Our First Treepeater
We have reached a new milestone on our ‘MESH network and TRILL’ project!
On Monday, August 10th, we have installed our very first solar-powered treepeater. A meshcore repeater anchored 50’ up in a large oak tree, with a data connection port installed 25’ below the solar panel. This will make it easier to update software later.
Basically, this is a radio transmitter that repeats encrypted messages nearby, and expands their reach to the next mesh node. Your local, solar-powered, anarcho-communist cell phone tower - that doesn’t cost anything to use, and no centralized control over the network!
The vision for this project is to install repeaters all over the city. We want to build out a public communications infrastructure for Omaha!
We plan to host various password-protected room servers for our unhoused neighbors, so that they will be able to communicate freely on cell phones without having to pay any cell service. Once those are built we will be asking for old cell phones to sideload the Meshcore app onto and distribute with instructions via local street kitchens.
On the task list is to also add a dedicated page on this website explaining the entire vision, and all its intricacies. But we feel that this is a deeply revolutionary effort.
All of MAO’s Meshcore repeaters will have ‘Meadowlark’ as the first name, followed by a native flower. Our inaugural install is named “Meadowlark_Prairie_Rose.”
Our portable client end nodes are named ‘Swift’ with an adjective added. So, look out for your local MACE members via our call signs on the Mesh network!
Each node function has different native bird names. So, the ‘Ospreys’ are the Wifi enabled MESH nodes that we want to install in local coffee shops, commons areas, etc.
Reach out if you want a Meadowlark installed in a tree near your home, or an Osprey in your place of business.
We only ask that you cover the costs of the unit ($75-$100) & toolkit maintenance.
We are not charging for our labors of love.
Email us at Undeterred@MutualAidOmaha.orgfor inquiries.
