Calling all tinkerers, makers, and explorers! Hackerhotel is proud to unveil a new hands-on addition to this year’s event: a Meshtastic bridge! This setup invites participants to dive into the world of long-range communication using LoRa (Long Range) technology and the innovative Meshtastic platform.
If you’ve ever been curious about building resilient, decentralized communication networks or experimenting with IoT, this is your chance to explore it in a practical, community-driven way.
What Is Meshtastic?
Meshtastic is an open-source project that enables communication over LoRa networks. With just a few inexpensive devices and some configuration, you can create a robust network for exchanging messages and sharing location data, even in areas without cellular coverage.
LoRa networks are especially popular in outdoor adventures, emergency preparedness, and tech experiments. By introducing Meshtastic at Hackerhotel, we aim to inspire innovation and collaboration around this exciting technology.
What can you do with the Meshtastic bridge at Hackerhotel?
- Learn and experiment: Whether you’re new to LoRa or a seasoned pro, this is an excellent opportunity to learn how to set up and use Meshtastic devices.
- Real-time collaboration: Connect to the event’s Meshtastic Bridge and exchange messages with other participants. The bridge serves both the 433MHz and 868MHz networks and delivers a pass-through gateway between networks via the dedicated Hackerhotel channels.
- Extend the network: Bring your own Meshtastic-enabled devices and help expand the network across the venue!
- Hack the system: Explore creative ways to use the network, from sending custom data packets to integrating with other hardware and software projects.
- Solve challenges: Participate in mini-challenges designed to push your skills and knowledge of LoRa to new heights.
What you’ll need to participate
- A Meshtastic-compatible LoRa device (e.g. TTGO T-Beam, Heltec H114 boards). *
- A smartphone or laptop to configure and connect to the network.
- An open mind and a willingness to experiment!
If you don’t have a LoRa device, don’t worry – we’ll have a limited number of device-kits (868MHz) available for €40 each that you can assemble and use during the event. Come early to secure yours!
* Although 868MHz is more prevalent in most countries, feel free to bring your 433MHz devices too!
Why Experiment with LoRa and Meshtastic?
- Resilient networks: Learn how LoRa networks function even in challenging conditions and their limits.
- IoT Applications: Discover how LoRa is revolutionizing the Internet of Things.
- Hands-on Fun: There’s nothing quite like seeing your custom network in action!
Join the revolution at Hackerhotel!
The Meshtastic Bridge will be live throughout the event, providing a unique playground for experimentation and learning. Whether you’re sending your first LoRa message or working on an advanced project, the Hackerhotel community is here to support you.
Ready to explore the possibilities? Pack your LoRa gear and join us at Hackerhotel!
We can’t wait to see what you’ll build, experiment with, and discover!