We're a group of local volunteers running a LoRa radio network across Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Saratoga and the towns in between. Join with an inexpensive handheld radio. Once you're on, there's nothing to pay and you don't need internet or a cell signal.
Every radio is a small LoRa node. When you send a message it hops from one node to the next until it reaches the person you're texting, so you can reach someone miles away with no cell signal or internet anywhere in between. It all runs on MeshCore, an open project anyone can build on, and the network gets a little better every time someone puts up a new node.
It runs on its own radios. Useful when the power's out, you're out of range, or the cell network is just gone.
A usable radio runs about $25 to $45. After that it doesn't cost anything, and there's no account to create.
Direct messages are encrypted end to end. Only you and the person you're writing to can read them.
People in the area build it and keep it going. It isn't a product, and you're welcome to pitch in.
Every repeater carrying traffic on the mesh right now. Tap one to see how busy it is and when it was last active.
Loading nodes…
It isn't complicated. Most people are up and running the same day their radio arrives.
Pick up a MeshCore-compatible LoRa board. A Heltec V3 or a RAK WisBlock is a good first one, usually $25 to $45.
Put the MeshCore companion firmware on the board, then pair it with the free MeshCore app on your phone over Bluetooth.
Set your radio to the network settings in the banner at the top of this page so it's on our mesh. Check Discord for the current values, since they change now and then.
Jump into Discord, say hi on the public channel, and look for your node on the live map.
We're one of several independent meshes around New York State that make up the Upstate Mesh Collaborative. We share coverage, swap notes, and help each other's networks grow.
Every node, where it sits, and how the repeaters are linking up right now. It refreshes on its own.
Open the live mapA wardriving map of the real signal around the region. Worth a look to see what reaches your area before you spend anything.
View coverage mapQuestions, a hand picking hardware, or just seeing what people are up to. This is where everyone is.
Join the Discord