Introduction to Meshcore: Offgrid Communication

Introduction to MeshCore is a three - hour hands-on workshop exploring MeshCore, an open-source LoRa mesh networking system that allows small, inexpensive radios to communicate over long distances without relying on Wi-Fi, cellular service, or cloud infrastructure.

Participants will learn how a community mesh actually works, see how MeshCore is being used by local radio enthusiasts and community networks, and build a working mesh together in the room. Each participant will flash and configure their own MeshCore radio, discover nearby nodes, exchange messages, and experiment with the different roles that make a mesh function — including companion nodes, repeaters, and room servers.

We'll also discuss why resilient, locally owned communications infrastructure matters during internet outages, storms, blackouts, public events, and other situations where conventional connectivity may be unavailable or overloaded.

The final portion of the workshop will look beyond messaging at what these networks can become: low-power environmental sensors, automated alerts, off-grid monitoring systems, and other forms of resilient IoT.

Every participant leaves with their own configured MeshCore radio and the knowledge needed to continue exploring the New England mesh.

• Introduction into meshcore and the greater world of LongRange Radio
• Off grid communications
• Basic overview of ESP32
• Radio packet analysis and how to observe 915mhz frequency bands
• How to assemble and flash their own meshcore nodes
• The wonders and amazement of IoT

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• Preferred age range is 18+,
• Students should have some familiarity with using electronic microcontroller boards plugged into computers (such as arduino or raspberry pi).
• Students should bring their phones with them and they should have installed the Meshcore App (either on the Google playstore or Apple App store). They should also bring a usb c cable and, if possible, a battery bank.

• Students will be provided with computers for flashing their devices, along with receiving their own Meshcore node
• Access to A2's tools for the duration of the session.

Matt Ebisu is Boston transplant from the Bay Area having studied engineering systems and robotics at Tufts University. He has experience working with human robot interaction, social robotics and disaster relief technologies. When he isn't working with microcontrollers or unbuntu machines, he can be found working on building full scale WALL-E robots.