It has been several months since I last explored MeshCore and Meshtastic developments. This off-grid radio technology enables communication over significant distances without relying on the internet or traditional telecommunications providers. Looking at the live map of my home state of Connecticut, it is clear how rapidly this network is expanding. It is a community that communicates over the air using various hardware devices rather than through centralized platforms like Discord or Reddit.
In my latest off-grid video, I take a look at some turn-key devices that connect tothese networks right out of the box!
For those unfamiliar with the specifics of Mesh Core or Meshtastic, the communication is limited to short text messages. It does not support images or video, but it provides a functional way to stay in touch when other systems fail.
The utility of the network is best demonstrated through real-world interaction. In my video, I sent a message to a public feed asking a general question. A response came from a contact located an hour away. By analyzing the message path, I could see that the signal traveled 130 miles, bouncing through multiple repeaters across Massachusetts and Connecticut before reaching me. This illustrates the potential of the mesh architecture when a sufficient number of nodes are active in an area.
When I began working with this technology, the barrier to entry usually involved assembling components like Heltec ESP32 into custom-built radios. The market has since evolved to include more turnkey options that allow for a quicker setup. While these ready-to-use devices often carry a higher price point, they offer a path for those who prefer not to spend time on assembly.
One such device is the Seed Studio SenseCAP (compensated affiliate link). This unit integrates a solar panel, a Meshcore radio, and a battery into a single weatherproof enclosure. I have kept this unit outdoors for several months, where it has remained powered by sunlight and consistently linked to the local Meshcore repeater network. By placing this unit outside, I have improved my signal performance, as it acts as a bridge that repeats messages into my home. It has proven reliable through heavy rain and high winds, even without permanent mounting.
My primary device for daily use is the Heltec MeshPocket (compensated affiliate link). This unit features a 5,000 milliamp-hour battery and an e-ink display. It pairs with a mobile app via Bluetooth to send and receive messages. One useful feature of this specific model is its ability to receive and store messages even when disconnected from a phone, syncing them once the connection is restored. It also includes a wireless charging pad on the back, allowing it to function as a power bank for a smartphone.
Other manufacturers, such as Elecrow, offer various hardware configurations. The ThinkNode M5 (compensated affiliate link) is a compact device resembling a small walkie-talkie with an e-ink screen and built-in GPS. While portable, its battery life is limited to approximately one day. For those prioritizing power, the ThinkNode M4 (compensated affiliate link) lacks a screen but includes a 7,000 milliamp-hour battery, a flashlight, and multiple USB-C ports for data and charging. It also functions as a wireless power bank. Because it has no display, it requires a phone pairing to view network traffic.
For a completely self-contained experience, the ThinkNode M9 (compensated affiliate link) features a physical keyboard similar to older mobile devices. It does not require a phone to function. While the keyboard and firmware navigation require some adjustment—such as waiting for long messages to scroll across the screen—it serves as an all-in-one communicator with GPS capabilities.
Beyond handheld devices, there are opportunities to integrate this technology with computers. I have experimented with connecting a radio to a Raspberry Pi to run a Bulletin Board System (BBS) using a package called Supply Drop. This setup allows users to leave and read messages on a persistent server within the mesh network. The BBS software works with both Meshcore and Meshtastic networks, allowing different protocols to interact. The host machine does need two radios for this to work, however.
The variety of hardware available now makes it easier to join these independent networks, whether through DIY projects or out-of-the-box solutions. And if you’re not sure whether to go with Meshcore or Meshtastic, most of the devices listed today have firmware that works with both. My advice is to research which network is the most active in your particular region.
See you off the grid!