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ELXXX: Electronics - Meshtastic Workshop

When
09/01/2025
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location
Makersmiths Leesburg - 106 Royal Street SW
Spaces left
15

Registration

General Public – $10.00
Guests of Makersmiths
Members – $5.00
Makersmiths members

Introduction | Meshtastic

Meshtastic Workshop

Meshtastic is an open source, off-grid, decentralized, mesh network built to run on affordable, low-power devices. This networking LoRa protocol was developed to enable low-power, long-range communication over unlicensed radio bands.

In this workshop, you will learn how Meshtastic works and what you can use it for. For example, for about $25-40, you can build a Meshtastic device that will give you a free texting service and does not require a cellular plan, internet, or amateur radio license!!

Topics covered in the workshop:

Introduction to the Meshtastic technology
Setting the Expectation - Pros and Cons
What does it take to get started

In the workshop, the host will also do a live demo of how you can utilize this technology. The host will build a low-cost, solar-powered device by converting an $8 Harbor Breeze solar light by adding a Heltec LoRa board and a battery to create a Meshtastic node.

Technology/Skills involved:

3Dprinting, soldering, antenna analyzer, solar power system, battery management, electronic/software diagnostics, radio propagation and antenna location, networking, and much more.
An introduction to ESP32 board, similar to Arduino but significantly more capable. ESP32 is commonly used in many Meshtastic devices.

No prior experience needed. All skill levels are welcome.

The workshop will meet in the basement classroom at the Leesburg location.

If you haven't filled out the waiver form, please fill it out here - https://waiver.fr/p-NVPOj.

Questions? Contact the host Dilip Patel.

Come see us

Makersmiths Leesburg: 106 Royal St SW, Leesburg, VA 20175
Makersmiths Purcellville: 785 S. 20th St, Purcellville, VA 20132

You can also watch Virtual Tours on our YouTube Channel!

Join us

Normally the best way to get to know us better is to just come on by during one of our Open Houses:

Leesburg Open House: Thursdays 6-8pm
Purcellville Open House: Tuesdays 6-8pm

You can email info@makersmiths.org to request a tour if those days don't work for you. We're here to help get you making the best way we can!

Makersmiths is a 501(c) non-profit organization. 106 Royal St SW, Leesburg, VA 20175

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