We're looking for help to build a wireless, solar-powered chat network across the Philly area! Are you interested in learning about off-grid solar power? Do you have a sunny place on your roof, in your yard, or near an upstairs window where you can leave a small radio transceiver? This workshop may be for you!

Each participant will receive a free kit with all the parts needed to build a solar-powered LoRa radio node. You'll assemble the kit, mount it in a weatherproof enclosure (provided by you), and use the Meshtastic app to start sending encrypted text messages.

Registration opens Monday, April 3rd at 8:30 p.m. You can sign up on our site:
https://iffybooks.net/event/solar-chat-network

Supplies for this workshop are provided by a grant from the Engaged Humanities Studio at Swarthmore College. Many thanks to @pixouls for helping plan the event!

@iffybooks @pixouls
Are the frequencies involved line of sight, or can they be bounced off the ionosphere? Enquiring minds want to know!

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I live in a wine producing area. Several vintners live "on my block," and the vineyards really are "right out back." Sunlight is not an issue. Barring climate change.

I like the idea of a solar radio network, and now have silly thoughts about it. If the niche is large enough and wide enough...

@BlippyTheWonderSlug @iffybooks we're using a long range mesh network with devices running meshtastic. from my understanding, it should work fine in your setting, but you may need repeaters in between to extend/reinforce the range.

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=25983197

Right, I was more thinking a mesh network solar operated to let people report th... | Hacker News

@pixouls @iffybooks
OK... Nope. I'm in Germany.

@BlippyTheWonderSlug @iffybooks i'm sorry that is a barrier and i believe it is one that meshtastic is working to address.

there is a german telegram group here if that is ever of use to you. https://t.me/meshtastic_de

Telegram: Contact @meshtastic_de

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