Elk Grove Community Mesh Network (MeshCore)

What it’s good for

• Off-grid communication when cell service is weak or unavailable
• Emergency preparedness and disaster-resilient messaging
• Events / outdoor activities that benefit from local coverage
• Community resilience by placing repeaters in strategic locations

Tip: If you want to join the Elk Grove mesh, your device needs to match the same channel settings shown below.

To communicate on the same MeshCore network, devices must match the same “channel” settings (frequency + LoRa parameters). Here are the current Elk Grove settings:

Setting	Value
Preset	Custom
Frequency	910.525 MHz
Bandwidth (BW)	31.25 kHz
Spreading Factor (SF)	8
Coding Rate (CR)	5
Transmit Power	20 dBm

Why 910.525 MHz?

I’m using 910.525 MHz as a consistent “meet here” frequency for the Elk Grove mesh. Keeping one known frequency makes it easier for new nodes to join and keeps the local network coordinated. (For U.S. LoRa devices, this sits within the 902–928 MHz ISM band.)

Why these custom LoRa settings?

• Narrower bandwidth (31.25 kHz) + higher SF (8) generally improves link robustness and sensitivity (tradeoff: slower data rate and longer airtime).
• Coding Rate 5 is a practical balance between reliability and efficiency.
• 20 dBm helps fixed repeaters maintain stronger links for wider city coverage.

Note: These settings may evolve as coverage grows and usage increases (for example, to reduce airtime/congestion).

To join the Elk Grove MeshCore network, you’ll need a compatible LoRa device (a “node”) and the MeshCore app. Once configured with the same channel settings listed above, you can send and receive text messages across the mesh.

What is a “node”?

A node is a small LoRa radio device that participates in the mesh. Some nodes are handheld/pocket devices, some are mounted in vehicles, and some are fixed repeaters placed high (roofline) to extend coverage for everyone.

Recommended device types

• Pocket / Personal Node: Small handheld device you carry (best for individuals and families).
• Vehicle Node: A node with a roof antenna for better coverage while driving.
• Repeater Node: A fixed node placed high (roofline) to extend coverage for everyone.

Ready to connect? Follow the steps below to join the Elk Grove mesh network.

How to join the Elk Grove mesh (quick start)

1. Get a compatible MeshCore/LoRa device (I can recommend options based on your budget and use-case).
2. Install the MeshCore app/client on your phone/device.
3. Pair your device (usually over Bluetooth) and open the device settings.
4. Set the channel settings to match the Elk Grove Network Settings on this page:
   • Frequency: 910.525 MHz
   • Bandwidth: 31.25 kHz
   • Spreading Factor: 8
   • Coding Rate: 5
   • Transmit Power: 20 dBm
5. Choose a node name (example: POCKET-01 or VEHICLE-01).
6. Send a test message and confirm you see traffic when you’re in range of a repeater.

Tips for better performance

• Height matters: Higher placement usually improves range.
• Outdoor is best: Indoors can reduce range (walls/metal/low-e glass).
• External antenna helps: Vehicle and fixed nodes benefit most.
• Be patient: Mesh networks improve as more nodes are added.

If you’re new to LoRa, I’m happy to help you pick a device and verify your settings.

The map below shows current repeater locations and approximate coverage areas. As additional nodes are added at higher elevations, overall coverage and reliability improve.

Note: Map is for general visualization purposes. Exact node locations may be slightly adjusted for security and privacy.

I’m looking for local businesses (and homeowners) willing to host a small, solar-powered repeater on a roof or other high point. Hosting a node helps expand coverage for the entire area and supports a community-run communications network.

What hosting involves

• Small, weatherproof device mounted on a roof or other high point
• Solar powered (no power usage from your building)
• Does not connect to your internal network or internet
• Low-profile antenna (similar to a Wi-Fi or radio antenna)
• I handle installation, maintenance, and removal if needed

Why participate?

• Improves local coverage and reliability
• Helps during outages/emergencies when normal comms are limited
• Optional, free, and non-commercial

EGMESH.NET is currently funded personally by me. All repeaters, equipment, antennas, and solar hardware are purchased out of pocket.

As the network grows, additional repeaters and higher-elevation placements significantly improve coverage and reliability. If you’d like to help expand the Elk Grove mesh network, there are several ways to contribute.

Ways to Support

• Host a repeater at your home or business
• Contribute hardware (LoRa devices, antennas, enclosures, etc.)
• Financial contribution toward repeater equipment

Support is completely optional and appreciated — this remains a non-commercial, community-focused initiative.

Transparency note: Contributions go toward hardware and deployment costs only.

Does this connect to my Wi-Fi or business network?

No. The repeater is independent and does not connect to your internal network or internet.

Does it cost me anything?

No. The repeater is solar powered, and I handle installation and maintenance.

Is this a camera or surveillance device?

No. It’s a LoRa radio node for text-based messaging—no audio/video recording capability.

What if I change my mind?

The equipment can be removed at any time upon request.

I’m a local Elk Grove resident with over 20 years of experience in IT infrastructure, networking, and information security.

Contact

If you’re open to hosting a small, solar-powered repeater (or just want to learn more), I’d love to talk and answer any questions.

Email: info@egmesh.net
Location: Elk Grove, CA
Website: EGMESH.NET