01 / Radio
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Long-range LoRa
LoRa radio is designed for long-range, low-power communication, making it useful for nodes that need to operate for extended periods.
Upper Michigan + Northeast Wisconsin
Upper Meshigan Network
A regional decentralized mesh communications network built around Meshtastic and long-range, low-power radio links. Learn what the network is, how the mesh works, and how to get started before diving into the active network infrastructure.
Start here
What is Meshtastic?
Meshtastic is a communications system built around low-power LoRa radios. Compatible devices can exchange information directly with nearby nodes and relay traffic across the mesh.
02 / Mesh
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Nodes relay traffic
A message can move through other participating nodes instead of depending on one central relay point.
03 / Independence
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No cellular path required
The local mesh can provide device-to-device communication without requiring a conventional cellular connection between participating radios.
How the mesh works
One radio can reach farther through the network
Your device does not have to reach every destination directly. Other nodes can extend the path by receiving and relaying traffic.
Your Device
Message starts here
→
Mesh Node
Receives & relays
→
Destination
Another device or node
This distributed approach is what makes a mesh different from a simple point-to-point radio link. Additional useful nodes can extend the practical reach of the network.
Network breakdown
Upper Meshigan at a glance
The regional network is built around a simple LoRa-based Meshtastic profile. These values provide the quick-reference view of the network before moving into the detailed infrastructure documentation.
Current network profile
Regional setup
- Radio region: US_915
- Primary preset: LongFast
- Maximum hops: 7
- LoRa-based decentralized communications
Quick reference
UPPER MESHIGAN NETWORK
├── REGION US_915
├── PRESET LongFast
├── HOP LIMIT 7
└── NETWORK DECENTRALIZED / REGIONAL
├── REGION US_915
├── PRESET LongFast
├── HOP LIMIT 7
└── NETWORK DECENTRALIZED / REGIONAL
The 'Current Network Profile' and "Quick Reference' cards shown here only give the basic Nationally Recognized
default settings that are required to get on the network in the US.
Why use it?
What can you do with a mesh radio?
Meshtastic can be useful anywhere small amounts of information need to move between people or devices without relying on the normal cellular path.
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Messaging
Exchange text messages with other compatible devices participating in the mesh.
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Location
Compatible devices can share GPS and location information across the network.
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Telemetry
Nodes can carry useful device and environmental telemetry when supported by the hardware and configuration.
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Remote communication
Maintain a communications option in places where cellular coverage is limited or unavailable.
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Outdoor use
Low-power radios can be deployed for outdoor, remote, event, recreational, and community applications.
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Community networks
Participants can add compatible nodes and help extend a locally maintained communications network.
Understand the hardware
The radio is only one part of the system
Before choosing a device, it helps to understand what determines how well a node performs. Hardware, antenna, placement, power, and firmware all matter.
Node fundamentals
What makes a useful node?
- Compatible Meshtastic hardware
- An antenna appropriate for the radio and deployment
- A location with useful radio visibility
- Reliable power for the intended role
- Current, compatible firmware and configuration
Placement matters
Radio visibility is important
Two identical radios can perform very differently depending on where they are installed. Elevation, obstructions, antenna placement, and the surrounding terrain can all affect practical range.
The current Upper Meshigan network configuration, active nodes, deployed hardware, and antenna information can be found on the Network Infrastructure page.
Getting started
From unopened box to connected node
You do not need to understand the entire network before getting started. Work through the basics first, then use the infrastructure page when you're ready for regional configuration.
STEP 01
Choose hardware
Pick a compatible Meshtastic device that fits how you plan to use it.
STEP 02
Install firmware
Get the device running compatible Meshtastic firmware and verify it communicates properly.
STEP 03
Learn the basics
Understand channels, nodes, radio range, antennas, power, and the role your device will serve.
STEP 04
Join the network
Use the current Upper Meshigan infrastructure information to configure your device for the regional network.
Configuration and deployment values can change as the regional network evolves. Always use the current Network Infrastructure page when configuring an active node.
Ready for the technical side?
Network Infrastructure
Once you understand Meshtastic and have your hardware ready, move on to the active Upper Meshigan network documentation. That's where the current regional configuration, nodes, hardware, antennas, and deployment information belong.
Technical reference • Active network • Configuration