🔐 **Secure Off-Grid Communications with Meshtastic and LoRa | Introductory Video** Part 1
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- Опубліковано 11 вер 2024
- 📡 Welcome to Disaster Communications. In this comprehensive video, we delve into the fascinating world of secure off-grid communications using Meshtastic and LoRa technology. Whether you're a survivalist, outdoor enthusiast, or just curious about cutting-edge communication solutions, this video is a must-watch.
🌐 *Key Topics Covered:*
1. **Introduction to Meshtastic and LoRa**: Understand the basics of Meshtastic and LoRa technology and how they revolutionize off-grid communication.
2. **Setting Up Your Mesh Network**: A step-by-step guide on how to set up and configure your own Meshtastic mesh network for secure, decentralized communication.
3. **LoRa for Long-Range Communication**: Explore the capabilities of LoRa (Long Range) technology and how it enables communication over extended distances without the need for traditional infrastructure.
4. **Security Features**: Learn about the robust security features of Meshtastic and how they contribute to a secure and private off-grid communication experience.
5. **Real-World Applications**: Discover practical scenarios where Meshtastic and LoRa shine, from remote outdoor adventures to emergency preparedness.
🛠️ *Tools Mentioned:*
- Meshtastic Device [Link to product]
- LoRa Modules [Link to product]
🔗 *Resources Mentioned:*
www.amazon.com...
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🔔 *Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more in-depth tech guides and reviews!*
#Meshtastic #LoRa #OffGridCommunications #TechExploration #CommunicationSecurity #MeshNetwork
Please continue the series and make more videos. Please do deeper dives into this technology.
Will do. Recording one today on flashing firmware. Thanks for following. Appreciate it
If it isn't too much trouble it would be awesome if you made build videos of the different units in your mesh network
For sure. I’ll start that one tomorrow. Do you have one you would like to see first? Thanks so much!!
@@Disastercommunications primarily the building and set up of the wisblock "repeaters" but honestly I'd like to see your thoughts on all the builds. Trying to build a local network here with some buddies, I prefer your content over others haha
The center one and the one at the top right look really interesting and worth watching how you would build them.
Thanks for the information and blessings
I'm subscribing to see that!
@@-bu6kzL sounds good. Filmed the second one and I’ll try to get it edited today. Thanks.
FYI the rak boards sell a power module called “green power” it’s a buck boost converter it makes the solar panel give out stable voltage it works much better than without it
Thanks Bob. That may be the stability I need for them. Great information
I al so glad I found this channel. I am starting to build a Mesh system in both F.L and P.R
I’m glad you found it as well. Just filmed some more so will edit those today and get them uploaded.
Already have a small'sh network here with a few solar stationary nodes, working great so far.
Very cool. We are constantly checking and testing. Was up rebooting one of the repeaters today to locked up.
Great video. Me and a few buddies are running/testing meshtastic out here in NC too!
Very cool...how has it been working and so far what is your favorite device?
Interesting. I am a HAM using JS8CALL and other digital modes. The no license required is very interesting where non-HAMs are included. Thank you.
Same thing here. My wife and daughter didn’t want to get license.
My interest was an outgrowth of trying to put ATAK civ on our Samsung...which frankly I was unable to do. My understanding was, had I been successful, was that I could have then used Mestastic on my phone. For me, having the ability to have secure and non-voice comms [texting] to others in a group, gps locate in a full grid down, mapping and an alternative to my VHF/UHF radios in the event of voice radio failure in a grid down was likewise critically important. Although I am an old ham operator, these technologies might as well be "greek" to me, yet they seem the best way to increase reliable communications in austere conditions...as well as add features that otherwise are not available. Having training video's of this technology would also be very valuable in a full grid down to train others. Note - In a full grid-down most of us would be guarding the fort or growing our own food...without time to do in depth training of others.
Great message and great points. They do work with atak using a plug in and I do like the way it seems to work. I have yet to install it for this although I did try it with a separate program for my drone. I think I will work on adding a some videos on what you brought up. Great points that you brought up. Thanks for the message and feel free to sub to catch those videos.
Thanks for this information. My community has a small GMRS network with limited range and I think this is exactly what we need to add to our ability to react during emergencies, etc. thanks again
Thank you for watching
Meshtastic does not have the bandwidth nor the scale to support large meshes beyond 300 nodes and range tanks without LOS (line of sight). It was used at Burning Man and there's a wonderful write up of how the network tipped over with messages not being received by nodes a hope or two away because the mesh had about 300 nodes. Hopefully improvements are made to controlling node traffic but right now this is a cool hobby project but I wouldn't rely on this for any kind of emcomms vs. say vhf/uhf radio.
I agree 100%. I never recommend putting all eggs in one basket. I knew the limitation of 300 but am shocked to find that kind of usage. I can see something that could handle that being a benefit at something like burning man with no cell coverage. Thanks for the feedback and will look for the write up.
@@Disastercommunications here's the link to the doc. docs.google.com/document/d/1Z0RmvJbMkrmmk8yb8p5oIDouN8ZeaSyV4whmvPxL-oo/edit?usp=sharing
I'm deploying a 3 node Meshtastic network for my family and I won't have it forwarding other messages or having any public access. The entire spectrum from 902 to 928 MHz is available for ISM devices so getting a bit away from Meshtastic standard frequencies would further increase reliability. Maybe use an SDR to monitor other local ISM devices and pick a bit of spectrum that isn't being used to avoid interference.
Thanks for the excellent introduction and overview.
Having studied this tech recently, I have found your clear and informative presentation the most helpful out of the vast majority. Thank you. Subscribed.
Thank you so much. Will keep putting content out.
Two weeks after I placed an order, RAK finally shipped my WisBlocks from China and they're due here tomorrow. I have everything else to make a three node FamNet so my brother, sister and I can text when the power goes down and there is no internet or cellular service. I need to finish designing the enclosures to house the WisBlock, four 18650 batteries, 6W solar panel, and 8.5 dBi antenna. FamNet should be operational in a week or so. I've spent around $350 but I already had the batteries and battery holders.
You are one of the lucky ones. When they are getting them in stock they are selling out same day. Looks like you’re on the right path for your family as well. Might also encourage to have a back up to them. Maybe some GMRS radios to do voice as well? Mesh for encrypted comms etc
@@Disastercommunications - I haven't had much luck getting local like-minded friends to get a Technician license so we can use 2m or 70cm voice so GMRS would probably be a more practical (if less technically desirable) emcomm solution than Yaesu System Fusion digital voice, which I chose as the least common digital system around here. Speaking of backups, I need to order more WisBlocks and solar panels that I can store in the galvanized tacticool trash can so I can replace damaged equipment as needed. For an n node network, I'm not comfortable with less than 2n+1 sets of spare parts, and 3n would be better. Fortunately, LoRa devices are relatively inexpensive.
I tried to order the WisBlocks from Rokland but they were back ordered. I bought the antennas from them but ordered the WisBlocks from RAK in China. They didn't indicate that they were back ordered, but they delayed shipment of my order for two weeks. I got an automated email from Rokland today saying the WisBlocks were back in stock (mine arrive air freight from China tomorrow), and 90 minutes later I got an email from Rokland saying the WisBlocks sold out in an hour, but they should have more next week. Meshtastic is getting popular. I should have done this project a month or two ago. I was interested in LoRa a few years ago, but it wasn't useful for me until Meshtastic so thanks to those open source programmers.
Awesome job
Thanks!
Great video and philosophy on things. What is the part number for the wisblock solar panel / charge controller? Same question for the antennas.
Great informative video, looking forward to additional ones!
Thank you so much.
Excellent information and content, sir keep up the good work
Thank you....just wrapping up Line of Sight training now....WIll upload later. Thank you again.
This is great. Im very interested in this, but have absolutely no idea where to start.
This video was the right one to start on. Now, the second video is on checking line of site. I would watch it to determine how many nodes between the points your wanting to talk to. I started with two nodes to learn it then grew from there. The next couple videos are on the individual radios themselves. That will show you some options. Then just order the radios. Next videos in the series will be how to flash and configure them.
@@Disastercommunications we're in Rural SW Montana, and I would love to put together a network of these.
I'll purse the rest of your videos soon.
Thanks again.
Good stuff, I love to see people growing the their mesh networks!
Thank you. Thanks for your content as well.
Where?
In the UK?
This is all very cool, thanks for sharing your knowledge with the rest of us. Have you heard of anyone up here in Canada getting into this? Gonna ask my HAM friend about it tomorrow.
I’m sure there is. I’ll Google for the meshtastic map. I don’t recall the link off hand but users can post their area.
Great inspiration. Thank you...
You are so welcome! Thanks for message
I would like to see a video of how to connect to MQTT and if it allows messaging over the internet. How does that work? What exactly does MQTT do for meshtastic? I got a couple Heltec v3 I am messing with.
Pretty much an internet based network of mesh. Allows you to expand and see more stations via the internet
Great tutorial.Can you explain how 250 Kms communication has been achieved'
Thank you. More than likely that is mountain top to mountain top. These really heavily on line of sight so that would be about the only way of that. It is listed on Meshtastic website with a link to the user. I believe they had a post about it or a write up.
None of these off grid communications except maybe power talkie which I can't find Anymore by The Way.
Has actual voice communications in an emergency? You're not going to be able to send out a text message in an emergency.
However maybe your voice might be able to alert people all these oldest things.
Would be good sure but it also need to include voice communications? If not it's garbage not worth your money or so text in case you need it.
As well add an emergency button also but.
In an emergency voice communications is king. So ladies and gentlemen remember that all these devices are are good. Yes? But they need one more thing voice communications.
You should be able to use it like our walkie-talkie if needed.
So remember tell whoever's creating these devices that.
In an emergency your voice is king.
And sometimes and sometimes text is Queen.
I understand where you are coming from but I feel the approach for these device might be more along the lines of secure communications. When you say text, I do want to clarify that these do not use cellular texting. It is not dependent on cell service rather its own text based comms. If you’re familiar with aprs it is very similar to that but with the option of encryption. I believe the market for these devices will be more for the folks that do not want to share their voice over the air. Now I personally teach to have multi like ways to communicate. I do recommend digital voice just for a little more privacy than FM offers, although I certainly don’t use comms for a reason that I would need it. Thanks for the feedback and it is a great reminder two is one and one is none. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify your comms to match your needs.
Maybe you answered this, but it's unclear to me. How far away can your iPhone be from one of these radios for it to work? Its it bluetooth range?
Bluetooth 5 aims to have a casting distance of 150m.
It depends on your surroundings
Here is a list if things that reduce casting distance in order of interference:
Wifi access points
Metal Cabinet
Microwave
Fridge
LCD Monitor
Plaster / Concrete
Bricks
Water
Glass
Wood
You're saying....the message is secure? My concern is the sender or receiver being secure. So from what I can tell, you can see what messages pass through your node, so its someone easy to locate repeaters. Thinking grid down, SHFT conditions people can locate users...correct? For example...your family channel will use other users to get your "secure" message to family members. Others can see you used their node to transfer information, even tho they can't see message.
Great questions. Let me give my opinion on secure first. I choose to operate like nothing is secure. Even ones time pads are untraceable on their own, but add the human factor and the keys can be gotten from the other human. So yes the aes256 is secure, unless someone gets the key off their phone or it is sent over public wifi etc. Also, if you’re trying to hide, remember all RF can be triangulated and tracked down. So if this is the case, transmit, move, then transmit again and move if you have too. Now dealing with my encrypted data going across another (non family) node, unless they have your key, it will not show up on the end users. I also believe that to be true on the nodes, although I have not tested, because the nodes have the same interface as the end users so there is not a “monitor all” option. To be 100% comfortable in that opinion I would do a test to confirm that to be true.
Regarding AES256, it’s been cracked.
There is no true security.
The best security is rolling keys that aren’t shared *within* the system.
I agree with your statement 100%. Nothing is secure. I do teach to operate that way. Instead of trusting the encryption, if it is super sensitive, I would OTP along with but even that can be jacked if they loose their keys.
@@Disastercommunications yes, correct.
Regarding voice communication with LoRa, it seems like no one offers such solution, right?
How valuable would voice communication be for the LoRa community?
LoRa only supports data. So it may be due to the bandwidth of the signal but it will only handle data and position reports. Not sure I have heard anyone make anything else work on it
@@Disastercommunications Got it. Me and my collegue could potentially solve it.
It wouldn’t be any realtime voice calls, but sending voice messages at reasonable speeds surely would be beneficial.
This is true. Like a packet sent downloaded message would be cool.
Has meshtastic changed? Nice having many channels, Maybe mine is older, but I believe mine up in the air on the pole, can only select and process one channel. You would have to climb the pole or blue tooth into it, to get it to select a different channel. The system I have all meshes have to be one a singular channel for the signals to bounce through.
So you can currently set the node type to repeater or relay and my understanding is it will repeat all traffic Then you can upload private channels to force it just to repeat those.
There is a bit of confusion arising from the "channel" terminology. ISM devices can use any portion of the ISM band which is 902 to 928 MHz in the US. Meshtastic channels are not different frequency bands. They're more like chat rooms, all communicating over the same 915 MHz frequency.
What do you recommend for making small repeater stations? How much power is used with and without activity (for sizing solar/batteries)?
Interested in sonstructing some small mostly self-contained ones. Price is obviously a factor, but with no mesh there are no comms.
So far I lean more towards the wisblock boards for outdoor nodes. They use less power although I do recommend using the green power board with the Solar to help stabilize and a battery disconnect low voltage. This helps the board from going into a locked up state. Several users have dealt with this. Fortunately the fix is inexpensive.
Which build are you running on these? Care to share the URL?
At the time is was the latest firmware. That was about a month ago. The flasher is on their website at meshtastic.org. I’ll be doing a video on how to flash them if you haven’t done it yet.
I'm a little bit into radio. These sound pretty neat. I have a scanner and use SDR dongles and a HackRF One. Is there a way I can tell if I'm in range with other mesh nodes using what I have?
Yes. Tune to 915mhz. Look for signals.
I just liked AND subscribed. This is very good information that I'm sure you have a lot more of.
Awesome, thank you!
Will any device relay the message, or does it need to be part of a mesh. So if a stranger to me has a Meshtastic will, my message be relayed by his Meshtastic to the intended person.
So this is the client role setting that will effect this. My understanding, if in repeater or relay mode, it repeats anything and everything it hears. If in client mode it has to have the channel qr/password to share it.
What version of the meshtastic devises do you think would be best for a survival team? Im thinking the heltec because it doesnt have gps (power will last longer and the variable of being located when you dont want to is eliminated) Would love your opinion if anyone has the time to give it.
My option is the t-beam, or t-echo depending on size. I like having the gps as an option as you can disable it if need be. If your trying not the be located, then any transmission can be triangulated so for me it would be to use short burst then turn the unit off. Only turning it on on the top of the hour if needed. Create a schedule. I have heard the chip in the Heltec is not as good as the t series but all seem equal to me. I think I would go whisblock over Heltec also.
The ESP32 processor in the Heltec uses more power than the processor used in the WisBlock and a few other LoRa devices. There's a good comparison on the Meshtastic website. For portable or solar power, I'd avoid the Heltec unless you don't mind a big battery and/or big solar panel. It'd be OK if using a vehicle to supply power. Also, the newer SX1262 LoRa transceiver chip has a more sensitive receiver and slightly more powerful transmitter (still legal) and should have better range.
Great video!! If I understand channels correctly, the primary/default channel will be the one with the community mesh network, & hence, will be the one that reaches the farthest. Other channels like your family channel while encrypted/private will be very limited & only contain as many nodes as who gets the QR code, which will be very limited in reach/range.
Do I understand this correctly & hence, isn't only the primary/default channel representative of a mesh network?
Great question and thanks for watching. My understanding, but I really would feel better telling you this if I actually did some testing on it. I had read that when a node is set in repeater or relay mode, it will repeat all traffic despite channels. I had also read that you shouldn’t put your channels in the repeater nodes as someone could compromise your network if they are found. “Primary channel” is the channel that shares your gps position. So I would recommend using primary channel for a encrypted family channel unless you were ok with sharing position to a community channel. Primary doesn’t necessarily mean community. When a node is set to repeater or relay mode, they do not show up on the map. Currently since my network is small I have them set as clients so that I can see them but as it grows I will be modifying that
@@Disastercommunications Mmm, relay/repeater mode sounds interesting. But like the primary default channel, will take a community of nodes to "boost" channel's reach.
The more out and deployed the more solid the mesh is. Or at least a couple high ground placed units could do a lot as well
I see all these different devices ,at least 4 that you show, but many others on line...do you need all of them? Which ones do you need? I see they come in at least 6 maybe more frequencies, which one do you need or recommend? All of them? It's all very confusing.
There are several options as you have seen. I recommend getting one that works for the need. For example, if I am building an outside unit, I’d go with the wisblock design as they use less power. Some like the t-echo for carrying. I like the t- deck since you don’t need a phone for it.
Frequency is based on your country. USA would use 915 mhz.
@@Disastercommunications thanks for your help. I'll be following your series on this.
I’m new to the Meshtastic world and would love some help getting me and my group set up!
Happy to help any way I can. If you haven’t yet, start by subbing. I’m recording serveral videos in this series. Also going to help give training videos on other means for secure comms and ideas. Thanks so much. Also feel free to ask any questions.
I guess it depends where you are located. In my area, the cell towers mostly.stayed functional even after a Cat 5 hurricane. SMS and downloads/uploads always worked if a bit slow. Voice worked the vsst manority of the time.
Very fortunate. Sometimes the microwave backbones go down on the sites as well. I like the idea of better safe than sorry.
@@Disastercommunications I certainly understand. I'm a retired broadcaster and Ham myself. Surprisingly, I never touched any of my emergency comms during or after the hurricane. I know my area is an anomaly in how prepared we are. We've had multiple Cat 4s with minimal disruption. Cat 5 is a completely different animal.
The more people are effected by disasters it seems they are more prepared. Usually comms is the last on the list but good to see that your area is going a great job.
Clay - ive done a quick online search (after first searching your Amazon store) and it seems a lot of these devices are out of stock. Especially the T-Echo and T-Deck.
Do you have any insight on when theyll be back in stock?
I'm a newb looking to get into this.
Have you tried Rokland? They are showing a couple models in stock, not the popular ones of coarse. store.rokland.com/?ref=Comms
Also lilygo is taking orders. They are the supplier but bad news is we are coming up on the China new year. I think all of China shuts down for a month. Ugh. Not a good time for sure. www.lilygo.cc/disastercommunications
@@Disastercommunications Ok. As long as it's just a temporary setback. With all the sanctions on China regarding computer chips n all, I wasn't sure if there was something new I didn't know about.
Thank you for the reply.
And I'll be sure to subscribe to your channel as soon as this comment posts!
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
@@Disastercommunications Btw, my background is in ChemE, not EE, so all the electronics technical jargon (outside of what I learned in physics) is really hard to keep straight.
Your intro explanations help a lot.
@@ThePreparedAdventist thanks for the encouragement. I am in the works for a second series on three levels of communications. 1) beginner 2) advanced 3) expert. Something for everyone’s skill set. With the goal of advancing everyone’s skills upwards.
@@Disastercommunications Yes! Please!
I'm going to repost your channel to my subscribers. (All 192 of them. Lol.)
What firmware are running for the heltec v3? I just picked up a few to start, next a few ttgo lora t3s3.
Currently running the latest alpha version. So far so good
So will solar flares not be a problem?
Yes...I recommend two is one and one is none. So I would keep one in faraday. Not just these but any important communication devices. Thanks for watching.
Is there any way to put a lora32 in a really small pelican for weatherproofing with a cutout/silicone seal for antenna?
For those of us without 3d printers
Yes! I have seen some downloads of some. I went to the hardware and bought a pvc pipe to use for one that I have. I’ll have it in a future video as well
There are some that are sold already in a small pelican case (or at least there was) on Etsy
just get a large diameter PVC pipe. If it can hold water under pressure, it'll easily keep water out. We use PVC pipes to cover our outdoor WiFi surge protectors and they work just fine. Even in multiple hurricanes.
Gonna tuck in and watch this tonight!
This is my first one like this and I will work on constantly improving them. Thanks for watching
Got a link for the whis block ?
store.rokland.com/?ref=Comms
Whats the frequency to operate in europe?
868 mhz
I would like a way to connect to a cell network using these when I am outside of cell coverage. Be very helpful. As an example I am out hiking but there is no cell service at my location if I had a few of these I would be able to make a mesh network and then be able txt to a cell network.
Great suggestion! So there is a way to hook these to the internet using mqtt mode. The only issue is that doesn’t tie it to SMS. Would almost need an SMS gateway. I would recommend the meshtastic website and they have an option to submit ideas. Since it is all volunteer based I am not how quick it may be imported. But that would be cool. I will say in ham radio we had an SMS gateway on aprs (similar mode) but he had to shut it off due to cell regulations that got implemented.
How do I keep people from reading my messages
Create a custom channel with encryption. Only people you share the QR code with will have that channel
Tried the hell tech and it WOULD NOT flash meshtastic. 2 units, 2 people trying.
My android sees it and meshtastic comes up but I can't do anything with it.
Going back non functional.
"waiting for lora data"
Wait forever.
It doesn't work windows 10 US meshtastic.
Doesn't work!
What device did you select in the firmware? I messed up the first time I tried to flash my heltec. Mine said diy so I selected it. I’ll do a video tomorrow in flashing it though. Maybe you can see if I did something different. I know it likes to use edge. They did just announce a new page for the firmware flash. Sorry you ended up with some bad luck on it.
@Disastercommunications
My problems began when I installed edge.
Just try to uninstall edge without command prompt or some other complicated, obscure process.
Pure Microsoft bs
Browser should not be any issue.
Internet is Internet.
Browsers are only face paged to influence subs. They are all browsers.
Firefox should work just fine.
Understand. I know they say it only works with the two supported browsers. So must be some open protocol that the others don’t allow for some reason. I’ll do some more diggin
@Disastercommunications
Frustration, time and money...very infaming.
No results.
Such a waste of my valuable time.
No answers, no solution.
Garbage hell tech.
DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME!
The majority of people DO NOT have "line of sight".
I would agree with that. The second video in series is teaching people how to build a mesh without line of site.