Introducing Escape Velocity, a twice-monthly meetup. On Saturday 2/7, we will be discussing mesh networks.

https://manyworlds.fit/introducing-escape-velocity/

#Denton #DentonTX #NorthTexas

Denton, let's do too much, together.

#SolarPunk #AffinityGroup #SocialEcology #Enshittification #TechnoFeudalism #PostCapitalism #EcoSocialism #EcoAnarchism #Denton

In a world where control of #communication networks is increasingly centralized, #DIYnetworks offer an independent alternative. This presentation shows how to build up your own autonomous #meshNetworks with low-cost hardware components and open source tools such as #Reticulum and #MeshChat. We will present practical steps for the construction, configuration and integration of sensors, communication and computing power. We are also discussing how such #networks can be used in #humanitarianCrises, such as the organisation of aid measures through solidarity initiatives.

https://media.ccc.de/v/eh22-97-eggceptional-meshnetworking-#t=950

This workshop offers a detailed journey through the world of do-it-yourself radio networks and #autonomousCommunication structures. Using an exemplary system structure, we show how to realize cost-effective, flexible mesh networks with #LoRa #RNode, Reticulum and MeshChat. In doing so, we not only dedicate ourselves to the technical requirements – such as the optimal hardware selection, antenna adaptation and network planning (keyword “Network Planning 101”) – but also consider how these technologies can be used for #humanitarian purposes, for example at #CADUS.

Please consider helping us stock up on radios, solar panels, batteries, and SBCs before tariffs roll in. Right now each handheld device costs between $20 and $50 to produce, and every solar-powered rooftop node costs us around $100-$200.

We know a lot of people have bigger problems right now than making sure the local mesh network is well-resourced, but these networks help with emergency response and local autonomy. They're something we really believe in!

https://opencollective.com/cooperation-denton/projects/denton-mesh

Got crafty today and by way of wizardry with cardboard, a cutter, and hot glue I made some things out of what I had lying around because I didn't have moolah for new display units for my upcoming addition to my vending table: A mutual aid distro mini table!

#art #DIY #crafts #distro #MutualAid #LookForTheHelpers #DentonTX #antifascist #HelpTheWorld

In our talk with the Denton library board a few months ago, we discussed exactly this problem. We advocated for municipally run, federated social media. If every city was running a Mastodon instance right now, we would be having a different conversation entirely.

Fully hosted setups such as https://masto.host only require non-technical moderation. These solutions cost as little as five cents per user per month. Coupled with library quality placemaking, we could finally establish a virtual commons worthy of the investment.

Building out municipally federating social media infrastructure would solve the Elon problem while also dealing with several Fediverse downsides. Most of those downsides are social, not technical, in origin - poor moderation, instance implosions, unassisted learning curves, lacking network effect, etc. This could be easily solved by public investment and stewardship.

Social media is public information infrastructure. A huge part of our society's epistemic crisis is that we are leaving many people's primary access to information in the hands of the very people who most benefit from them being misinformed. We can solve that for pennies a month.