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What is Meshtastic?

Meshtastic is an open-source, decentralized, off-grid mesh network. It’s made up of small communicators that can form a mesh network. These communicators can be linked to a phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Meshtastic uses inexpensive LoRa radios as a long-range communication platform. 

Meshtastic is a new an emerging technology, so it's constantly changing.

Meshtastic operates in the 915mhz/33cm band under part 15 rules; with a good portion of operations being hams. There is a large amount of information on the official Meshtastic website.

Getting Started

Want to get started with meshtastic? We recommend you start with the Bayme.sh getting started guide. The recommended hardware is a great place to start if you're looking for hardware.

Quick tips for using the mesh in the bay area:

• Most of the SF Bay is on the MediumSlow preset with some testing in the south bay on MediumFast and Sacrament is mixed on LongFast and MediumSlow.

• Use the Bayme.sh recommended settings.

• Most people need a "roof" node - a client node located on the roof that acts as a relay for portable nodes. DO NOT USE the Router or Repeater preset on your roof. 900mhz is attenuated significantly  by walls, siding (Some houses have metal backed, concrete or compressed fiberboard that has a lot of attenuation), and trees.

• Due to the recommended settings, it may take a while for nodes to show up on your list. Most infrastructure nodes don't transmit except for 1-2 times per hour with node information. Try sending a message, and checking out the meshview servers hosted by the local meshtastic groups: Bay Area Meshview   Sac Valley Meshview 

• Use a 6dbi or more gain antenna if you can. 

• Use a filter. Ask in the Bayme.sh discord about them, there are a couple of local hams that have them available.

Meshtastic Groups

Bay Area Mesh

The MDARC nodes are a part of the Meshtastic Bay Area Group.  The Meshtastic Bay Area group is a vibrant and welcoming community of enthusiasts passionate about Meshtastic and mesh radio communications, based in and around the San Francisco Bay Area. Our members come from diverse backgrounds but share a common love for exploring and innovating in the world of mesh networks.

Check out the Bay Area Mesh https://bayme.sh  or join their discord https://discord.gg/GpsKbhGJx5 for a thriving conversation. 

Sac Valley Mesh

The MDARC nodes overlap with the Sac Valley Mesh group due to it's location. They are a group focused in Sacramento, Yolo and surrounding Counties.

Check out the Sac Valley mesh https://www.sacvalleymesh.com/ or join their discord https://discord.gg/kk26pjpDhG

Central Valley Mesh

The MDARC nodes overlap with the Central Valley Mesh group  due to it's location. They are a group focused in Fresno and Turlock and surrounding areas.

Check out the Sac Valley mesh https://centralvalleymesh.net/ or join their discord https://discord.com/invite/9KUu5QQqMx

Mesh Maps

What to take a look at the mesh? here's some maps

Bay Area Meshview

Sac Valley Meshview

https://meshtastic.liamcottle.net/?lat=37.83034660061394&lng=237.83271789550784&zoom=10

https://meshmap.net/ (This map may not show full data due to the Meshtastic team's servers censoring data)