Project kickoff

Group 312 Chicago is taking on MeshCom. Our goal is to build an independent communications network for licensed amateur radio operators in the Chicago area, and over time to help it grow into other states.

MeshCom is a decentralized system in which small radio nodes exchange short text messages, GPS positions and telemetry on the 70 cm band (433 MHz). It uses LoRa modulation and a mesh design, so every node can pass data on to the next one, with no need for cell towers or the internet.

What we like most is how practical it is. The hardware is inexpensive and uses very little power, so a node can run for a long time on a battery or a small solar panel. That makes MeshCom useful for experiments at home, for field trips and portable operations, and above all for emergency communications when other networks go down.

Our first steps are simple: build and test the first nodes, agree on local standards for callsign suffixes, APRS icons and talk groups, find good high sites for relay nodes, and then run range tests and share the results here.

We're looking for hams in and around Chicago who are interested in digital modes, LoRa or network building. Every new node makes the whole network stronger, and even a small node in a good location matters. If you'd like to join, email [email protected] or see Get Started.

We're building this with help from our experienced friends at MeshCom.pl.