Meshtastic

In our last meeting we discussed the use of Meshtastic devices that implement LoRa radios. These are small, inexpensive devices that allow for simple communication, resource tracking, and telemetry. Using the 900Mhz ISM band, these can also be used by non-ham radio operators. Using LoRa radios and Chirp modulation, these low power devices can reach impressive ranges. And the big advantage is the ability for the devices to form a robust mesh network to extend the range.

If you would like a good introduction, follow this link to the official site's Introduction and Overview pages. 

If you prefer videos, The Comms Channel on YouTube has a good video series on Meshtastic.

One common question is what devices are available for use with Meshtastic and the answer is lots. Below are examples of some of the more common ones, some which require a phone for interfacing and some that have most functionality built in. 

 

Seedstudio SenseCap Card Tracker T1000-E

The SenseCap Tracker is a pre-built, pre-configured, weather proof device that's similar in size to a credit card. It requires the use of a phone, tablet, or PC in order to configure and use messaging. It's best use case would be for simple resource tracking.

RAK Wireless Wisblock

The RAK Wireless Wisbloc are modular and very small. These are ideal for building repeater/relay projects as they include solar charging circuitry built in.  

 

LILLYGO T-Deck

If you are looking for a device that's easy to carry and doesn't require another device for messaging capabilities, the LILLYGO T-Deck is one of the better Meshtastic devices. 

ROKLAND is a distributor of devices, antennas, and accessories in the United States. Click here to see their store page.

We are planning on experimenting with this technology in some of our up-coming public service events. If you would like more information or have questions please email me.

 

New Event - MATRC Va Highlands CTR, June 2025

We have been asked to provide communications for a new horse ride event. The MATRC Va. Highlands CTR is a three day event that takes place from June 20-23. Each day the ride begins at 06:30 and ends around 14:30. This event will use trails similar to the Iron Mountain Jubilee that occurs in August. Anyone wishing to be a volunteer communicator please contact Randy Lilly.

SW VA Interoperability Rally 2025

On April 5th, Southwest Virginia AUXCOMM was invited to attend the 2025 Southwest Virginia Interoperability Rally in Roanoke, VA. This is a meet and greet event where various emergency service organizations bring vehicles and assets to demonstrate capabilities. 

Many trailers and mobile command units were on display.

This year, there were approximately 50 attendees with ten trailers or mobile command units, all were government organizations. SW VA AUXCOMM was the only amateur radio vehicle present.

Gabe Elias, Statewide Interoperability Coordinator

I big thanks to Gabe Elias, the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator, for setting everything up for this event. 

To view the full photo gallery click here.

Buchanan/Tazewell County Flood 2025

On February 15th, 2025, severe flooding occurred across Buchanan and Tazewell counties in Southwest Virginia. Our organization was contacted on February 16th by Marty Rosendale, K4EQS of the American Red Cross to ask if we would be available to deploy to assist with disaster assessment. On Friday, February 21st, SW VA AUXCOMM arrived in Pounding Mill, VA to begin staging and planning for the deployment. 

N4DN & KE4RL at net control

Randy, KE4RL and Glen, N4DN had the communications trailer setup and operating as net control by 9:00AM Friday, Feb. 21st. 

KE4RL Communication Trailer setup as net control

 

Our members included Randy KE4RL, Glen N4DN, Beverly KI4JTV, and Ron KD4RD. We also were joined by F.M. Hite, KI4LH of ARES. This allowed for three active teams riding in Red Cross vehicles, one radio operator and two ARC personnel in each. 

We were in operation and providing communications support until Friday, February 28th. 

Glen N4DN

Beverly, KI4JTV

Net control was located inside the KE4RL trailer. VHF/UHF amateur and GMRS whip antennas were used as well as the repeater located on Big A Mountain, which performed well for all operations. The digital mapping inside the communications trailer was also an invaluable tool to assist teams in locating individual addresses. 

Teams were able to utilize VHF mobile radios and magnetic mount antennas while in the field. They also noted that some roads were impassable and required rerouting. 

We are grateful to the American Red Cross for reaching out to us again to assist in their mission. Many of our members have decided to sign up as regular ARC volunteers under the Disaster Services Technology arm. This will allow us to enhance our deploy-ability and develop a deeper relationship with the American Red Cross. 

Click here to view the After Action Report document. 

No Frills Horse Ride 2025 After Action

On April 17th through the 20th, SW VA AUXCOMM went to the Shenandoah Valley to provide communication support for the No Frills Horse Ride. 

Welcome to No Frills

 

 

A number of our members have built communication trailers to work and live in while operating at events. Whether a public service event or an emergency, we are prepared. 

Randy, KE4RL

Jeremy Miller, KO4SSD

Randy Lilly, KE4RL maned the net control station at the base camp area. We also got lots of assistance from local hams like Jeremy, KO4SSD and Eddie Householder, KF8ANN who helped Glen N4DN during the exercise.

KE4RL Communications Trailer

KE4RL Communications Trailer

Notes about operating positions

This event had six away stations that provided information about where each rider was located along the course.

Digital Mapping

With access to digital mapping, it's easy to get an idea of the layout and terrain of the course. 

The event went well and everyone was happy to have us available. We are already looking forward to next year.

AUXCOMM Meeting 4.24.25

We will be having out monthly meeting on April 24th at the Carroll County Fire and Rescue Building, 499 Floyd Pike, Hillsville, VA. The meeting will be held at 6:30PM and will be followed by the Briarpatch Amateur Radio Club Meeting. All interested are welcome to attend either or both meetings!

New River Trail Races 2025 After Action

The New River Trail Races event took place on April 12, 2025. Since there was an addition of a 100K race this year, we started early at 4AM and finished up at around 7PM. The weather was a lot colder than anyone expected which made operating more difficult.

KE4RL Communications Trailer

Randy, KE4RL brought out his communications trailer and hosted net control from the start/finish line in Fries. 

 

KE4RL & KQ4PWE as Net Control 

David, KQ4PWE and Randy, KE4RL worked as net control inside the communications trailer. They had a very busy day of taking reports and keeping track of runners passing through each station.

KM4AZW at Fries Junction

Josh, KM4AZW hiked into his operating position at Fries Junction and setup with a man-pack portable radio for a long day of operation.  

Thank you Kevin Combs, N4KYV for some of your photography. For the full photo album click here.