Really can’t emphasize off-grid encrypted comms enough.
The cost of entry is low; about $35 can get you a Meshtastic device that will, on its own, help give you neighborhood coverage at a minimum. Depending on your terrain and the existence of other nodes acting to expand the mesh network, it could give you coverage that expands hundreds of square miles. There are things you can modify or otherwise do to expand coverage even further, like adding a different antenna or elevating the unit higher up on a pole.
Here’s a good starter device that includes everything, from the mainboard, battery, antenna, and a case: https://www.amazon.com/ESP32-V3-Module-3000mAh-Battery/dp/B0D2L1ZHRR
With the device, it pairs to an app installed on a phone, and once that’s done, that’s it. No internet required. You can participate in the ‘open’ text chat channels, and set up secure 256-bit encrypted channels for friends/family members. Additional nodes can be deployed to act as repeaters discretely using solar panels, which will help expand the network out. The nodes are small enough and light enough to be attached to a drone and flown up to temporarily give a huge boost in range as well.
There are also standalone devices that have the display and keyboard built in, so you don’t need a phone at all. But, those are more ‘handheld’, not really meant to be deployed, so they may not have the long range of a high-mounted node.
Regardless, have a backup plan. Your standard GMRS radio is fine as well, but anyone can listen in on it since they aren’t encrypted, and unless you use a repeater, communications won’t be passed around like they can with a mesh network.
Having some nodes myself: it is a nice gadget and even works with ATAK.
But without proper purpose, participants and a plan of communications it is still only a gadget.
E.g. if you only sit alone in your apartment and think they’ll come in handy when the power is gone, you’re mistaken. Spread devices among your mutuals, set up channels and speak about how you plan to use them.
Also, even though the messages are encrypted, be aware that each device sends a unique ID and can still be easily tracked down by professionals.
Agreed; having a network already established is going to be needed.
You can further obfuscate your location by only powering up to communicate at predetermined times, and never on a schedule that can easily be guessed. Thankfully, what further helps out is that many ‘smart meters’ being used by utilities uses the 915Mhz band; meaning, there’s going to be a lot of activity on it, so just someone selecting the 915Mhz band and following that to message sources is going to lead to a lot of dead ends.
Well, the LoRa frequency differs from continent to continent: telling me you are in North America.
Also we don’t have the need for a civil-war post-apocalyptic, wasteland communication that cannot be tracked 😅. It is more an American thing to prep for.
The ESP32 board is good - a GREAT place to start.
If you want a longer battery life, I recommend a RAK4630-based board.
LoRa devices are freaking cool.
Most of my nodes are in enclosures backed by solar with a large 120Wh LiFePO4 battery, or otherwise hardwired to a power source with a 3Ah battery in the case. Portable ESP32 units are good for a few days of constant use with the 3Ah battery included.
Looking at getting a T-deck though, for when carrying anything with a cellular connection (even cell turned off) is going to be comprisable.
