Decentralized Mesh Radio for Alamance County
Zero cell towers required. Zero internet needed. #alcomesh uses resilient, encrypted, solar-powered multi-hop communications for Burlington, Graham, Mebane, Elon, Haw River, Snow Camp, and Altamahaw.
What is MeshCore?
A next-generation, lightweight protocol engineered specifically for long-range, off-grid LoRa radio networks.
Decentralized Communication Without Cell Towers or Internet
MeshCore is an open-source protocol built to enable secure, resilient, multi-hop text messaging and data transfer over standard LoRa (Long Range) ISM radio frequencies.
Traditional communication relies on centralized infrastructure—cell towers, fiber lines, and power grids. In severe weather, grid outages, or emergency situations, these systems often fail. MeshCore turns low-cost microcontrollers into self-contained radio nodes that talk directly to one another, forming an autonomous, resilient community communication net across Alamance County.
Zero Airtime Congestion
Unlike legacy flood-routing mesh systems that clog airwaves with constant discovery beacons, MeshCore minimizes background traffic so critical messages get through.
End-to-End Encryption
Private channels and direct messages are secured using strong AES encryption. Intermediary repeater nodes relay encrypted packets without reading content.
Ultra-Low Power Overhead
Efficient duty cycles allow battery-powered companion units and small 5W solar repeaters to operate for days or weeks uninterrupted.
Open Hardware Ecosystem
Compatible with standard LoRa boards (Heltec V3, RAK Wireless, LILYGO) paired over Bluetooth to Android or iOS devices.
Understanding MeshCore Node Roles
Your Phone + LoRa Radio
Connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. Sends and receives messages on #alcomesh. Does not drain battery retransmitting other users' packets.
Fill-in Relays & Masts
Stationary solar or battery nodes (like our ALM-LOCAL-01). Retransmit packets automatically across hills, valleys, and long distances.
Store-and-Forward Hubs
Stationary nodes operating as local bulletin boards or store-and-forward message mailboxes when recipients are out of range or offline.
Public MeshCore Channels
Preset channels operating across the Alamance 910.525 MHz backbone.
alcomesh
The primary countywide channel for general chatter, check-ins, local situational awareness, and mesh testing in Alamance County.
test
Dedicated channel for signal ping tests, antenna validation, traceroute tests, SNR benchmarking, and automated telemetry beacons.
alcoprep
Emergency preparedness, extreme weather alerts, severe outage coordination, and community aid dispatch across Alamance County.
Alamance Mesh Core Simulator
Simulate multi-hop mesh packet routing across 8 active repeaters at 910.525 MHz.
Live Alamance Network Map
Interactive spatial view centered on Alamance County, North Carolina.
Active Repeater Directory
8 fixed 24/7 solar elevated nodes bridging Alamance County.
| Node Call / ID | Primary Location | Elevation ASL | Hardware Spec | Antenna Gain | Status | Telemetry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALM-GRAHAM-TWR | Graham Water Tower | 810 ft | RAK4631 Solar | 8.0 dBi Fiberglass | ONLINE (99.9%) | |
| ALM-BURL-01 | Central Burlington High-Rise | 690 ft | Station G2 Rack | 5.8 dBi Tuned | ONLINE (100%) | |
| ALM-MEBANE-EAST | Mebane Ridge Heights | 750 ft | Heltec V3 + LNA Amp | 5.8 dBi Glass | ONLINE (99.7%) | |
| ALM-ELON-WEST | Elon Campus North | 640 ft | RAK4631 WisBlock | 3.0 dBi Dipole | ONLINE (99.8%) | |
| ALM-HAWRIV-01 | Haw River Mill Tower | 620 ft | Station G2 Base | 5.8 dBi Collinear | ONLINE (99.9%) | |
| ALM-SNOWCMP-SOUTH | Snow Camp Mountain Peak | 920 ft | RAK4631 + LiFePO4 | 8.0 dBi Fiberglass | ONLINE (99.5%) | |
| ALM-ALTAMAHAW | Altamahaw North Relay | 670 ft | RAK4631 Solar | 5.8 dBi Glass | ONLINE (99.8%) | |
| ALM-SWAPSON | Swepsonville Bluff | 610 ft | Heltec V3 Solar | 3.0 dBi Tuned | ONLINE (99.6%) |
Path-Loss & Coverage Estimator
Calculate Free Space Path Loss (FSPL) and signal strength at 910.525 MHz.
Recommended MeshCore Hardware
Tested 915 MHz devices compatible with #alcomesh network settings.
Heltec V3 (ESP32-S3)
Built-in OLED screen, Bluetooth BLE, dual-core ESP32-S3 microcontroller, and SX1262 LoRa radio. Ideal handheld node or companion device.
- Screen + BLE built-in
- 22 dBm Max TX Output
- Higher power draw (110 mA)
RAK Wireless RAK4631
Low-power nRF52840 MCU paired with SX1262 LoRa. Consumes under 10 mA in receive mode—the gold standard for off-grid solar repeaters.
- Ultra-low solar power draw
- Integrated solar charging circuit
- Modular WisBlock architecture
Station G2 / Base Node
Heavy-duty metal chassis with high-efficiency thermal dissipation, power amplifier options, N-type antenna connector, and backup battery input.
- Heavy Weatherproofing
- N-Type Direct Antenna Port
- High RF Filter Selectivity
MeshCore Architecture & Parameters
MeshCore operates as a lightweight, resilient multi-hop packet routing protocol tailored for low-bandwidth ISM frequencies. Unlike power-hungry voice or Wi-Fi systems, standard 32-byte MeshCore text and position packets require only ~56 milliseconds of RF airtime on the 910.525 MHz frequency setting.
