Battle Creek Meshtastic Network – Battle Creek's Encrypted, Off-Grid and Grid Down Text Messaging Meshtastic Network

Meshtastic LoRa Communications in Battle Creek and Surrounding Areas

OFF-GRID TEXT MESSAGING

Battle Creek Mesh Network is a Lora-based text message communication technology that pairs an Android or iOS device to small devices called “nodes” creating a long-range communication network. Battle Creek Mesh Network is local to Battle creek and Surrounding areas and is open to anyone that has a node.

Meshtastic is a user-friendly, decentralized open-source communication platform that enables people to connect and communicate with each other, independent of traditional infrastructure like the internet or cellular networks. In short, you can text message to other nodes without cell phone service.

Meshtastic Key Features

Peer To Peer and Group SMS Network

Communicate over the Mesh without the need for cell service. The Mesh is basically like using family 2-way radios, but for text messaging, but also with added benefits of really long ranges and encryption for all messages.

Secure, Off-Grid, Private Communications

Communications are encrypted with AES-256 bit encryption making your text messages reasonably secure. Groups are called "channels", and each channel is separate, so people in one group won't see texts from another group.

Works on Deactivated Phones and Tablets

Since Meshtastic does not rely on Wi-Fi or cellular phone services, you can reuse your old phones or tablets, making them robust text message communicators! Meshtastic also works in tandem with activated phones.

Start by Getting a Meshtastic Node - Buy One Below

It all starts with purchasing a LORA device. LORA stands for Long Range, and this device is then loaded with “Meshtastic”, firmware that facilitates the broadcast of secure, encrypted text messages to other nodes you or others own. Prices range from $25-$60 on Amazon, and the devices below require minimal setup via PC or Mac. There are other devices available that I don’t mention here as those do require more advanced knowledge of programming and radio transmissions.

Lilygo T-Beam

All-in-one LORA device with onboard GPS that comes assembled and has a battery holder for an 18650 battery.

Lilygo T-Echo

All in one unit that comes with all electronics and cases. Relays Phone’s GPS. Internal 850mAh battery provides 3 days’ power.

Lilygo T-Deck

This unit has a screen, keyboard, and onboard GPS. requires power from a LiPo battery pack or a separate USB-C powerbank.

Heltec V3 (2-pack)

These units come in a 2-pack for the same price as one T-Beam. Best value. Uses the phone’s GPS. Needs USB-C external powerbank.

How to set up your Meshtastic Device

When you get your new Meshtastic node, it will likely need to be loaded with the firmware. You just need a PC or Mac and the Chrome browser to install the software. You just need to connect your device with a USB cord, and load the software. There are a number of videos that show you how to do this, but one of the best one’s that we’ve found was created by Andy Kirby, and is watchable below. Just follow step-by-step, and you’ll be up and running in about 5 minutes.

Meshtastic allows you to set up multiple channels that you and your friends and/or family share for reasonably private communications. There is a default channel that is present when you first start up your node, and that is the “Long Fast” channel. We use the Long Fast channel for communications to all nodes that have this channel enabled in our area.

If you accidentally deleted the Long Fast channel from your device, simply scroll down to the bottom and click “Scan” while pointing the phone camera at the QR code on the right. This will reset your channels and set the Long Fast channel as your default channel.

By participating in the Battle Creek Mesh, first and foremost, you are setting yourself and your loved ones up with an alternate means of communication. The nodes will also contribute to the Mesh to broaden the coverage area. Not to worry. Any message on private channels you may set up will stay private to you and those on your private channel, even when “hopping” through other nodes. In other words, only you and your channel will be able to decrypt and read your messages.

Understand that unlike mobile phones, these nodes rely heavily on line of sight communications, just like FRS family 2-way radios. Even though your intended recipient might be out of the line of sight, as long as there is a node that can relay the traffic, the recipient will still receive your messages.

Battle Creek Mesh Network currently uses the default "Long Fast" channel

How Popular is Meshtastic?

Meshtastic has experienced extremely rapid growth over the past few months. Thanks to several channels on YouTube, people are becoming more aware of this alternate means of communication. The biggest draw to using Meshtastic is that anyone that knows how to text message can use it, and second, users do not need to obtain a license to transmit messages. Several HAM radio operators use Meshtastic when secure communications are required as encryption of HAM transmissions is illegal.

30km/18.5mi Ranges not uncommon

LORA, and Meshtastic are known for their long-range communication abilities. With the right antenna, and a good line of sight or well-placed repeaters, ranges of 10-20 miles or more is not uncommon.

An intro to Meshtastic by Andy Kirby

Play Video

Andy Kirby is one of the many YouTubers that regularly post content about Meshtastic and Lora technology. Check is channel out! This video also demonstrates range of the Meshtastic devices up to 2 miles away!

Meshtastic devices can reach some pretty insane distances! Most users will experience a range of 1-2 miles unless in a city, where signals are blocked by buildings. Josh from HAM Radio Crash Course does a pretty good range test from his vehicle, and reaches a range of about 1.5 miles in an urban environment.

Once again, Andy Kirby, one of the top advocates for Meshtastic, does a range test in a rural environment.

The video demonstrates the long range abilities of the nodes. He reaches about 2 miles.

Meshtastic Nodes

Meshtastic requires a LORA node that connects to your phone for communications. Each node in the network connects to other nodes, creating a “mesh.” The nodes can be purchased on Amazon, and are in the price range of $25 to $50, with several types and styles. Again, this is similar to how those family 2-way radios work.

The node connects to the phone via BlueTooth and all the controls and messaging interface are contained within the Meshtastic App. There is a small display on most nodes, but this is only used to display information.

Anyone can use a meshtastic device - If you can text, you already know how to use it.

The biggest plus to Meshtastic is the low barrier of entry. Anyone that knows how to text can use Meshtastic. The only difference is you’re texting over what is essentially encrypted 2-way radios. You don’t need to pass a test or have a license like HAM radio operators do, and in fact, many operators already use Meshtastic as it integrates with some HAM Radios.

For me, the draw to this technology is the ability to communicate with friends and family members that are around Battle Creek, even when we’re out of cellular coverage (The industrial park off Dickman and Clark is notorious for bad cell service), and being able to see and talk to other public nodes and people from around the world.