this post was submitted on 07 Aug 2024
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For now, yes. There are certain extensions and 3rd party plugins that are seeking to expand on that by adding BBS capability or JS8call (for expanded text & basic audio).
There’s limited bandwidth to work with on just the 915mhz band but you’d be surprised what you can push downstream.
I find it rather useless if it only supports text messaging. Why not use cb radio or whatever at that point? That seems more useful in a disaster situation.
Very low cost of entry ($30-40), mesh capability for redundancy, and its on fairly accessible public bands although it occupies a specific part of it. Also it comes with end to end encryption.
It’s just a far more cost effective solution compared to having a CB radio, where you’d need to be licensed to have certain features or to communicate on VHF/UHF etc. You also wouldn’t need to learn any sort of HAM based etiquette to operate these devices.
Although if you need the extra capability, like voice comms, and want the flexibility that comes with HAM you can also incorporate these into that system.
That's not an improvement over CB radio
If that’s the only gripe you have, then it just seems like you’re looking for reasons to not use this technology.
That’s okay, it’s not for everyone. If you prefer to use your HAM radio, by all means feel free to do so and occupy those frequencies.
Myself and others in the Meshtastic community will still welcome you with open arms, if and when you decide to check it out.
No I think it's actually kinda cool, but not useful for many. That's completely fine.
I just wanted to point out that decentralization wasn't an improvement over radio.
awesome
Ahh fair enough. I can see where you’re coming from.
I find the added redundancy to be a beneficial addition in my scenario, particularly for emergency situations where cell service is out (due to overuse/congestion).
These don’t need multiple points of redundancy to work but it does add peace of mind imo. Decentralization is a core principle of Meshtastic so that’s also another strong point that pushed me towards the protocol.
But I can respect not everyone has the same requirements or interests :)
Ok so I got myself a heltec v3 xD
Sweet, have fun! Heltecs are some of the easiest devices to get started with. Just make sure to keep it charged :)
Meshtastic has the mesh capabilities that others have mentioned but what's more immediately important is the ability to direct message others (no need to send private messages to everyone in range) and the ability to share GPS coordinates which is absolutely helpful in an emergency.
CB doesn't have mesh capability so the range is far more limited. Plus you may need a license to operate it.