Welcome
I'm starting "IdahoMesh" - a new community dedicated to bringing together anyone interested in Meshtastic, Meshcore, or other LoRa mesh networks for off-grid communications in Idaho.
If you wound up here and don't know what Meshtastic is, here's the short version: these are low-power radio devices that create their own communication networks without relying on cell towers or the internet. Think group text messaging that works in the backcountry, where your phone has no service. You can learn more at meshtastic.org and meshcore.org.
Why IdahoMesh?
Whether you're interested in mesh networks for camping, backcountry exploration, or simply because the technology is fascinating, IdahoMesh is here to connect individuals who recognize the value in reliable, off-grid communication. What matters isn't why you're interested - it's that you're here and want to connect with others.
Our Goals
IdahoMesh exists to help build more reliable mesh networks across Idaho by:
- Building community - Connecting existing users and providing a welcoming space for newcomers
- Sharing knowledge - Offering technical support and best practices (especially for those just getting started)
- Improving our networks - Helping ensure nodes are configured correctly and working efficiently
- Strategic expansion - Identifying locations for new repeater nodes where they'll do the most good
The Current State of Things
Idaho already has several Meshtastic and Meshcore networks up and running, particularly around our major population centers. Many of us are using adhoc meshes while camping or exploring the Idaho Mountains. Most of our Meshtastic networks are running on default "LongFast" settings. This is fine in rural areas, but it becomes unreliable once you hit around 50 nodes. With 100 nodes in the Boise area, messaging is already unreliable.
Some of us are already testing Meshtastic settings for larger networks, as well as other new mesh platforms, such as Meshcore. I'd love to coordinate experimentation with the goal of a more capable and reliable mesh.
A Bit About Me
I've spent many years working in telecommunications - both for the federal government and in the commercial sector. I've built numerous remote, off-grid mountain-top communication sites, and built and maintained 911 centers and critical public safety communication systems. Much of my work involved disaster communications, building emergency communication systems in hurricane- and fire-affected areas where traditional infrastructure had been destroyed. On the fun side, I've also been a ham radio operator for 30 years.
After my time in telecommunications, I moved into software development, systems engineering, and site reliability engineering, designing and building globally distributed computer systems focused on reliability and performance at scale. This combination of experience puts technology like Meshtastic firmly within my wheelhouse while still being a fun hobby.
Mesh Agnostic Approach
Many of the Mesh groups around the US are laser-focused on Meshtastic or Meshcore; all too often, I see turf wars between the two sides play out in their online spaces.
While most of our current focus is on Meshtastic (since that's what most people are running in Idaho), IdahoMesh welcomes discussion of all off-grid mesh technologies. I'm personally testing Meshcore as well, and while I don't consider it quite ready for large public deployments, I've been thrilled with the results I've had as a family mesh for use while camping and hiking.
The point isn't to pick winners and losers - it's to build a community where people can learn about and discuss whatever mesh technology they're using or curious about.
Join Us
- Join our Discord server - We're working to establish a Discord community (it's brand new) where Idaho mesh users can receive real-time help and connect with others across the state.
- Sign up for updates at IdahoMesh.org to stay informed about new content and community developments.
Whether you're running your first node or you've been meshing for years, we'd love to have your voice in IdahoMesh.