Meshtastic Problems - And Another Off Grid Messaging System

Meshtastic allows you to send off grid messages between devices without having to use the internet or a cellular connection. But Meshtastic isn't perfect, especially not when used for large mesh networks. However there exists a different, older and more mature project, that does basically the same thing as Meshtastic, but tackles some of the issues differently.

Meshtastic devices used in this video:
Lilygo T-Deck
Lilygo T-Beam
Heltec v3

APRS Radios shown in this video are:
Kenwood TH-D72
Anytone AT-D878UV Plus

Cable for connecting Quansheng UV-K5(8) and other radios to a smartphone for APRS use:
APRS software used on the phone is APRSDroid

0:00 Intro
0:50 I am standing in a field
1:42 What are License Free ISM bands?
4:14 What is LoRa - Long Range?
5:27 What is Meshtastic?
6:20 Flashing Mesthastic Firmware and initial setup
7:20 Use cases for Meshtastic
9:00 RAK Wisblock as a solar powered repeater
9:43 The problems with large Meshtastic networks
10:33 Lilygo T-Deck as standalone Meshtastic device
11:24 The problem of congestion and duty cycles
12:43 The problem of low power output limits
14:03 The next step: APRS
19:20 What is Amateur Radio?
21:16 Outro

[PhilCartwrightd]

The only thing I'd add is that because of the power and licencing when using APRS on amateur bands your communications need to be unencrypted and open. Whereas Meshtastic on the licence free frequencies can be encrypted. Also, you can open up Meshtastic to be used with more power with an amateur licence. They are all great in their own ways. Great video, thanks!

[briand]

Excellent video! I am a licensed amateur radio operator in the US, and I have been using APRS since 2014. It's a very good network and highly reliable. I am also interested in LoRa Meshtastic to use with my unlicensed friends and family. Thank you very much for this informative video.

[MentalWhiplash]

Interestingly enough, Meshtastic is preferred for ad hoc communication among hams in many scenarios. For example, at Dayton Hamfest this weekend, even with all the licensed hams, Meshtastic traffic among them is greatly exceeding APRS traffic. One factor is that most devices doing APRS are far more cumbersome for messaging whereas Meshtastic and phone provide an easy and familiar interface.

[daveb]

I have been researching Meshtastic for about six months via YT videos and web pages. I am NOT a radio/tech guy, but want options for communicating. This is absolutely the BEST and most layman-friendly explanation of Meshtastic I have been able to find. THANK YOU! (new subscriber).

[garoyse]

This is one of the best videos I’ve seen on LoRa and Meshtastic. And you threw in APRS to boot! Excellent job sir. KE8VIY.

[AllFouRoux]

I love APRS. It's a lot of fun to play with and I love that it can assist if cell phones go down. Sending messages, texts and emails over radio is really cool, especially when camping. One big difference between Meshtastic and APRS though is Meshtastic allows you to limit who is a part of your mesh where APRS has to be public.

[Kaeltis]

How simple the test for the amateur radio license is seems to vary highly between countries. Here in Germany the amount of things to learn is pretty crazy and it sadly made the hobby much less interesting for me and a couple of friends.

[guidovicino]

I've been a longtime computer enthusiast and I work in the ICT field, but I've always been more into software than hardware. In recent years, I've developed a passion for electronics and DIY. Thanks also to your videos, at the youthful age of forty, I've decided to get my amateur radio license. Thanks for the great work you do!

P.S. One day you should make a video talking about your radio equipment!

[holotape]

Great video. The realities of Meshtastic was part of the reason I studied and got my amateur license. APRS is fantastic and it’s everywhere.

[JanusCycle]

You make an excellent case for getting an amateur radio licence as I get more interested in this stuff.
Currently I'm learning radio techniques with Meshtastic and have a high up location to put my node. Recently did a two day test running on a USB battery and could see a few other nodes. I'll need to get a solar setup for a more permanent install though.
I'm also hoping Meshtastic software can keep developing to handle congestion and routing in larger networks.

[HighBortalAstro-tfjk]

Some of our points about Meshtastic are valid, but I think your missing the point of It. Its really designed for small groups as the max nodes supported is pretty small. Think emergency communications. Sure, you could do this with APRS, but that requires a license, has no encryption, requires more power, more batteries and a much larger footprint if your trying to stay low-profile.

I agree that Meshtastic is more of a local area mesh network, and APRS is at its best in larger metro areas where the added xmit power (5W and up) can really reach out. Then add mobile APRS to this and its pretty powerful. But again, no encryption. Every message is available for anyone to read. This is not an option for a lot of use cases.

[ukaszwieczorek]

Another great video. Another comment just to promote your hard work within YouTube algorithms. Love it, keep this going!

[srenrafaelsen]

As always, very well made video.
The subject of Meshtastic has had me intrigued for some time, and I wasn't even aware of the alternative that you showcased briefly.

Godt gået, SnØren ❤

[rbmwiv]

Don’t forget about a moon bounce. Probably my favorite thing to demonstrate.

[richarddaugherty]

Outstanding video, and a great explanation of the pros, cons, and amateur radio options! KC7ZDM here in the USA!

[KyleKalevra]

This was… friggin excellent!
Thank you!!!

[KeithMorrisonSr]

Thank you for this educational and straightforward overview. I appreciate the time you’ve invested in helping make me smarter & more aware.

[fotografm]

Thank you for this well made and informative video. I am deep down the rabbit hole of Meshtastic and you reminded me to take a look at APRS which I had been ignoring !

[redwireless]

Great video! Been doing cellular for over 2 decades, LoRa for sensors for the last 7 yrs and agree 100% SMS is not the best use of it, but must confess being a HAM lic'd had no clue or interest in APRS until now - thank you! 🔴

[TalmidAndy]

The fact that there are problems with meshtastic are highly understated here even though this is one of the rare videos that does indicate that there are problems. It is nothing more than a development toy that should not be used for anything other than that. It is unstable, unreliable, not robust, and should never be deployed in any kind of natural/man-made disaster, SHTF scenario, or used in any mission critical role - despite what the proponents of meshtastic or prepper fantasists will tell you.