Meshtastic

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Got my router up and running! (and some questions) (lemmy.world)

submitted 3 months ago by ch00f@lemmy.world to c/meshtastic@mander.xyz

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Rak wireless module with battery/solar.

My question is…now what? I’m in Seattle, I can pick up 121 nodes, but there no traffic.

Is everybody using private channels? Or is nobody talking? I don’t see many messages and got one reply to a general CQ I sent out, but no response to the follow up.

I guess I was kind of hoping for what I get over ham radio, occasional chats, evening nets, etc.

Am I running into a technical limitation? Or is that the gist of Meshtastic?

As a follow-up, can I easily see if my router is handling other people’s traffic? I’d like to know if I’m helping.

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[–] remotelove@lemmy.ca 11 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

If you plan on keeping it up for a while, some coax-seal might be ideal on the antenna connector since you are in Seattle. It's some nasty stuff to work with, but it'll save you some maintenance.

A local mesh group where I live hosts meet-ups that they occasionally announce on 220/440, so keep your ears open for that in your area.

(I am in Denver, so I am a little out of your range. Or maybe not? High solar activity does strange things... Once, I keyed about 4-5 repeaters on 2M from my house, so anything is possible.)

[–] henchman2019@lemmy.world 3 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Side question... Do you know if that coax-seal is similar/better to 3m splice tape or just standard rubber splice tape?

[–] remotelove@lemmy.ca 2 points 3 months ago

I have no idea. Using coax-seal is just what I have always used and just have been blindly following what my dad always used since I was a kid.

There are probably better options these days. If it's rubber-like and sticky, it should work fine.

[–] wesker@lemmy.sdf.org 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Does the length of that coax have a negative effect on the antenna signal?

[–] ch00f@lemmy.world 2 points 2 months ago

Possibly. I’ve ordered a higher end cable. Waiting for the weather to clear before installing.