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.

MESHTASTIC REPEATER UPDATE

The image below shows the Meshtastic Repeater on the right, now fitted with a Barometric Sensor, which can detect atmospheric pressure, altitude, temperature and humidity. The image on the left shows the Meshtastic repeater’s barometric readings, taken from the Meshtastic App. The repeater is on a pole in the club’s front yard, now fitted with a different antenna