How to Setup & Use Meshtastic LoRa Transceivers For Off-Grid Emergency Communication

[@khemboi4086]

The next generation of the internet, there's so much potential in this

[@legerdemain]

Your into series on LoRa has done a great job of meeting me where I am. I park my car ~1000ft from home, and LoRa looks like a good way get real time telemetry on the car alarm.

[@saifal-badri]

Who else would show the whole meshtastic enchilada in one video, you are amazing my friend ❤

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thank you 😋

[@Lifesbeengood]

Thanks for this video. I plan on making a large node/repeater for the top of the nearest mountain. Im trying to get more people on this system for emergency communications in case the grid goes down. I figure this is the best way to stay in the loop about what’s going on without needing phone service

[@Ian-jt2kl]

I have 2 Lora V2 devices and just got 7 miles. I'm in a relatively rural area in the Midwest with few hills. Buildings do a really good job at blocking 915Mhz.

[@DesertJeff]

With stock antennas?

[@Ian-jt2kl]

@@DesertJeff yes stock Omni directional.

[@LevyCarneiro]

Would you have a link for this v2 device? Just asking to be sure I get the correct one as Google is showing some confusing results. Thanks!

[@GunnySGT1911]

Thanks!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

No problem!

[@kevinhinds1250]

Josh, this is amazing tech! I can't wait to dive into this stuff and make up some weatherproof boxes. Thanks for giving me yet another hobby! At least this one isn't as expensive hahaha!

[@LevyCarneiro]

Would be interesting to see WSPR / FT8 style protocol to extend LoRa’s range.

[@cidcolead1115]

Just got 3 new T-beam units from Amazon for the lower price. Working with iOS and all the issues are pretty much fixed. GPS not good indoors but good outdoors. My unit only went off when it was out of Bluetooth range. Intend to have one on the home wifi and one each on the iPhones. Attempting to get some momentum going with others in the area.

[@rangewatson4971]

I would encourage folks to try this stuff out and the meshtastic team is pretty darn cool, but know that this not at all ready for prime time. I am a techie with some serious professional experience in related fields, but I feel like I have falling down a rabbit hole trying to get this set up and ready for my community. Update: The things go to sleep and wake up randomly, I am seeing so many issues and feeling overwhelmed with just how far from complete this project is. It is all being created in folks free time, so I get it, but just don't prop these things up before they are ready, cause this is not at all ready! :(

[@CoryPedersen]

Question1: Is there someone who has already done an amped up project for a dedicated relay to help for emergency communication. IE portable base station in the middle of no where hiking hunting earthquake response and direction for links in replicating the project. I think you mentioned max wattage 1watt. Why not 5 Watt? Question2: Is there a project out there that will relay other people traffic so if there are other hops in the middle of your private network but use someone else's project as a repeater? I would like to make such repeater.

[@javabeanz8549]

I like your questions, I really hope that you get answers!

[@unclebenny9028]

Supposedly they launched a free, public LoRa satellite but it seems like I read that it worked for a while but then it had problems and people lost contact with it... I think I remember hearing this from Andrew Speiss...

[@GH0ST369]

I believe the FCC restricts the limit to 2w in the US on those frequencies. That is why you don't need a licence for them.

[@jamierobinson8207]

An update on this topic would be great. Nodes that are not privy to a custom channel will rebroadcast the data. The encrypted key is at a user level. A node will rebroadcast regardless.

[@renderuthis]

Oh the intro was great.

[@Mike-sl1wd]

Wow. This thing could be a great way to attach a tracker to a trailer/boat/etc that has a bigger battery system vs a LTE system tracker. Just a thought.

[@javabeanz8549]

if you had a repeater location that had a wide view of the area. Even thick tree leaves can kill a 900MHz range signal. Pine needles really mess with wi-fi range signals.

[@marc_h_cl]

Now you broadcast to all node’s connect to the channel but it’s there a wat to chat one to one so send private messege to one person only that is on the same channel?

[@lyssgreene1708]

Heck yeah, dude. Just in time! XD thank you!!

[@rossbrawley]

The little checkbox at bottom of setting screen. ... Says send usage data something something.... Has to be checked to use map ... So unchecked it and no gps or map

[@Drakkarlegion]

Has there been any raspbery pi configurations for this

[@InVinoVeritas.]

Thank you for this great primer on LoRa & Mashtastic!! Plan to get 1st device(s) soon but with primary objective, reaching friends/relatives up to 50 miles away in a grid/cell network down scenario. If I understand the Meshtastic mesh network operations correctly, in order to get messages far away/beyond line of site, I'll need to use the default Meshtastic channel, send a message out to everyone, & hope there's enough nodes between me & my intended recipient miles away. Is this correct? If so, sounds like long distance communication is not doable without a lot of people using LoRa/Meshstastic & having the mesh network with multiple nodes, pre-existing. Thoughts?? Thanks!!

[@raspberrypimilitant2242]

That need help with dmr sign made me chuckle

[@presidentelectjerryodom3889]

what 3d printed case design are you using?

[@sithticklefingers7255]

I’ve noticed with my units as well that the Bluetooth pairing window (your opportunity to enter the code before it times out) is laughably short. Makes it a real PITA.

[@javabeanz8549]

I ran into the issue the other night, I didn't have screens installed yet, and you double tap the user button, I believe, to force the ble pin to 123456, was quite convenient to get back to testing

[@12tribeff]

Do you have a link for a good 3d printed case like the one you used? Its pretty important.

[@IntenseGrid]

How far can that I2C screen be away from the T-Beam? Thinking of putting this on my roof and run a ribbon cable to my office.

[@JNET_Reloaded]

youmenationed the word node alot, i only have 1 device no extra nodes, can i still use this to talk to locals?

[@quantumenergysolutions9128]

Can it be used to control a drone to extend range?

[@HypeBeast764]

So every node is only able to repeat one channel?

[@ChrisinOSMS]

Should 433 mHz be explored as it sits within the amateur band?

[@BezaleelIsrael]

will this work with iPhones / ipads / macbooks? also, where do we get the 3d printed case? do you sell them?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It works with phones and tablets via the app. Laptops, you use the wifi connection and terminal control. I just printed the case. I don’t sell them.

[@wild-radio7373]

Fantastic topic!♡♡♡ thank you :)

[@l0yalties]

This is a great video, thank you for posting! Have you tried the SX1262 chip? In python you can enable an additional mode to get some more TX power. I believe its a couple of dbs but meshtastic has said it makes a nice difference

[@bashbroq]

Does anyone have a link to the short extension cable for the antenna, having a hard time trying to locate one?

[@LevyCarneiro]

In the relay device, how does it know that the antenna begins at the SMA connector and not at where the wire is connected to the board? Thanks!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It doesn’t. But there will be a lot of line loss of you add transmission line.

[@LevyCarneiro]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse got it. Better to glue the board closer to the box wall to reduce the wire length?

[@cheezyst3v3]

just verifying does the t-beam have over charge/undercharge protection ?

[@kevinc9416]

Great channel!!! Is LoRa encrypted and can you run any AES ?

[@sabering9459]

Yes, AES 256

[@AdmV0rl0n]

I have a dumb question - sorry. If I have a network setup, and two devices. I can see that the devices can chat, do GPS (kit allowing) - does this network allow a level of sharing between the devices across apps and tools, or is it limited to the meshtastic app only? If I start FTP, Can I send or recieve across a LORA network (simply?), or we really are limited to using the limited app?

[@ROACHrrr]

Can t beams only run one channel at a time or can they bounce between channels?

[@vaughnwilliams1208]

"nodes" and "channels" should be displayed on the screen to show exactly which screen we are on. It's a GUI designed by techies. Could be much better

[@turn-n-burn1421]

I'm looking for the best option for a mobile version of this to use in combination with ATAK.

[@chillraz3300]

S2Underground on yt covers that.

[@timothypreston6496]

Will my nodes facilitate relaying messages to other nodes (who are not in my network) in my area?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Kinda yes. The default channel on all devices is the same. I'd recommend you create public and private channels and you can use them.

[@teufeltuna1956]

Can these devices be hooked up to a router and extend range that way? He mentioned it an IoT device. Also are there any known repeaters for these?

[@вечная_мерзлота]

these work 1k miles. u can work satellites. u don't need to extend the range.

[@ipodhty]

Its a meshed network. They are all repeaters

[@Banksyy1]

Is this something that could be used with ATAK/ITAK

[@thedwighty]

Do you think that the meshtastic app will work with my 10 year old OG kindle fire?

[@sithticklefingers7255]

I have it working on a 2015 Galaxy Tab E. Can’t hurt to try.

[@thedwighty]

@@sithticklefingers7255 no Bluetooth on the OG kindle fire

[@nathanielnzl]

I have 923mhz t beams with stock antenna but only getting a few meters range. Please help

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Get them up higher and in unobstructed spaces.

[@gregorysmith3097]

Do they have to be on the same channel at the same time to communicate? If both have connected to channel A and channel B, but are currently connected to different channels, will they still communicate? Hope taht made sense

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Same channel.

[@gregorysmith3097]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Yeah, I figured there probably wouldn't be enough hardware to monitor multiple channels at a time. Thanks again for the great content.

[@IntenseGrid]

Alternatively, how long can you go with a thin coax to get just the antenna up on the roof?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Not far. The losses over that frequency are very high. It is ideal to reduce feedline to as little or *none*.

[@Epicory]

I accidentally bought the 923 MHz. I am in NA. Do I have to have 915 MHz or can this still work?

[@javabeanz8549]

commenting on tablets, I got one of the new Fire HD 10 tablets on the Black Friday Cyber Monday deals, and it apparently doesn't do BLE, or it's not a default settings. It was the first device I tried MeshTastic with and it didn't see my MeshTastic devices. My Moto X4 saw them just fine.

[@good4ntn]

Where do the maps in the app come from? Do you have to have a internet connection for the maps or will it let you use previously downloaded maps?

[@easternpa2]

You can download maps from the Internet or distribute them among your devices using storage devices like SD cards.

[@woolfy02]

The app is super buggy. Sometimes I'm able to connect via Bluetooth on both my phones. I set the region for both, yet I still cannot send messages from phone to phone. Can't set channel name. Try to send a message and I get: Error: we don't yet have our mynodeinfo. (I have no clue what that means. Frustrating cause I spent like $80 on 2 that don't even function properly. Both boot up meshtastic on startup as well.

[@daviddefrance7074]

hy master, i have 2 module of lora mesh after i seen your video. i need a repeater for a 915 mhz but i don t found a link to buy one. can you help me please or make a video for a lot of people like me , where the range is an issue. thanks for all , and take care.

[@DesertJeff]

How did you turn the LoRa in to a repeater?

[@ChampDuSoleil]

Appears to be just another node on the same channel.

[@javabeanz8549]

I think just set it up with the QR code for the channel you want it to handle, and then you can disconnect from it, and let it run

[@clayton9136]

Idk if you remember my comment from a few weeks ago, (different video) but I ended up getting into this 100%. I was wrong.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

What happened?

[@DeathmentalPvP]

would it be possible to set it up to forward you messages like weather emergency broadcasts or other texts

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Possibly. They have an active Meshtastic Discord. Ask around there.

[@DeathmentalPvP]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse sweet, seems interesting but mysterious. like how does it know your latitude/longitude without using your phone/tablet gps

[@javabeanz8549]

@@DeathmentalPvP some of these board, such as what he uses in his videos, have GPS receivers built onto the boards

[@richardsunwoo8093]

can you do an update to this video from the new app? also, it would be good for us iOS folks! Thanks!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Sure thing.

[@beardedobserver5947]

So I purchased one of the Lenovo tablets today and it allowed me to update the software to where my iPhone or Mac was allowing me. An issue I’m having now is on the map tab it say You have analytics disable. I can’t find an option that allows me to turn it on

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Get on the Meshtastic Discord.

[@franciscotamayo5262]

Hi there! Does anyone know the FCC ID for T-BEAM? I need it for a procedure in my government.

[@matutep1]

Hi!!! How do you change the name of the devices? I could not do it from the Meshtastic app

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

In app, click the lock and change the name. I did a live stream on setup.

[@matutep1]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse Thanks Josh!! by clicking in the lock you can change the channel name, but I want to change the device name to identify who is sending the message. It is in the settings screen where you choose the device to connect and next to the region setting.

[@ProfMannion]

The Lenovo M8 Tab I just purchased from that link was opened and broken.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

oh damn! Send it back

[@surenbono6063]

...make smartphone enabled walkie talkable 5km range as well..

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Not really possible at the size most phones are.

[@oneofakind9835]

My board doesn’t receive GPS, how do I fix that?

[@jctedsap]

Does this work if you live in the country and your nearest neighbor is about 1/4 mile away?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

With the right antenna, likely.

[@jctedsap]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse I ordered the stuff, going to give it a try. Might need a bigger antenna than even the upgrade you suggest.

[@IntenseGrid]

Wish I had mine to follow along....still waiting for shipment from China.

[@Jody_VE5SAR]

A question came up in the chat about the RF output power of the T-Beam. 20dBm translates to about 100mW. The EIRP limit for ISM in that freq space is 4W (1W RF limit), and some experimenters are looking at amplifiers for the T-Beam (and similar devices) to bring that up to full power.

[@ronroth6022]

Where can we follow along on this development?

[@javabeanz8549]

what does it work out to on the ERP if you put a 12dB omni on the T-Beam?

[@Jody_VE5SAR]

@@javabeanz8549 Assuming no cable or connector loss, 20dBm into a 12dBi antenna gives an EIRP of 1,600mW.

[@javabeanz8549]

@@Jody_VE5SAR thanks! I am sure there will be loss, but that gives me the theoretical maximum.

[@DavidCase-ov5uo]

POWER - MORE POWER slobber! Thought the whole concept was to SAVE power.

[@thepaulfarran]

Will protected 18650 batteries fit into this?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

No

[@javabeanz8549]

I have some flat top 18650's, and they are a tight fit all around

[@douglaswilson1285]

Hi I'm trying to see if someone can help me out but I have a couple MT 1000 Motorola radios and I'm wanting to get them working so me and my friends can use them for our milsim trip that's coming up and the back of the radios say they are on 35 MHZ to 45 MHZ and Im having a hard time figuring out if they are legal to use without an FCC license and if I wanted to cause I am interested ..format one for use on HF band and maybe CB can anyone help me out with this or HRCC can make a video on this to kind of explain this use if its possible to do so

[@sithticklefingers7255]

The safest answer is unfortunately no. I’m not even sure where you’d start with programming those things honestly, because Motorola software costs a fortune and is incredibly hard to purchase if you aren’t working for a government agency. Additionally, these are unlikely to fall under any exemption from licensing due to their frequency range, power output, and their lack of narrowband capability. I don’t think there is any way to legally operate these radios, sadly. Emboldened bureaucracy is a terrible thing to behold. Do what you will (I imagine you’ve likely played with them already anyway) but understand that you’re handing a government agency and prosecutors rope they’ll use to hang you. I’m not saying that’s right or fair mind you, but that’s the law as it stands. The bottom line there is that if you don’t flagrantly interfere with legitimate wireless services you are unlikely to get any attention, but if you end up getting caught the consequences can be steep. You’re free to take your own risks and accept responsibility.

[@MrFreddarama]

Sell them and get some FRS radios. They are cheap and no licensed required.

[@t-man4898]

Okay, got two boards, both failed to turn blue, neither screen turns on . . . can I buy some straight from you ready to go and working? Because Banggood SUCKS!!!

[@Manpreet35p]

Sir please help me ttgo t beam firmware flash

[@jakewhittemore6755]

Has anyone else had trouble getting setting to apply? I'm doing all changes while the screen is on and meshtastic says it is connected but the changes won't stay.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

If the setting don’t apply, do a reset and start over.

[@WayneHarris]

Has anyone else had a hard time getting an 18650 battery to fit in their T-Beam? I resorted to buying a "flat top" 18650. Fits perfectly. Just a heads up.

[@jck9763]

What's the QR code for?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It passes along the channel config to other users so they can all intercommunicate.

[@jck9763]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse haha sorry. It was a joke. That question got asked like, 10 times during the stream. I was making it 11

[@matthewbunn2017]

Can anyone confirm whether the Lenovo Tab runs ATAK?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It does, at least it did assuming they didn't upgrade it past the hardware capabilities of the Tab

[@justkelly6992]

When you are showing a set up or close up of an item it is annoying as heck to have the shadowed IM covering half the screen.

[@ianmartin6023]

Connecting 2 radios normally takes 10 seconds, on these it seems to take 30 minutes

[@lloydcastleton]

Lmao dudes on the livestrean frustrating Josh just a hair. Goodness guys pay attention

[@hallcrash]

I was wondering how those new smart plugs were setup. They definitely are using this type of tech.

[@javabeanz8549]

I think that you are right, as my Amazon smart plugs seemed to talk to my FireHD 10 and my Echos, before they were connected to the Wi-Fi.

[@kengerace]

Jai alai. Pronounced like Hi-a-lie or said quickly hi-lie. It’s a popular Cuban / Latino sport. Was very popular in Florida. I think now there are only four professional venues in operation now. The beer is from cigar city brewery. Cigar city is a nod to Ybor (pronounced E-bor) city here in Tampa. Opened by Joey Redner son of Joe Redner the biggest strip club mogul in Florida.

[@вечная_мерзлота]

27:10

[@noknownnomenclature]

Jai Alai is pronounced High a'Lai like the sport.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks!

[@jasonlojason]

I saw X6100😏

[@jmmorgenstern7005]

There is one problem it doesn't support voice. That's a problem and it's a big one. If it was support voice I guarantee a lot more people would be buying it. But because it doesn't people are not interested in texting? These days we're interested in bringing back the old next tell. And Nextel of course had the push to talk. If the Laura devices would have eat a spe for a week and talk. Then that would be a great feature but being that it doesn't I'm not pilot. Why should I it only has text her? I am fine nothing like that.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It’s not a problem because they’re low powered units and that means they can stay active for much longer than a voice device. If you want voice. Get a two-way radio.

[@cmlxjcky]

Why doesn't someone injection mold the cases for these things?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I think because people are all using 3D printers

[@cmlxjcky]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse agreed, but it's a pita, esp for those of us (ahem, like me), who aren't super familiar with 3d printers. A simple mass produced case would be pennies

[@вечная_мерзлота]

newer lora have newer firmware that doesn't work with meshtastic app. basically making them dead and unusable. good luck. I gave up.

[@BubbleheadDiver]

Ok the beer is pronounced "High Lie" - it's an old south Florida sport that people wager on.

[@raymooreaz]

There's no such thing as a "good IPA" LOL

[@atranimecs]

Bitterness in IPAs is determined by genetic disposition. Some people cant even taste the bitterness of the hops.

[@raymooreaz]

@@atranimecs Good to know!

[@dryyouth7104]

Little late to the party but hop valley ipa is unreal. I’m not a fan but was recommended to me. I don’t think I’ve ever had a better beer. Enjoy.

[@igamewhenimbored7696]

This is such a massive cope lmao

[@jacobarnet5115]

@@igamewhenimbored7696I still can’t; how you do a cope?

[@tspeegle007]

Jaialai pronounced hi- lie

[@MrMinnesota99]

FJB

[@johnwatson1165]

Pronounced hi lie

[@ultimatums1]

why would you promote a chinese store or technology?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

As opposed to what not Chinese technology out today?

[@chesshooligan1282]

​@@HamRadioCrashCourseNothing wrong with old fashioned Native American smoke signals. 😅

[@globaldeception7414]

Social ENGENEERING at its finest

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

huh?

[@globaldeception7414]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse exactly. Cant compute.. got your bug out bag ready? Oh wait there is no conspiracy. Pffft

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

@@globaldeception7414 My "huh" was in regards to your "Social Engineering" comment. What are you referencing that you think is social engineering??

[@sidaytona]

I appreciate the content quality, but I would enjoy more hobby oriented topics as opposed to prepper targeted tech.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Have you seen my back log of videos?

[@benmeadors6799]

This is far from simply "prepper targeted tech". If you go to the discourse community, you'll see it has so many use cases... Paragliders, backpackers, SAR, and more. One of the developers involved in the projects wants to set up a mesh network at the next burning man.

[@sidaytona]

@@benmeadors6799 Part title of this steam is literally "off grid Emergency comms". It's simply my opinion - but I would like a return of the live streams to what I consider less of an ecomm focus. Again, just my opinion.

[@TrevorSpencer]

@@sidaytona sad ham.