We are a small group of people working to build out and maintain an independent, decentralized, mesh network built with Meshtastic radios.
Every part of our network is made possible with the donation of time, materials, and compute through local volunteers
what is meshtastic?
Meshtastic® is a project that enables you to use inexpensive LoRa radios as a long range, off-grid, communication platform in areas without existing or reliable communications infrastructure. This project is 100% community driven and open source!
how does it work?
We setup meshtastic client nodes around the Bitterroot Valley with specific settings. Each node creates a dynamic network link to route messages. Users interact with the network by connecting their phone to a small, battery operated, portable node which transmits their messages across the existing network.
We are happy to announce the deployment of our node called Frenchy that is mounted between Missoula and Frenchtown. A node is in the works that will help finish the link between the Bitterroot and Missoula, bridging both areas together. Signal tests have been done and decent Coverage has been observed in Missoula and Frenchtown.…
We now have BBS services for metastatic in the valley! Look for node 📡 Solar-BBS. Send it a DM to start interacting with it. It will reply with a prompt with the commands you need! The Location of the node is off Grid and is a stand alone BBS at this time. Some of the…
If you’ve already joined our group chat on LongFast, thank you! If not – come join us! Right now, there’s a small group of us in the Hamilton and Corvallis area. Our coverage is still small, but we’re growing fast as we build and improve our network.
Join us July 21 at 1800 for an informal gathering. HigherGround Brewing has Pizza and Beverages and is family friendly. We meet from 1800-2000 (or until they close). Bring your personal nodes and good conversation. Location: HigherGround Brewing, 518 North 1st Street Hamilton, Montana 59840
Join us June 24th at 1800 for an informal gathering. HigherGround Brewing has Pizza and Beverages and is family friendly. We meet from 1800-2000 (or until they close). Bring your personal nodes and good conversation. Location Higherground Brewing 518 North 1st StreetHamilton, Montana 59840Google Maps Link
Join us March 16th at 1800 for an informal gathering. Higherground Brewing has Pizza and Beverages and is family friendly. We meet from 1800-2000 (or until they close). Bring your personal nodes and good conversation. Location Higherground Brewing 518 North 1st StreetHamilton, Montana 59840Google Maps Link
I’ve been told that everyone uses discord so I should jump on the bandwagon. I disagree! Discord is a decent platform and it has some strengths. A real problem in software adoption is the “Network Effect.” It does not matter if you have the best tech if all your friends are using other things. One…
What do the channel icons mean? Did you hear that meshtastic is encrypted but then you opened the app and the channel showed an orange unlocked icon? What does it mean? Are your messages safe? I know there is a lot to learn and it can seem daunting at first. But let’s cover the channel…
Get Involved
We need your help! This is a community powered project. You can help by setting up a node with our recommended settings. Right now most of the nodes are in the Hamilton and Corvallis area. Strategic locations moving North and South would be great.
What can you do to help?
Buy or build a node and get online
Refer a property owner that has a higher elevation location with a unobstructed view of the valley
