reply on: My Next Obsession \ stacker news ~tech

43 sats \ 7 replies \ @kepford 14 Oct \ on: My Next Obsession tech

Hey, I just ordered a meshtastic radio as well. One of the wismesh-pocket. We apparently have a group of folks using these local to me. Got connected with them.

Cool goal. That would be pretty cool. I don't know enough yet to know how hard that is or if it is feasible.

63 sats \ 1 reply \ @siggy47 OP 14 Oct

Your knowledge will probably leapfrog mine quickly. Let me know how it goes. I welcome any and all tips.

43 sats \ 0 replies \ @kepford 14 Oct

I'm hoping to learn quick due to the local community. The group is kinda new but I believe they will be having a meetup in November. Should get my first radio this week.

I have long wanted a easier comms tool I can teach family to use to reach each other when other channels are down. As this seems to be gaining in growth this looks like a good option to me. No license required. Uses your existing phone. I have high hopes.

0 sats \ 4 replies \ @siggy47 OP 20 Oct

How's it going with your setup?

43 sats \ 3 replies \ @kepford 20 Oct

Pulled my radio up about 55 feet yesterday to see if I could hit some more nodes. No luck. Gonna need a higher powered antenna. Have recieved some messages when guys with nodes in planes fly over. Connected to some nodes over 3 hours away.

I'm learning but looking forward to a meetup with other folks. Hopefully next month. No other mesh people in my rural community yet but there are several within 30 miles. If I can get a node up high enough I am hoping I can connect.

I have a buddy with access to a tower in a city 20/miles away. Hoping he will be willing to stick a solar powered node on it for me.

How is it going with your setup?

51 sats \ 2 replies \ @siggy47 OP 20 Oct

I tried the linux advice you gave and finally quit trying. I got the firmware easily loaded with my wife's windows laptop. I also live in a rural area, so I didn't see any contacts. I'm thinking of running a pole off my roof, but I didn't break the news to my wife yet.

43 sats \ 1 reply \ @kepford 21 Oct

I'd suggest driving around with it and see if you can find some other nodes too.

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @siggy47 OP 21 Oct

Yes. I will do that first. I was only playing around with it for a short time. Have you played around with different antennas? As a ham I became addicted to baofeng handhelds and was amazed at improvements from correctly tuned aftermarket antennas.