Silicon Valley’s Premier Amateur Radio and Mesh Communications Community
Welcome to 73 Mesh, Silicon Valley’s premier community for building decentralized, resilient communications infrastructure through amateur radio and mesh networking. We’re a coalition of amateur radio operators, technology professionals, emergency preparedness advocates, and community leaders working together to create communications systems that serve when traditional infrastructure cannot.
Operating across the South Bay area, we’re building comprehensive off-grid communications capabilities spanning traditional amateur radio operations and cutting-edge LoRa MeshCore mesh networks. We believe resilient communications isn’t limited to a single protocol or mode—it’s about leveraging every tool in the amateur radio toolkit to keep our community connected.
Our Vision
We envision a Silicon Valley where nearly 1 million residents have access to resilient, community-owned communications infrastructure that remains operational regardless of external circumstances. Through strategic deployment of amateur radio capabilities—from HF propagation to VHF/UHF repeaters to digital mesh networks—we’re creating a multi-layered communications ecosystem that serves:
- Emergency communications when traditional systems fail
- Community connection across all modes and frequencies
- Technical innovation through open-source collaboration and amateur radio experimentation
- Educational opportunities for the next generation of radio operators and communicators
Our Multi-Mode Approach
Traditional Amateur Radio Operations
Our members are active across the amateur radio spectrum:
VHF/UHF Repeaters: We maintain strong presence on:
- WA2IBM repeater - Primary coordinated communications
- W6PIY repeater - Regional coverage and emergency backup
- Simplex calling frequencies (146.520 MHz) - Direct operator-to-operator communications
HF Operations: Our members are active on HF frequencies, providing long-distance communications capabilities independent of local infrastructure.
Simplex Operations: We emphasize the importance of direct radio-to-radio communications, conducting regular simplex activities and emergency preparedness drills.
MeshCore Technology
MeshCore is an open-source, lightweight mesh communication platform built on LoRa (Long Range) radio technology. Think of it as creating a decentralized communications backbone using affordable hardware that operates independently of the internet, cellular networks, and power infrastructure—complementing our traditional amateur radio capabilities with modern digital mesh networking.
Key Capabilities
Extended Range: With proper line-of-sight and strategic node placement, achieve 10-20+ mile communication hops.
Power Efficiency: Nodes operate on minimal power, enabling solar deployments and extended battery operation—ideal for remote installations and emergency situations.
Mesh Architecture: Every device functions as both communicator and repeater, creating self-healing networks where messages route through multiple paths to reach their destination.
Accessibility: Quality MeshCore-capable devices start at $30-$100, making resilient communications technology available to a broad community.
Security: End-to-end encryption using Ed25519 and AES standards ensures private communications remain private, whether you’re coordinating emergency response or planning community activities.
Open Source Foundation: Built on transparent, inspectable code that our community can verify, modify, and improve—embodying the experimental spirit of amateur radio.
All Off-Grid Communications
We believe mesh networking isn’t limited to just one protocol. Our approach encompasses:
- Digital modes on HF and VHF/UHF
- Traditional voice communications on repeaters and simplex
- LoRa mesh networks for data and messaging
- Packet radio and APRS
- Any mode or technology that provides resilient, off-grid communications
Our Mission
Emergency Preparedness
When disasters strike—earthquakes, wildfires, or infrastructure failures—traditional communications often fail first. We’re building multi-layered amateur radio infrastructure that operates independently of:
- Cellular networks
- Internet infrastructure
- Power grids
- Centralized control points
From HF propagation to local repeaters to mesh networks, our comprehensive communications capabilities provide communities with resilient options exactly when they need them most.
Community Service
We partner with CERT teams, ARES/RACES, emergency management agencies, and community organizations to ensure our network supports critical communications during crisis situations. Whether it’s voice traffic on repeaters, digital messaging through mesh networks, or long-haul HF communications, we’re committed to being ready, trained, and available when our community needs us.
Innovation and Learning
We believe in continuous improvement through experimentation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. Whether optimizing antenna systems, testing new digital modes, deploying mesh network topology, or exploring propagation characteristics, we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with amateur radio and modern communications technology.
Building Together
This isn’t just about technology—it’s about building community resilience through shared knowledge, mutual support, and collective action. We create opportunities for people at all skill levels to contribute, learn, and grow—from brand-new Technician licensees to seasoned Extra class operators.
How We’re Building the Network
Amateur Radio Infrastructure
Repeater Network Participation:
- Active coordinated operations on WA2IBM and W6PIY repeaters
- Regular simplex operations and monitoring
- Emergency communications planning and drills
- Repeater maintenance support and backup systems
HF Operations:
- Multi-band HF stations for long-distance communications
- NVIS (Near Vertical Incidence Skywave) capability for regional coverage
- Digital mode experimentation and deployment
- Emergency HF network integration
Simplex Emphasis:
- Regular simplex activities on calling frequencies
- Direct operator-to-operator communications development
- Portable and mobile simplex capability building
Strategic Mesh Node Deployment
We’re establishing comprehensive mesh coverage across Silicon Valley through:
- Mountaintop installations for maximum range and coverage
- Valley floor nodes serving population centers and filling coverage gaps
- Mobile nodes for events, emergencies, and rapid deployment
- Solar-powered remote stations in strategic locations
- Integration with amateur radio sites for unified communications infrastructure
Education and Outreach
- Hands-on workshops on traditional amateur radio operations and MeshCore setup
- License exam preparation and upgrade training
- Demonstrations at maker faires, community events, and ham fests
- Mentoring programs for newcomers
- Collaboration with schools and youth organizations
- Multi-mode operating skills development
Emergency Communications Integration
- Regular training exercises across all modes and frequencies
- Development of emergency deployment protocols
- Interoperability planning between mesh, repeater, and HF systems
- Coordination with emergency management agencies
- ARES/RACES integration and support
Join Our Community
Who We Are
We’re licensed amateur radio operators from Technician through Extra class, software engineers, network architects, outdoor enthusiasts, emergency preparedness professionals, and community members committed to building resilient infrastructure. Our members include:
- Experienced hams expanding into digital mesh territory
- New licensees learning the fundamentals of amateur radio
- Technology professionals applying their expertise to community service
- Outdoor adventurers who understand the value of reliable communications
- Emergency preparedness advocates building community resilience
- Anyone committed to learning, experimenting, and contributing
Our Partner Organizations
We collaborate closely with established amateur radio clubs and community organizations:
Amateur Radio Clubs:
- Almaden Radio Club - Supporting traditional amateur radio operations and experimentation
- West Valley Amateur Radio Association - Advancing amateur radio in the South Bay
- San Jose Simplex Group - Promoting direct operator-to-operator communications
Community Partners:
- CERT and ARES/RACES teams
- Scouting America
- STEM education programs
- Community emergency preparedness organizations
Many of our members maintain active participation in multiple clubs, strengthening the broader amateur radio community across Silicon Valley.
Getting Involved
Start Here
Get Licensed for Ham Radio: If you’re not yet a licensed amateur radio operator, we’ll help you prepare for and pass your exam. Amateur radio license required for transmitting on amateur frequencies. NOTE: You don’t need to be a licensed amateur radio operator to use MeshCore.
Learn: Attend one of our workshops or online sessions to understand amateur radio fundamentals, MeshCore technology, and network architecture.
Connect: Join our communication channels and get on the air with us on WA2IBM, W6PIY, or simplex frequencies to meet community members and find mentorship opportunities.
Experiment: Set up your first mesh node and get active on the amateur bands. We provide guidance for all experience levels and all modes of operation.
Contribute: Share your unique skills—whether technical expertise, operating experience, location access, teaching ability, or community connections.
Ways to Participate
- Get active on local repeaters and simplex frequencies
- Deploy mesh nodes in strategic locations
- Participate in HF operations and digital mode experimentation
- Lead workshops and training sessions on any amateur radio topic
- Mentor newcomers through their licensing and learning journey
- Participate in drills and emergency exercises
- Document best practices and lessons learned
- Advocate for resilient amateur radio communications in your community
What You’ll Gain
- Amateur radio expertise across multiple modes and technologies
- Technical skills in cutting-edge mesh networking technology
- Emergency preparedness capabilities for yourself and your community
- Network of like-minded operators, professionals, and enthusiasts
- Contribution to critical community infrastructure
- Leadership opportunities in a growing technical community
- Operating privileges across the entire amateur radio spectrum
Core Values
Excellence: We pursue technical excellence and operational readiness in everything we build, from antenna systems to mesh networks.
Accessibility: We make amateur radio and mesh networking approachable for people at all skill levels.
Service: We build infrastructure and develop skills that serve our community, especially in times of need.
Collaboration: We achieve more together through open communication, mutual support, and active participation in the broader amateur radio community.
Innovation: We embrace experimentation and continuous improvement across all modes and technologies.
Integrity: We operate transparently, honor our commitments to the amateur radio service, and build systems worthy of community trust.
Experimentation: We uphold the amateur radio tradition of technical investigation and self-training that has defined our service since its inception.
The Path Forward
Silicon Valley’s resilience depends on infrastructure that works when traditional systems cannot. By building comprehensive amateur radio capabilities—from traditional voice operations to cutting-edge mesh networks—we’re creating that critical multi-layered communications ecosystem while fostering a community of skilled operators ready to serve.
Whether you’re an experienced Extra class operator, a newly-licensed Technician, a technology professional, an emergency preparedness advocate, or someone who recognizes the importance of resilient communications, there’s a place for you in 73 Mesh.
The network we build today serves the community of tomorrow.
Take Action Today
- Get your amateur radio license (or upgrade!) if you haven’t already
- Visit our website and join our communication channels
- Check into WA2IBM or W6PIY and introduce yourself on the air
- Attend an upcoming workshop or community meeting
- Connect with a mentor to begin your amateur radio and mesh networking journey
- Identify where you can contribute—every skill and every operator matters
- Get on the air and deploy your first mesh node—become an active part of the network
When traditional communications fail, amateur radio stands ready. From HF to VHF/UHF to mesh networks, our multi-mode community infrastructure serves Silicon Valley in any emergency.
73 from 73 Mesh
Bridging Traditional Amateur Radio and Modern Mesh Technology