Matt Hamilton
Tonight is radio programming night.
I'm equipping multiple families in my network/neighborhood with Baofengs, and some with T-Decks.
Tonight I'm programming them and printing + laminating my 2-page "uh oh" user guide.
Baofengs (or any common radio equipment) are NOT secure communication, but useful nonetheless.
Meshtastic devices are more secure (have encryption), but offer much less range. IMO, this is actually advantageous.
Help your neighbors. Make allies. Don't put it off.
Fish of Rage
Matt Hamilton
@sun Lilygo T-decks require little assembly (no soldering), but needs a 3d printed case. They're nice because they don't require a bluetooth device to send messages, as it has a built-in keyboard.
If you want a zero-assembly ready-to-go device that pairs with and uses a phone for comms (which is what all but the T-Deck are), then I suggest the T-echo. Comes in a case, small form factor, e-paper screen. No assembly or soldering required. Has the SX chip, which you want.https://www.lilygo.cc/products/t-echo
Fish of Rage
zonk
Matt Hamilton
@sun And if you want a better-suited antenna: https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/TE-Connectivity-Linx-Technologies/ANT-916-CW-HW-SMA?qs=PKuFCuYbGOfeZQiEfd4fWA%3D%3D
If you're interested in radio stuff beyond a single device or two, it's worth picking up a NanoVNA from aliexpress or wherever. It lets you measure SWR so you can tell if an antenna is fit for purpose (frequency) or not.
Useful tool if you plan to do more than just experimentation with radio stuff.
Fish of Rage
Matt Hamilton
@sun I actually need to pick up 2 more, so if I see that they're in stock I'll ping you.
Fish of Rage
TheDude33
@sun here’s a good run down. Video is several month old but still good. The getting started series is helpful.
Getting Started with Meshtastic - Devices
Matt Hamilton
@Richard Yeah I set up FRS/GMRS, NOAA, local repeaters, EMS dispatch, etc.
I pre-program all the radios so the instructions on the sheet is all they need to use it.
> How do you get them to even be interested or open to this?
I don't need them to be interested.
I give them a free, fully charged, pre-programmed radio with laminated instructions. I give a brief 5 minute "what (not) to do" talk.
When /it/ goes down, they will know I was the only guy who helped prepare them and everyone else.
Richard
@eriner @Bunnyslope @istvan @SecuriTee @ned
I have a question though:
How do you get them to even be interested or open to this?
in my exp, most people would rather commit suicide than talk about or learn radio shit.
Matt Hamilton
Here is what the usage guide looks like. For some context on who this is for, how I print these, how to program the radio, etc., see the sub-thread here: https://noauthority.social/@eriner/112403688223600664
PDF of this guide: https://s3.eriner.me/docs/radio_guide.pdf
(editable) ODT of this guide: https://s3.eriner.me/docs/radio_guide.odt
CC: @Bunnyslope @istvan @SecuriTee @npub1nu9m6k6dca28f9humvq0ad334a3czu0qrevw0pd4ml2pzaumx0mqyr3ars @ned
Richard
@eriner @Bunnyslope @istvan @SecuriTee @ned
I have done similar.
For compatibility with FRS and GRMS radios i preprogram those channels in and label them that way.
So if they type 01 it will move them to the right freq.
I also specify for them a "local" (low power) calling channel / frequency": Ch01
And a high-power "wide" calling channel / frequency: Ch15
ALSO add if they are using FRS radios they should set their "privacy codes" to 0 on those channels or they won't here most traffic.
Fish of Rage
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