I recently bought something really fantastic (no, not this kind of creepy ass fantastic… lol ) on Amazon.. its the ThinkNode M1… in summary, the ThinkNode M1 is a portable long-range communication device that uses LoRa (Long Range radio) and Meshtastic to send text messages, GPS locations, and data without relying on cell service or Wi-Fi. It creates or joins a mesh network, allowing nearby devices to relay messages over long distances for off-grid communication, hiking, emergency preparedness, and outdoor adventures. It includes a low-power e-ink display, built-in GPS, Bluetooth phone connectivity, rechargeable battery, and rugged case.

Pretty soon – from what I’ve heard on the grapevine, there will be a mesh connection between Blumenort and Steinbach. The M1 that I purchased has a nRF52840 – a sophisticated SoC (System on Chip). It is ultra low powered and highly integrated – which in a nutshell means it isn’t a toy and has great battery life, coupled with an E-Paper display that only requires power when updating the screen, means that one charge will get you hours and hours of use. It’s literally made for durability, longevity, and mobility.

With this device, you can communicate using encrypted channels to anyone within range… and much like the US military’s battleships Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) array – you extend the range of the mesh to others, and others to you.. for example.. if when someone comes within your mesh orbit, they extend their mesh orbit (range) to you and you to them, so now you gain their range and vice versa… as the mesh density & size increases, so does your ability to send message(s) further and further out.

If you are on outdoor enthusiast or hiker, the M1 will give you real-time GPS location… my phone is Bluetooth paired with my M1 and I share my approximate GPS location (anonymized slightly for privacy). This is the URL that has my approx. location –> https://meshmap.net/#403073258/

Hopefully, I’ll see you on the Mesh! Jason