We’ve decided to take initiative and actively engage in developing and popularizing the MeshCom project in the United States. We’ve been keeping an eye on this technology for a while now and see massive potential in it. So, we decided it's time to bring it to our American soil and start building something concrete. Our goal is to create an independent communications network connecting radio amateurs in the Chicago area—and over time, hopefully in other parts of the United States as well.
What is MeshCom, you might ask? In short, it’s a decentralized system for wireless exchange of short text messages within 70cm band (443Mhz), GPS positions, and telemetry data. Utilizing LoRa technology and mesh communication, devices relay data between one another, creating a network that doesn't rely on cell carriers or the internet. Every properly configured node can help forward messages further, expanding the reach of the entire network.
This solution fits perfectly with the spirit of modern amateur radio: experimenting, building our own infrastructure, and finding alternative modes of communication. MeshCom allows you to send short messages, share station locations, and utilize group messaging features. Integrations with other tools are also possible, depending on the configuration and available equipment.
Other advantages? Relatively affordable hardware, low power consumption, and the ability to power nodes via batteries or small solar panels. All of this makes MeshCom practical for everyday use—during radio experiments and field outings—as well as in emergency situations where traditional communication channels fail.
However, a network won't build itself! That’s why we’re turning to you. If you live around the Chicago area, are interested in digital comms, LoRa, and new technologies, or simply want to help build an independent radio network, we invite you to join forces with us.
Every new node, every location, and every extra set of hands gets us closer to our goal. The more active stations we have, the more capable the entire network becomes. You don't need to mount an antenna on top of a skyscraper right away—sometimes even a small node in the right spot makes all the difference!
Anyone interested can learn more about the project at meshCOM.us.
Want to join in, figure out which hardware to get, or help us fire up the first nodes in the USA? Reach out to us!
Let’s build this network together—starting from Chicago, and who knows how far it will take us!