WHAT: Build a Mesh Network Node Workshop
WHEN: Thursday, September 10, 2026 5:30-6:45pm
WHERE: The Overlook, 611 W 12th St, Bloomington, IN 47404
COST: Free, but you'll want to buy a kit to assemble ***SEE KITS LISTED BELOW***
Cats, like mesh networks, are ungovernable.
A mesh network is democratized communication technology that passes messages and information node-to-node, free of any centrally controlled or grid based infrastructure. For a small investment of time and money, you can get started with your own node and link into one of the least expensive and most resilient communication networks currently available. Led by Bryce Bookwalter, Disaster Preparedness Coordinator for Monroe County.
Kits we will be using, please buy yours soon so it arrives before the event:
"I really like this kit: Meshnology N39, Meshtastic Heltec V4 LoRa Radio Devices for Sale It’s about $45 if multiple kits are purchased and it creates a nice device. Plus, there is no soldering required and it is expandable (you can upgrade it later with more stuff). This is the one that will feel most “off-grid-comms”.
This one is the cheapest option, but it works surprisingly well. XIAO ESP32S3 & Wio-SX1262 Kit for Meshtastic & LoRa There is no screen with this one, so everything is done through your phone. This may feel less “alternative” to cell phones since you’re controlling it with your phone but that’s how most of them are now. The build here is super quick too. There is no case provided with this one either."