Maker Faire Providence 2025
Meshtastic
Home: Rhode Island, United States of America
Meshtastic is a resilient open-source, encrypted, radio-based mesh networking protocol for text messaging. You can program them to work as bulletin board servers, connect them to sensors to create alert networks, or just use them for casual messaging. The beauty of Meshtastic is that it's based on radio waves, so it's useful in scenarios where cellular service is unavailable, such as while hiking, camping, at festivals or on remote cruise ships. Come learn what Meshastic is, see stand alone and app-based Meshtastic messaging at work, and see a few sample nodes. Available nodes to try will be $10 Seeed Xiao nodes that require the Meshtastic app, as well as stand alone Lily-Go T-decks, and custom made 3D printed solar powered nodes.
Maker
Sylvia Stipich
What Inspired You to Make This?
DefCon, a convention for cybersecurity and hackers, has been promoting Meshtastic for several years as an alternative decentralized communication system for neighbors and local communities. They're a fun way to learn about and use concepts like asymmetric and symmetric encryption, public and private keys, and some RF basics, but they're approachable enough for the everyday user with a little tech skill and willingness to learn something new. And unlike ham radio, there's no need to take an exam or become licensed to operate a Meshtastic radio device.
