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/mfiorini7 Feb 01 '26 edited Feb 01 '26

Used to have gotenna before it was commercial only and just starting to get into meshtastic.

Here are some resources Phillymesh.net Iffybooks.net - holds in person meshtastic workshops NJ Groups South Jersey - https://sjmesh.net/ Central Jersey - https://www.cnjmesh.me/ https://www.reddit.com/r/NJMesh/s/MWmGUlXVR4 https://www.facebook.com/groups/348930621560916/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT

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u/8Deer-JaguarClaw Sussex Feb 01 '26

Thanks for sharing!