MESHTASTIC

The information below is a basic description from the internet. Meshtastic is rapidly growing in popularity across Australia as a free, open-source, off-grid, decentralized mesh network, allowing for communication without cellular service or internet. It is highly useful for hiking, off-grid van travel, emergency scenarios, and as a hobbyist project, with specialized hardware available locally. 

Key Information for Australia

  • Frequency: Australian devices MUST use the 915 MHz band (technically 915.0 – 928.0 MHz for ANZ).
  • Regulations: No license is required to operate these devices in the ISM band.
  • Popular Hardware: Common, affordable, and readily available devices in Australia include Heltec V3/V4, LilyGo T-Beam, T-Deck, and RAK Wireless WisBlock (WisMesh).
  • Antennas: Upgrading the stock antennas is frequently recommended for better performance. 

Where to Buy in Australia
Several retailers stock pre-flashed or compatible devices:

  • IOT Store (Perth): Stocks RAK Wireless WisMesh products, including trackers and starters.
  • Core Electronics (Newcastle): Stocks RAK WisBlock kits and other LoRa hardware.
  • eBay Australia: Various sellers, including listings for Heltec V4 and T-Beam boards.
  • Amazon Australia: Sells LILYGO T-Beam and other nodes. 

Network and Usage Tips

  • LongFast: The default LoRa configuration used for best range and performance in Australia is “LongFast”.
  • MQTT: You can connect to a global network via Wi-Fi/cellular using MQTT, which is often used in Australia (msh/ANZ topic) to connect to remote nodes.
  • Community: The “Meshtastic Australia Community” on Facebook is a primary hub for users, with many in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and WA.
  • Range: While local, point-to-point, or direct-node-to-node communication is the goal, some users are setting up solar-powered, high-gain repeaters to improve coverage.
  • Regional Settings: Ensure you set your device to ANZ for correct frequencies. 

Common Issues

  • No local nodes: Outside of major cities, there may be few local nodes. Users often rely on MQTT to see, in some cases, thousands of nodes on the map.
  • Antenna Quality: Stock antennas are often poor quality, requiring aftermarket, tuned 915MHz antennas for better, longer-range communication. 

The image above shows the Meshtastic repeater on a pole at the clubrooms and an image of the route taken by one Meshtastic transmission.