Somewhere between “too online” and “off the grid,” we’ve found a sweet spot. It’s called Meshtastic - an open-source, off-grid, long-range radio system that lets regular people build their own tiny communications network. No data plan. No enshittified middlemen. Just signal, air, and intent.
Think of meshtastic as a walkie talkie for text messaging but it’s digital and relies on a community built mesh network of nodes. Each device is a node contributing to the larger network. By the people, for the people.
Look up your area on the Mesh Map.
I’m teaming up with Near Future Laboratory on a new experiment: we’re building Meshtastic radios together. We’re going to boost the network in our own little way.
The idea came up during one of our Office Hours sessions - a passing thought about how the future isn’t just something we talk about, but something we can literally build. The group ran with it. Now it’s becoming a full-on Group Build Workshop.
It feels right. Less yammering, more hammering. Make to learn. Think with your hands.
FYI: Everything you need can be purchased on Amazon, and the technical proficiency required is that of middle-school STEM education. The basics of Meshtastic are quite basic.
I’m leading the workshop - oh, and I’m also figuring it all out in real-time as well. We’ll be hosting it inside the Near Future Laboratory community — where Patrons can join the Discord, get the build instructions, and follow along live.
Join us live in Office Hours on Fridays, and I will also be offering support throughout the week in the Near Future Laboratory discord for those who can’t make OH.
If you’ve ever wanted to tinker your way into a small piece of the near future, this is your invitation.