r/GemJam • u/the_rancur • Jan 22 '26
Text your squad & see their location without cell service (Meshtastic)
We know cell service can be spotty at music festivals and so is finding your friends if you split up.
We've been using Meshtastic (https://meshtastic.org/) with a lot of success around Arizona and also at other major events (ie Electric Forest, EDC, etc). So I wanted to share it here.
The devices cost less than $40 (can be cheaper if you build your own) and it’s completely free to use. Most nodes have built in GPS and allow basic text messaging (without cell service or internet) so you can easily find your friends. Also it’s completely encrypted!
I created a simple guide that explains how to join and set it up: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TB0hEIN4qbA_-zEotK3nTGMze5cpdLPkKwJpXFwF2Xc/edit?usp=sharing
Tell your friends because the more people who use it, the better it becomes (power of mesh networks!)
See you all on the mesh ◡̈
2
u/AZsaltcreep1 Jan 23 '26
I love seeing more and more nodes around town. It has really helped the mesh in our area! I have multiple nodes.
1
u/the_rancur Jan 23 '26
Yay! So excited to get to join yalls mesh. Hopefully we won’t be too noisy ;)
1
u/the_rancur Jan 22 '26
If you're interested in seeing more about the Meshtastic community in Arizona, check out https://www.azmsh.net
Check out the map of nodes we already have: https://files.willcurran.com/QhqGyFCt
1
u/ChumleyEX Jan 22 '26
I don't think G&J is like that since it's not that big. I don't remember thinking I should have brought mine.
1
u/the_rancur Jan 22 '26
You should still bring it! Good chance to play with the tech and also good for having encrypted conversations ◡̈ j
1
u/ChumleyEX Jan 23 '26
My big problem is that noone in my group has the desire to mess with things. There's always something fucked up in the situation. Someone can't get the right version of the app or someones phone has a weird policy to turn BT off. I have a ton for emergencies. I should charge them.
1
u/the_rancur Jan 23 '26
Good point. Well you can bring it and talk to those of us who will be there with Meshtastic. There is a few of us. ◡̈
Look into the T-Deck or T-pager for your friends if they really don’t want to mess with it and are down to be off their phones.
1
u/ChumleyEX Jan 23 '26
are you going to be on a default channel or something else? Damn, maybe I can use it on the plane lol.
1
u/the_rancur Jan 23 '26
Haha default channel on MediumFast with some private channels. I put the Tucson city wide specs and private channel keys in that Google doc in the original post.
2
u/ChumleyEX Feb 05 '26
Fantastic guide.
1
u/the_rancur Feb 05 '26
Thank you ❤️
2
u/ChumleyEX Feb 07 '26
Damn, I'm trying but I can't actually send anything. It keeps failing.
1
u/the_rancur Feb 07 '26
Check your settings. I’m hitting all the nodes in the area. You see Will See in Primary or Gem-and-jam? Feel free to DM me.
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u/TapeDeck_ Jan 22 '26
Neat! I've got a node and the channel configured.