Thanks to the kv4p HT project, radio hobbyists can now extend their phones functionally to include off-grid communication. The radio module, which costs only $35 to build, will allow operators to send SMS-like messages and communicate over long distances without the need for a cell tower.
    • shortwavesurfer@lemmy.zipEnglish
      4·
      5 months ago

      More powerful, meshtastic is only allowed to use part 97 power, which is 0.1 watts, where this thing, since it’s licensed, uses one watt of power. The nodes don’t need to be nearly as close in this case.

      • palitu@aussie.zoneEnglish
        1·
        5 months ago

        Not quite. To use this you need to have a license still, otherwise you are stuck with low power as well.

        Meshtastic can also increase power if you are licensed.

        • shortwavesurfer@lemmy.zipEnglish
          2·
          5 months ago

          Oh yeah, I knew that you needed a license for this one obviously, but I did not know a mesh testic device could do that high of power. I did not know it was capable of doing so.

          • palitu@aussie.zoneEnglish
            1·
            5 months ago

            Yeah, I love the meshtastic idea, and just did some reading on it.

            You can put license = true and it will allow full power

    • Mellow@lemmy.worldEnglish
      3·
      5 months ago

      More radio spectrum. Voice and data capability. Licensed HAM nerd shit. Meshtastic is relatively a narrow unlicensed spectrum with bandwidth limitations. It’s about tinkering just like Meshtastic is but with a license.