Welcome to 73 Mesh, Silicon Valley’s premier community for building decentralized, resilient mesh communications infrastructure. 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 a robust, off-grid LoRa MeshCore network that provides reliable communications during emergencies while fostering innovation, technical excellence, and community preparedness.
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 MeshCore technology, we’re creating a decentralized network that serves:
- Emergency communications when traditional systems fail
- Community connection in remote and underserved areas
- Technical innovation through open-source collaboration
- Educational opportunities for the next generation of communicators
Understanding 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.
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.
Our Mission
Emergency Preparedness
When disasters strike—earthquakes, wildfires, or infrastructure failures—traditional communications often fail first. We’re building infrastructure that operates independently of:
- Cellular networks
- Internet infrastructure
- Power grids
- Centralized control points
Our mesh network provides communities with resilient communications exactly when they need it 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. 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 network topology, testing new hardware, or developing better deployment strategies, we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with mesh communications.
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.
How We’re Building the Network
Strategic Node Deployment
We’re establishing comprehensive 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
Education and Outreach
- Hands-on workshops on MeshCore setup, configuration, and optimization
- Demonstrations at maker faires, community events, and ham fests
- Mentoring programs for newcomers
- Collaboration with schools and youth organizations
Emergency Communications Integration
- Regular training exercises and network drills
- Development of emergency deployment protocols
- Interoperability planning with traditional ham radio systems
- Coordination with emergency management agencies
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
- 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 and contributing
Our Partners
We collaborate with:
- Amateur Radio clubs including Almaden Radio Club and San Jose Simplex Group
- CERT and ARES/RACES teams
- Scouting America
- STEM education programs
- Community emergency preparedness organizations
Getting Involved
Start Here
Learn: Attend one of our workshops or online sessions to understand MeshCore technology and network architecture.
Connect: Join our communication channels to meet community members and find mentorship opportunities.
Experiment: Set up your first node and begin exploring mesh networking. We provide guidance for all experience levels.
Contribute: Share your unique skills—whether technical expertise, location access, teaching ability, or community connections.
Ways to Participate
- Deploy nodes in strategic locations
- Lead workshops and training sessions
- Mentor newcomers through their learning journey
- Participate in drills and emergency exercises
- Document best practices and lessons learned
- Advocate for resilient communications in your community
What You’ll Gain
- Technical skills in cutting-edge mesh networking technology
- Emergency preparedness capabilities for yourself and your community
- Network of like-minded professionals and enthusiasts
- Contribution to critical community infrastructure
- Leadership opportunities in a growing technical community
Core Values
Excellence: We pursue technical excellence and operational readiness in everything we build.
Accessibility: We make mesh networking approachable for people at all skill levels.
Service: We build infrastructure that serves our community, especially in times of need.
Collaboration: We achieve more together through open communication and mutual support.
Innovation: We embrace experimentation and continuous improvement.
Integrity: We operate transparently, honor our commitments, and build systems worthy of community trust.
The Path Forward
Silicon Valley’s resilience depends on infrastructure that works when traditional systems cannot. By building a comprehensive mesh communications network, we’re creating that critical capability while fostering a community of skilled operators ready to serve.
Whether you’re an experienced amateur radio operator, 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
- Visit our website and join our communication channels
- Attend an upcoming workshop or community meeting
- Connect with a mentor to begin your mesh networking journey
- Identify where you can contribute—every skill matters
- Deploy your first node and become part of the network
When traditional communications fail, our community network stands ready. Join us in building the infrastructure Silicon Valley needs.
73 from 73 Mesh