Technical Info/ Rules

I am currently testing some Meshtastic radios to ascertain their viability as the primary means of communication during RCR events.

Below is my current T&E notes regarding implementation of Meshtastic Text-Based Radios (aka nodes) during RCR West (which will be the first test of this system) These are great tools for you to plan for emergencies or local communications for your community during disasters, too.

I chose the LILYGO T-Echo w/ GPS. I also added The Meshtac Gooseneck Tactical antenna for 915mhz. A longer antenna is optional. All radios/nodes made for Meshtastic will speak. These radios are CHEAP and a good setup can be had well under $100, with some under $50. You can also build your own for like $15 if youre into this sort of thing.

Initial thoughts:

There are far more nodes in my area than I thought. While I am in one of the larger metro areas of Tennessee, I saw 89 at one time. Even the infrastructure nodes in my area are impressive with several being named after mountain peaks in the area.

Theres a public channel and you can create private channels using encryption keys and giving them to your friends that only you, and anyone else you give the key can see.

I sent a message today from the Johnson City ,TN area and received a response from Charlotte, NC -123 miles away. The messaged hopped 3 times to reach Charlotte.

The radio can be used standalone, but it's cumbersome. There's no keyboard and it relies on only 3 buttons total for its entire operation. One turns the backlight on. You also have the option to use a GPIO pin keyboard as well.

As with most meshtastic nodes, you'll want to use the meshtastic app for messaging and operations. This functions via Bluetooth and does NOT need cell service or wifi to work.

There are a few that have full keyboards and touch screens if that's your sort of thing.

Your general location will display to other users and theirs will show up to you. You can disable GPS if you want. Several remote FDs use these out west to communicate. It's truly amazing how far they'll go.

With that said, I do believe these nodes will be a viable means of communication during West, ESPECIALLY since we will likely all be within a 100ish mile radius for most of the rally.

We will also have satellite available 24/7 for you to reach us but I would really like to start implementing this type of thing. It seems ideal for use during RCR and some of the shortcomings will be overcome using checkpointers and fellow competitiors as repeaters while teams run the route.

If you have any questions reach out on Instagram. In the meantime, be researching these radios. Again, they're cheap and have potential to really shine during RCR.