CSRA Mesh Community
A Meshtastic enthusiasts community in the Central Savannah River Area � connecting Augusta, Evans, Grovetown, North Augusta, Aiken, and beyond without internet or cell service.
What is the CSRA Mesh?
Off-Grid Communication
CSRA Mesh is a community bringing together communication enthusiasts from around the CSRA for coordination and collaboration � makers, Amateur Radio operators, GMRS operators, preppers, and more.
No Infrastructure Needed
Using the LoRa protocol, inexpensive Meshtastic devices talk to each other and pass messages over moderate to long distances � without internet, cell service, or 3rd party infrastructure.
Solar-Powered Nodes
Nodes can be solar-powered and placed on rooftops to extend the mesh without power infrastructure. A small battery the size of two AA batteries can run a node for more than two weeks when fully charged.
Growing Coverage
We actively build out the mesh to connect the entire CSRA. Every new node extends overall reach and allows new areas to join the network.
Easy to Use
The Meshtastic app (iOS & Android) connects to your node via Bluetooth or WiFi to send and receive text messages � no technical expertise required.
Emergency Ready
After Hurricane Helene demonstrated the value of resilient communication, we've been building a network that works when traditional infrastructure fails.
What is Meshtastic?
To quote the Meshtastic website: Meshtastic is "an open source, off-grid, decentralized, mesh network built to run on affordable, low-power devices." Visit www.meshtastic.org Opens in a new tab to learn more.
What is a "Node"?
A node is a LoRa device flashed with Meshtastic firmware. They can be purchased pre-built, assembled from a kit, or home-built. Low-power units can run off a small solar panel placed on a rooftop � no power infrastructure required.
CSRA Mesh by the Numbers
70+
Active Nodes
And growing weekly
6+
Cities
Georgia & South Carolina
5
Pages
Of guides & resources
86+
Members
On Discord
Common Questions
New to Meshtastic or CSRA Mesh? We have guides covering initial setup, MQTT configuration, OTA firmware updates, and more.
View all guidesHow do I get started with Meshtastic?
Purchase a LoRa node (many are available pre-built), install the Meshtastic app on your iOS or Android device, and follow our Quick Start Guide on the FAQs page. The key is making sure your node has an antenna attached before powering it on!
How can I join the CSRA Mesh network?
Join us on Discord or Facebook and set up your node using our Quick Start Guide. The important settings are: region US, modem preset LONG_FAST, channel LongFast with PSK AQ==, and frequency override 906.875.
What if I don't see any other nodes?
Leave your node running for roughly 24 hours and see what it connects to. If nothing shows, take it on a drive � there are currently good pockets of nodes in Evans Town Center and Grovetown off Exit 190.
Do I need a ham radio license?
No license is required to use Meshtastic. The platform uses LoRa in the unlicensed ISM band. However, many of our members are also Amateur Radio operators who bring additional skills and knowledge to the community.
Want to Join Us?
Interested in communications? Like to create things? Have questions? Click a link below to join our Discord server or Facebook Group!