About the Project
meshCOM.us is a project by Group 312 Chicago, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to emergency communications, education, and public service in the greater Chicago area.
Our goal is to build a local MeshCom LoRa network covering the entire Chicagoland area that can keep working even when the internet and cellular networks fail. We want to document the entire process openly – from initial testing and configuration to deploying additional nodes – so that other amateur radio operators across the United States can learn from our experience and build similar networks in their own communities.
Why MeshCom?
MeshCom uses LoRa radio technology to create a mesh network capable of transmitting text messages, station location data, and telemetry. Individual nodes relay data between one another, creating a network that does not require constant internet access or cellular carrier infrastructure.
The devices are small, relatively inexpensive, and easy to deploy. This makes MeshCom a practical solution for emergency communications, public events, outdoor activities, and everyday communication among amateur radio operators.
MeshCom is developed by the ICSSW team in Austria. Their website is the primary source of information about the firmware, hardware, and available features. meshCOM.us, on the other hand, focuses on building and expanding the network in Chicagoland, US-specific configurations, local guidelines, and documenting our progress.
With Support from MeshCom Polska
This project is being developed with the cooperation and support of our more experienced colleagues at MeshCom.pl. Their knowledge and hands-on experience building and maintaining MeshCom networks in Poland are an invaluable resource for us. Their guidance helps us avoid many of the early mistakes and build the Chicagoland network on a foundation of proven solutions.
Contact
Have questions, a potential location for a node, or simply want to get involved? We'd love to hear from you!