Thermal Belt
Amateur Radio Club
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MESHCORE
TBARC is pleased to announce the deployment of our own MeshCore Repeater 'TBARC.org'
This marks the start of our commitment to expanding the clubs Off-grid focused comms. The repeater starts the backbone foundation for expansion of the Meshcore network to club and non-club members.
What is MeshCore?
MeshCore is a lightweight, open-source firmware and communication protocol designed for decentralized, secure, off-grid text messaging and telemetry. Utilizing long-range, low-power LoRa (Long Range) radio hardware, MeshCore allows individual devices to pass data peer-to-peer without relying on traditional cell towers, Wi-Fi networks, internet connections, or any centralized telecom infrastructure.
It is purpose-built to provide reliable communication during emergency power grid failures, coordinate remote outdoor activities, or establish independent community-run communication networks.
What do you need to
get started in Meshcore?
For members with good line of site to the TBARC Repeater or other area repeaters a companion node may be all that you need to get started with MeshCore.
If you are in areas with limited coverage or no line of sight to the TBARC Repeater or other repeaters you may need to deploy a repeater so your companion node can communicate with the network.
Most solar repeaters can run several days to several weeks with limited sun energy and each repeater deployment only strengthens the MeshCore network and reduces our reliance on traditional infrastructure.
Just like VHF and UHF height is important to getting your signal out.
SOFTWARE
1) You will need to flash (copy) the program onto your node or repeater device from the MeshCore website.
2) Then copy the MeshCore application onto your Bluetooth or WiFi smartphone, tablet or computer.
The MeshCore website has instructions to get you started https://meshcore.io/
OTHER FUN SITES:
https://www.youtube.com/@The_Comms_Channel
https://github.com/meshcore-dev/MeshCore/blob/main/docs/faq.md
Key Benefits of MeshCore
True Off-Grid Independence: Send text messages and coordinate locations completely independent of the commercial internet or cellular grids.
High-Scale Efficiency: MeshCore is engineered for ultra-low network congestion. By using a structured routing system rather than letting every device blindly repeat traffic, the network stays quiet, fast, and capable of scaling across entire neighborhoods or cities.
Massive Network Range: Unlike traditional hobbyist meshes limited to a few hops, MeshCore supports an impressive up to 64 hops, allowing messages to traverse vast chains of relays to reach distant users.
Exceptional Battery Life: Because individual user devices do not spend battery power repeating messages for everyone else, your portable equipment lasts significantly longer on a single charge.
Secure & Private Options: Features strong end-to-end encryption and robust access controls, ensuring your group's critical communications remain private and secure.
Hardware Roles: Companion Nodes vs. Repeaters
To keep the network efficient, MeshCore divides hardware into specific, intentional roles.
Companion Node
A companion node is your personal gateway to the mesh. This is the compact, low-power radio device that you carry with you or keep on your desk. It pairs seamlessly with your smartphone, tablet, or computer via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, allowing you to read and type messages through a clean user app.
Crucial Rule: Companion nodes only send and receive your own direct messages. To save battery power and radio airtime, a companion node never repeats or forwards traffic meant for other people.
Low-Cost & DIY Deployment
Getting onto the network is highly affordable. You do not need expensive commercial gear. You can easily build your own companion node using simple development boards, or purchase pre-flashed, plug-and-play kits.
The Heltec V3 Board: The absolute gold standard for budget-friendly entry is the Heltec V3 development board (approx. $20–$30). It comes as a complete, all-in-one package out of the box including an integrated ESP32-S3 processor, an SX1262 LoRa radio chip, a built-in 0.96-inch OLED display, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth capabilities, and direct support for a Li-Po battery.
How to Build It: Simply plug the Heltec V3 into a computer web browser (like Chrome or Edge) and use the official MeshCore web flasher to install the software in minutes. Throw it in a 3D-printed case, snap on an antenna, and you have a fully functioning off-grid communicator.
2. Repeater Node
A Repeater is a fixed infrastructure node. These are specialized, ruggedized units placed strategically on high rooftops, hillsides, or trees.
Unlike companion nodes, a repeater's sole responsibility is to sit quietly, listen for data packets, and forward them through the mesh network. They act as the structural "backbone" of the regional grid, effortlessly passing your text message from repeater to repeater across a town until it reaches the recipient's companion node. Because they don't require screens or keyboards, they can easily be built from low-power boards (like the Heltec T114, RAKwireless WisBlock, SensCAP Solar Node 1, and other nRF based boards) and run indefinitely on a small solar panel setup.
Contributions to the TBARC Repeater Maintenance Fund may be made by mailing a check for any amount you wish to the TBARC address and note on the check that it is for the repeater fund. Any financial help would be most appreciated. Remember that this repeater becomes an emergency communication repeater for all of Polk & Rutherford Counties, Upper Spartanburg and NW Greenville SC Counties during really bad weather. Also, if you monitor the repeater we simulcast over our repeater any Weather Warnings that the Greenville Weather Service at the GSP Airport issues for this area.
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