A Meshtastic Network
Birmingham Mesh is a community group working to build a mesh network of solar-powered Meshtastic radios in and around Birmingham, Alabama and surrounding counties.
This network acts like a city-wide text messaging system, allowing people to communicate publicly or privately with anyone on the mesh network. ALSO, NO LICENSE IS REQUIRED!
All of this happens without any external infrastructure – no commercial power or cell phone towers. The mesh network can utilize the Internet, but does not require the Internet.
Mesh Nodes
In High Places
Emergency Communications
Meshtastic is an excellent technology for local emergency communications. Birmingham Mesh takes that tech, coordinates, deploys, and maintains nodes in high places so that your devices can reach friends, family members, and emergency responders when the grid is down.
No License Required
No amateur radio license, testing or permission is required to send and receive traffic. Meshtastic can supplement your existing emergency communications plans. Spouses, kids and neighbors can all benefit from Birmingham Mesh without needing to study for an exam. They can use their own low-priced mesh radios to send traffic across the mesh.
Resilient
Birmingham Mesh nodes are 100% off the grid and don’t rely on commercial power. Each repeater is solar powered with over-sized battery capacity designed to power the nodes through cold, overcast days. While some nodes are connected to the internet, it’s not required for day-to-day functionality. The nodes automatically form a mesh network that can drop and add other nodes as they become available.
Private and Public conversations
Unlike amateur radio, Meshtastic networks can (and may) use encryption. Encryption is end-to-end for the Sub-packet (payload). Birmingham Mesh nodes are “blind repeaters” and do not need to decrypt the traffic to pass it on to the next node. You’re welcome to setup Meshtastic channels with known keys and use them as public chat-rooms for your community. You can also start a private Meshtastic channel and keep your keys private between just a few contacts.
Are you prepared?
If a portion of the cellular network goes down, how do you contact your family and friends?
Widespread power, and telecommunications outages can happen. Houston, TX had a power grid failure in February 2021 that eventually impacted multiple cell sites around the city when their generators ran out of fuel. Major telephone carriers have had a nationwide cellular outages in recent years
An inexpensive communications tool when you need it.
Cheap and Effective
Low Initial Investment
Meshtastic devices are designed to be budget-friendly. You can start with a few inexpensive modules, such as the popular Meshtastic radios, which are available for a fraction of the cost of traditional communication devices. This low entry cost makes it accessible for individuals, families, and community groups.
No Monthly Fees
Unlike cellular plans or other communication services, Meshtastic operates on a mesh network, eliminating the need for monthly subscriptions or data charges. Once you have your devices, there are no ongoing fees to worry about, making it a sustainable option for long-term use.
Self-Sufficient Network
Meshtastic creates its own network, independent of cellular or Wi-Fi infrastructure. This means that in areas with poor or no cellular coverage, you can still maintain communication. The mesh network expands with each additional device, enhancing coverage and reliability without extra costs.
Open-Source Flexibility
Meshtastic is built on open-source software, allowing for continuous improvements and customization by the community. This open-source nature means you’re not locked into proprietary systems or expensive upgrades. You can benefit from community-driven enhancements and keep your communication tools up-to-date without additional expenses. Birmingham Mesh is a community-driven mesh network.
Minimal Power Consumption
Meshtastic devices are designed to be power-efficient, often running on standard batteries for extended periods. This low power consumption reduces the need for frequent recharging or expensive power sources, making it both economical and convenient for use in various scenarios.
About Us
We’re a handful of tech-nerds in and around the Birmingham area interested in giving back to the community. We want to put our tech skills to good use and enable communications during emergency events.
Radio Repeater/Tower owners: Talk to us about getting a sponsored (free as in beer) Meshtastic repeater node for your tower.
Email us: info@bhammesh.org
BirminghamMesh.org 