Do you sometimes dream of sending messages over long distances without relying on cell towers, Wi-Fi, or even satellites? If so, you’ll want to hear about the compact, budget-friendly radio I recently purchased and paired with my smartphone.

Off-Grid Communication Is Within Reach (and Affordable)

While reading up on community preparedness, I stumbled upon a tool called Meshtastic—a system that enables communication with others miles away, even during internet outages or complete power grid failures. It runs on a technology known as "LoRa." I was immediately intrigued. Aside from a few Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-based peer-to-peer apps, I hadn’t known of any way to message others without cellular networks or internet service providers.

The more I researched, the more I wanted to try it out. At minimum, the idea of having a dependable way to stay in contact with close friends or family—regardless of infrastructure status—was appealing. And the entry cost? As low as $22.

Wait, What Exactly Is LoRa?

I know niche tech hobbies can feel intimidating with all the jargon, so let’s take a step back and break it down.

LoRa stands for "Long Range," which pretty much says it all. In simple terms, LoRa is a wireless communication method that sends small amounts of data over long distances—typically up to 10–15 km (6–9 miles)—using minimal power and compact antennas. Because they’re so energy-efficient, these devices can run for extended periods on small batteries, and they’re ideal for solar-powered setups.

Sounds promising, right? The trade-off is speed. With average data rates around 13 kbps, only short text messages are practical. That’s why LoRa is commonly used in IoT and smart devices, which only need to send brief updates like sensor readings. But this limitation makes it perfect for human-to-human text messaging—enter Meshtastic.

What Is Meshtastic, Exactly?

Meshtastic is a free, open-source collection of firmware and apps that turns LoRa radios into a decentralized mesh network. Devices running Meshtastic firmware can communicate directly and also act as relay points—“nodes”—passing messages across the network. Think of it as license-free digital walkie-talkies, but text-based and operating on a local scale.

By installing the Meshtastic app on Android or iPhone—or using the web interface—you can control a node and send messages. You can broadcast on public, unencrypted channels or send private, encrypted messages to specific users. You can even create secure group chats with friends and family, provided they also have Meshtastic nodes.

The app also displays a map of nearby nodes when users opt to share their GPS location. You can adjust your node’s privacy settings and behavior directly through the app, giving you full control over how you interact with the network.

Why Would Anyone Use This?

You might be wondering why someone would dive into a radio-based mesh messaging hobby. There are several compelling reasons.

First, it enhances safety during outdoor adventures or travel in areas with poor or no cell coverage. If your phone loses signal and you need help, you can activate your Meshtastic device and see if any nearby nodes are active. The GPS feature is especially useful here—you can share your exact location with others on the network, similar to Apple’s Find My or Google’s location sharing.

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Posts 3 Second, it’s a lifeline during disasters when both power and internet are down. As long as you have enough battery to power your node and phone, you can stay connected to others in your local mesh network.

Finally, it’s just fun. The idea of sending encrypted texts over miles without relying on telecom companies feels like something out of a sci-fi novel. You can pick your own nickname, no license required—unlike traditional HAM radio. I connected one of my nodes to solar panels in my attic, which any solarpunk fan would appreciate.

Because Meshtastic uses affordable hardware and open-source software, there’s a thriving DIY community. You can 3D-print custom cases or buy unique ones from Etsy creators. Some users buy pre-built units and customize them with paint or stickers. The possibilities for personalization are endless.

My Hands-On Experience With Meshtastic

After learning about it, I decided to fully commit and bought three devices to test the system: one Lilygo T-Echo and two MakerHawk ESP32 Heltec V3 units. I set them up as nodes, paired them with my phone via the Meshtastic app, and began testing.

Lilygo T-Echo Meshtastic LoRa Device

Dimensions (exterior)

5x2.1x0.96 inches

Compatibility

Meshtastic

Connectivity

LoRa, GPS, Bluetooth, Thread, Zigbee

Battery life

850mAh

Weight

6 ounces

This LoRa device is designed specifically for Meshtastic use and features an e-paper display to extend battery life. It connects via Bluetooth or USB-C and includes built-in GPS, allowing you to instantly share your location with others on your mesh.

$79 at Amazon Expand Collapse
Unfortunately, I live in a valley surrounded by hills and buildings, which severely blocks radio signals. On top of that, there were no nearby active nodes to extend my reach beyond a very limited radius.

I managed to test one node from a hill about a mile or two away and maintained a solid connection with the one at home. But beyond that distance, the signal dropped completely. I did manage to detect several other Meshtastic nodes in the area, which was encouraging.

Frustrated, I looked for upgrades. I ordered muzi works’ 17cm whip antennas to boost my signal. Swapping antennas was simple, and while performance improved slightly, it still wasn’t enough to overcome the terrain. My next step is to deploy solar-powered relay nodes on higher ground to help my home device “hop” out of the valley.

What You Need to Get Started

Searching for LoRa and Meshtastic on Amazon brings up countless options. That’s both a blessing and a curse: with open standards and low-cost components, there’s a huge variety of devices with different features.

The cheapest way to start is with a basic development board like the Heltec V3 ($22), then flash the Meshtastic firmware using the official web flasher tool. Don’t be intimidated by the term “firmware flash”—it usually involves just a few clicks or dragging a file into a browser window. After a few minutes, your device reboots and is ready to use. For a visual guide, search YouTube for your device model plus “Meshtastic.”

Keep in mind: bare boards are fragile. You’ll want to protect them from moisture and damage. Custom 3D-printed cases are available on Etsy—just specify your model.

Also, having only one node limits you to chatting with random nearby users. To communicate with friends or family, each person needs their own device. That’s why I suggest starting with a two-pack, like MakerHawk’s Heltec V3 kit, which comes with cases and costs $59 on Amazon (with coupon at time of writing).

ESP32 LoRa Heltec V3 Device (2 Pack)

$59 $64 Save $5

Dimensions (exterior)

4.5x1.3x1.1 inches

Compatibility

Meshtastic

Battery life

1100mAh

Connectivity

LoRa, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C

These two Meshtastic-ready radios let you quickly build a long-range messaging mesh. Features include OLED displays, 915MHz antennas, USB-C, and support for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

$59 at Amazon

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