Meshtastic and Meshcore are open firmware projects that turn cheap LoRa radios into self-organizing mesh networks. Devices route encrypted messages hop by hop across kilometers of terrain, without internet, SIM cards, or operators. The protocol is the infrastructure.

The session is hands-on. Devices are available for purchase (starting at EUR 20) during the session. Participants flash firmware, configure channels and keys, send messages across the room and across the camp, and observe how each stack routes traffic. We compare Meshtastic's flood routing with Meshcore's source-routed approach, work within the duty-cycle limits of the European 868 MHz band, and cover practical deployment (time permitting): antenna placement, solar nodes, and bridging mesh traffic to existing camp services.

No prior radio experience required. Bring a tablet or smartphone to connect to the mesh. Bring a laptop if you want to keep configuring after the session.