Workshop: Intrastructure independent networking through MeshCore (Groningen)
Discover how resilient communication works when traditional infrastructure fails. During this hands-on TNO session, you’ll learn the fundamentals of mesh networks by setting one up and why they play a crucial role in disaster scenarios. We’ll explore how decentralized radio-based networks can keep people connected when power, mobile networks, or internet services are down.
We will guide you through setting up your own radio and connecting to a live mesh network (MeshCore) that already spans large parts of the Netherlands. You’ll be able to join the dedicated TNO chat channel, exchange messages with others on-site, and experience first-hand how accessible this technology really is.
For this session Jeroen and Bart will have a few spare radios that you could use. Although we would recommend that you buy a radio before the session. Below we have added a list of commonly used radios with their features and prices. Note that if the device does not come with a case, you can 3d print one (if you let us know beforehand we can print it for you). Due to shipping we would recommend to order then 1 to 2 weeks before the event and also placing a bulk order.
For using MeshCore device in Europe you need the 868MHz variant.
|
Device |
€ |
Antenna |
Battery |
extra |
link |
|
Seeed xiao |
15 |
Interchangeable with I-PEX connector |
No |
Small dev-board |
[Meshtastic Development Kit](https://www.seeedstudio.com/XIAO-nRF52840-Wio-SX1262-Kit-for-Meshtastic-p-6400.html) |
|
Heltec v4 |
20 |
Interchangeable with I-PEX connector |
No, but can be added |
Small dev-board |
[WiFi LoRa 32(V4), ESP32S3 + SX1262 LoRa Node](https://heltec.org/project/wifi-lora-32-v4/) |
|
Seeed t1000-e |
35 |
Integrate non changeble |
Yes |
Compact credit-card format |
[Meshtastic Device - SenseCAP Card Tracker T1000-E](https://www.seeedstudio.com/SenseCAP-Card-Tracker-T1000-E-for-Meshtastic-p-5913.html) |
|
Lilygo t-echo |
50 |
Interchangeable with SMA connector |
Yes |
Portable device |
[T-Echo LILYGO – LILYGO®](https://lilygo.cc/products/t-echo-lilygo?variant=52153203687605) |
|
Lillygo t-deck |
85 |
Interchangeable with SMA connector |
Yes |
Small-blackberry format (Would not recommend as first device) |
[T-Deck Plus – LILYGO®](https://lilygo.cc/products/t-deck-plus-1?variant=51953089282229) |
The Seeed Xiao and Heltec come with a small antenna. However, if you want better reception, you can add a larger antenna. If you want this then please notify us, we can get you the right antennas before the event for a few euros.
If you are unsure about what device to buy, feel free to ask us for help.
Jeroen Lammers and Bart Marinissen
