Hands-On Meshtastic Workshop Coming to GSARA Monthly Meeting

The Granite State Amateur Radio Association (GSARA) is hosting a special "Tech Night" focused on Meshtastic at their upcoming March meeting. This hands-on workshop presents a perfect opportunity for ham radio enthusiasts and those interested in off-grid communications to learn about this increasingly popular mesh networking platform.

Event Details

• Date: March 14th, 2025
• Time: 7:00 PM
• Location: Bedford High School Library (Use Theater Entrance)
• Address: 47 Nashua Road, Bedford, NH
• Format: In-person only (no Zoom session)

What to Expect

The evening will begin with a shortened business meeting to address necessary agenda items, followed by the main event—an interactive Meshtastic workshop. Attendees will benefit from:

• A comprehensive introduction to Meshtastic technology
• Hands-on assistance with programming devices
• Help installing the Meshtastic app
• Live demonstrations of features and tools

Club members will have PCs available to flash devices, so there's no need to bring your own computer. The goal is for participants to leave with functioning Meshtastic devices, ready to connect with the growing community of users.

What is Meshtastic?

For those unfamiliar with the technology, Meshtastic is an open-source, off-grid communication platform that uses inexpensive GPS transceivers to create a mesh network for text messaging, GPS location sharing, and data transmission without relying on cellular networks or internet connectivity.

Key Benefits of Meshtastic:

1. Off-Grid Communication: Works entirely without cellular service or internet
2. Long Range: Depending on terrain and device, can achieve several miles between nodes
3. Mesh Networking: Messages can hop through multiple devices, extending the effective range
4. Low Power: Devices can run for days or weeks on a single charge
5. Open Source: Community-driven development with regular improvements
6. Encryption: End-to-end encryption for secure communications
7. Affordable: Entry-level devices start around $30-50

Why Meshtastic Matters for Ham Radio Operators

Meshtastic has gained significant traction in the ham radio community for several compelling reasons:

• It complements traditional ham radio communications with digital capabilities
• Creates resilient local communication networks for emergency preparedness
• Offers an accessible entry point to digital communications for new operators
• Provides positioning and mapping features useful for events and emergency response
• Serves as an excellent educational platform for learning about mesh networking concepts

The GSARA workshop will cover how Meshtastic is currently being used throughout New Hampshire, the Northeast region, and around the world.

Getting Started: Recommended Devices

If you don't yet have a Meshtastic device but want to participate, the GSARA recommends the following entry-level options:

WisMesh Pocket v2

• User Level: Entry
• Type: Complete Kit
• Where to Buy: Rokland Store

LILYGO T-Echo

• User Level: Entry
• Type: Complete Kit
• Where to Buy: Amazon

Many other devices are available, ranging from DIY kits to fully assembled units. For those interested in exploring more options, the GSARA recommends visiting their Discord server's #meshtastic channel.

Prepare for the Workshop

To make the most of the workshop, participants should:

1. Bring your Meshtastic device (if you already have one)
2. Install the Meshtastic app on your smartphone beforehand, if possible
   • Android App
   • iOS App
3. Come with questions about implementation and use cases
4. No need to bring a computer - the club will have PCs ready for programming

Join the Community

Even before the workshop, those interested in Meshtastic can join the conversation in the GSARA Discord server's #meshtastic channel, where members actively discuss the technology, troubleshoot issues, and share experiences.

Why Attend?

Whether you're a seasoned ham radio operator or just getting started with off-grid communications, this workshop offers valuable hands-on experience with an emerging technology. By the end of the evening, you'll understand how Meshtastic can extend your communication capabilities and connect you with a growing community of users throughout New Hampshire and beyond.

For more information about the event or GSARA membership, visit the GSARA website or contact the club directly.

Note: This blog post was created from information provided by the Granite State Amateur Radio Association. All images used are for illustrative purposes only.