📶 Operating a Pod Mesh Network

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Why It Matters

Pods need reliable, private communications that survive cell outages and resist surveillance.
Meshtastic networks let pods:

• Stay in contact during protests or disaster response.
• Relay information between scouts, medics, and logistics.
• Operate off-grid for hours or days with minimal gear.

With planning, even a small pod can build a network that covers entire neighborhoods without drawing attention.

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What You'll Learn

1. Choosing and Setting Up Hardware – Picking the right nodes and antennas.
2. Flashing and Configuring Devices – Installing firmware and pairing with phones.
3. Securing Your Network – Unique channel names, encryption keys, and good practices.
4. Deploying Relays – Extending range in urban or rural environments.
5. Running Operations – Best practices for short-term and mobile deployments.
6. Battery and Power Management – Keeping your network alive for hours or days.

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Quick Action Steps

1. Get 2–3 Meshtastic nodes (LilyGO T-Beams are the standard).
2. Flash the latest stable firmware using the Web Flasher or CLI.
3. Set a custom channel name and PSK (never use defaults).
4. Place 1 relay node at elevation (roof, hill, vehicle) to boost range.
5. Run a 30-minute field test with your pod to confirm coverage.

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Hardware & Antenna Guide

Device	Best Use	Notes
LilyGO T-Beam	Main handheld device	GPS, long range (5–10 km urban with good antennas). ~$60
Heltec V3	Lightweight backup or relay	Small, no GPS, moderate range (2–5 km). ~$40
RAK or ESP32 Relay Node	Fixed coverage booster	Needs stable power (AC or solar). ~$80–$120
High-Gain Antennas (5–9dBi)	Extending coverage significantly	Pairs with T-Beams and relays for rural or rooftop use.

Tips:

• Always upgrade antennas for relays (stock ones are weak).
• Keep a spare battery bank (10,000–20,000 mAh) for each active node.
• Use solar trickle chargers for stationary relays during daytime ops.

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Flashing and Configuration

1. Download the latest firmware from Meshtastic.org.
2. Use the Web Flasher (Chrome-based) or Meshtastic CLI.
3. Install the Meshtastic App (Android/iOS).
4. Pair your phone to the node over Bluetooth.
5. Set a new channel name and PSK (pre-shared key).
6. Disable unnecessary features (like GPS beacons) unless needed for your role.

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Securing Your Channel

Security mistakes can expose your pod:

• Always generate a random PSK (avoid obvious words).
• Share keys in person or over an encrypted channel (never public chat).
• Use role-based channels (separate keys for scouts, medics, logistics).
• Keep your node labeled with a code name, not your real name.

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Deploying Relays for Coverage

Relays help extend your network:

• Place them high (rooftops, trees, tall vehicles).
• Use stationary relays for known hotspots.
• For moving actions, use vehicle-based relays with power banks.
• If possible, camouflage relays (inside weatherproof boxes or disguised enclosures).

Spacing Guidelines:

• Urban: 1–2 km apart for consistent coverage.
• Rural: 5–8 km apart (requires high-gain antennas).

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Power & Battery Management

A network is useless if devices die mid-operation.

• Carry spare USB-C battery packs (10,000 mAh = ~12–18 hrs runtime).
• For long ops, rotate nodes and recharge via solar or vehicles.
• Stationary relays should have solar panels or AC adapters if possible.

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Running Short-Term Operations

For a protest or supply run:

1. Start by testing all devices at base.
2. Deploy relays first, then field teams.
3. Use short messages and code words to minimize chatter.
4. Avoid mentioning sensitive plans over the network (even encrypted).
5. After the operation, collect all devices and rotate PSKs for next time.

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Pod Drill (Certification)

1. Configure 5 nodes with a shared encrypted channel.
2. Deploy a relay at elevation to extend range.
3. Run a 30-minute drill where each team must check in every 10 minutes.
4. Simulate a relay failure and reestablish contact by deploying a backup.
5. Demonstrate rotating PSKs and confirming all devices are rekeyed.