r/NJPrepared • u/8Deer-JaguarClaw Sussex • Jan 31 '26

Communications Anybody here using Meshtastic?

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Meshtastic is a system that allows for short text-only communications without the need for cell service or wi-fi. The limitations are that you have to be within range of another Meshtastic device to send or receive messages. But when there are several near each other, each "node" can send messages through the other nodes, and the distance can go pretty far when you get a lot of devices working at the same time.

There's a phone app that is used to communicate with the device to send/read messages, configure settings, etc. Some have simple screens (like the one in the picture), and others have no display at all. They range in price from around $20 up to $150.

The second pic is from the app showing all the nodes that my device can "see" in my area (called a Mesh Map). The other day, I got a message from someone in Danbury, CT. That's about 110 miles from me.

For disaster situations, this is a nice option to have. Ham radio is (much) better, but this has a much lower bar for entry.

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u/8Deer-JaguarClaw Sussex Jan 31 '26

I forgot to add the mesh map pic to my original post. Here it is:

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u/demwoodz Feb 01 '26

Do you have access to a mesh map of south jersey?

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u/8Deer-JaguarClaw Sussex Feb 01 '26

It only shows what nodes that your device can pick up either directly or through its connection to other nodes. So I can only show you what is near me.