Let’s collect some links and some pros and cons of different infrastructureless radio mesh networks…
Previously:
Communications: meshes and networks (lora guide)
From a post on the fediverse:
You might also want to take a look at these projects. All support LoRa.
- Easiest to get into - https://meshtastic.org/
- Proprietary - https://meshcore.co.uk/
- For censorship resistant, encrypted communication - https://reticulum.network/
Came across this today, in case it’s at all relevant.
Interesting! It seems to be an affordable home-built kit which looks to the host like a USB-connected Ethernet adapter. Sufficiently low powered for solar.
Here’s the repository:
Bill of Materials from the article:
| Component | Specification | Estimated Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microcontroller | Seeed Studio Xiao SAMD21 | $5.50 | Seeed Studio, Adafruit |
| Radio Module | RFM12BP (Si4421, amplified) or RFM12B | $8.00 | AliExpress, RF Solutions |
| Antenna | 433MHz/868MHz/915MHz whip or Yagi | $3.00 – $15.00 | Amazon, antenna specialist |
| Enclosure | IP65 plastic box 80×50×25mm | $2.50 | Electronics supplier |
| PCB | Custom 2-layer board or perfboard | $1.50 – $8.00 | JLCPCB, OSHPark |
| Coax Cable | RG178 or RG316, 15-30cm | $1.00 | RF supplier |
| Connectors | SMA female panel mount, USB-C breakout | $2.00 | DigiKey, Mouser |
| Power Supply | 5V USB or 7.4V LiPo with regulator | $5.00 – $12.00 | Hobby store |
| Protection | TVS diode, PTC fuse, Schottky diode | $0.50 | Any electronics supplier |
| Total Cost | ~$25 – $35 | (vs. $200+ commercial) |