure privacy.

Why Choose Meshtastic?
Meshtastic is ideal for anyone looking to stay connected off the grid—whether you’re a remote hiker, overlanding enthusiast, NGO worker, or festival-goer. These LoRa radios excel in environments where traditional cell service is unreliable or non-existent. Imagine keeping in touch with friends and family during your next camping trip, ski adventure, or even while navigating the dust-filled expanse of Burning Man. With drones enhancing range tests, the possibilities are limitless.

Introducing the Heltec T114
The star of this video is the Heltec T114 Mesh Node, featuring a larger battery, GPS capabilities, and more efficient power management—perfect for those interested in off-grid long-range communication. Priced at just $38.80, this LoRa device is ideal for use with Meshtastic. I’ll guide you through the setup process, from flashing the firmware using PlatformIO or Arduino IDE to maximizing battery life, and even avoiding common mistakes during configuration.

Range Testing with Drones
For a real-world example, I’ll be strapping one of these LoRa radios to a drone and conducting a range test. We’ll see how far the Meshtastic nodes can communicate over open ocean—up to 1.3 km (3/4 of a mile) with whip antennas. Whether you’re using Meshtastic for off-grid adventures or emergency disaster preparedness, the results of this test will give you a clear idea of just how powerful these devices are.

Build Your Own Mesh Device
For DIY enthusiasts, you can even 3D print your own LoRa node case with the free files from MuziWorks. I’ve been using a PLA carbon fiber case for my Heltec T114, and the results are fantastic. And if you’re serious about signal strength, I highly recommend upgrading from a stub antenna to a whip antenna—it makes a world of difference in signal quality.

Whether you're looking for a communication tool to keep you connected on your next off-grid adventure, or you're curious about the future of decentralized networks, this video has you covered. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the world of LoRa radios, Meshtastic networks, and all things off-grid communication!