Anyone using meshtastic?

For once the youtube algo turns up something interesting.

[Real quick: low power, lower frequency, LOW DATA SPEED, radio network mesh you can build on your own. Can either link to a cell phone via Bluetooth OR buy a stand alone text device]

I've watched a few videos on the idea and for a serious situation (earthquake, volcano) where the grid goes down for a week or so, these could be very handy for texting other people.
Anyone used these, set up a network? I'm curious.

The kits range from print a 3d cover for it to solder components together.

Here's another that just popped up on my youtube home screen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JetMEHleiE

Meshtastic reddit
https://www.reddit.com/r/meshtastic/

https://meshtastic.org/

Tech and gaget heavy.

Need a core of highly tech minded willing to spend the money and time to get all the pieces and develop and program the small units (granted there are tons of videos on the how’s).

Once you have that then it’s simply connecting the mesh network. Planning and codes for teams etc.

Well, I have been looking into this this evening. Seems like it may be something to add to my arsenal.

There are devices available that are ready to go out if the box, and apparently can be paired with the ATAK app to use for more tacti-cool operations.

Research continues.

Yeah. It's a bit of a learning curve and it does appear you can have a private mesh and tap into the 'public' meshtastic mesh as well with some parameter setting?
I could see its utility for outdoor people right now.

Depending how deep and how much.

These would be a great group secured commo setup.

But again - you need a core set of people to do the research and invest in the gear.