this post was submitted on 12 Jan 2026
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[–] MidsizedSedan@lemmy.world 14 points 3 days ago (2 children)

Is there a map that shows where are using them? It looks like a fun idea, but I don't want to get something and no one is using it in my region. (Outback Australia)

[–] Dekkia@this.doesnotcut.it 25 points 3 days ago (1 children)

https://meshmap.net/

Being shown in maps like this is opt-in, so there's an unknown amount of users which are not displayed.

[–] MidsizedSedan@lemmy.world 8 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (2 children)

I'm 100% OK with it being opt-in. If there is at least 1 in my state, I'll bite.

Welp, I guess I'm biting...

[–] sqgl@sh.itjust.works 4 points 2 days ago (1 children)

One in your state? Wouldn't you need one in your line of sight?

[–] MidsizedSedan@lemmy.world 1 points 2 days ago (1 children)

If everyone opens the map, sees the blank space, then walks away, no one will start.

I'll be willing to start, and hopefully others will join.

[–] rumba@lemmy.zip 3 points 2 days ago

Welp, I guess I’m biting…

On the up side, you can get a Heltec V3 for ~$20

On the down side, since everything is super low power, you absolutley need line of site to get our of your neighborhood

[–] Drew1718@lemmy.world 6 points 3 days ago (2 children)

Yup, same thoughts here (Norway). I doubt anyone near me uses it.

[–] sunbeam60@feddit.uk 5 points 2 days ago (1 children)
[–] sqgl@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 days ago (3 children)

In NSW Australia there are hardly any two near each other. What is the point of all these people even buying one if you don't team up with at least one neighbour?

[–] RubberElectrons@lemmy.world 7 points 2 days ago (1 children)
[–] sqgl@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

It is delusional to think the chances are good of a neighbor just looking up the map and joining in. Geeks need to talk to people in real life, especially in their neighborhood. Team up with at least one other person. Use word of mouth. That is effective change.

Unfortunately I live in a remote area with non-tech people who are not conservative enough to be preppers. I will still run it past them though.

[–] RubberElectrons@lemmy.world 3 points 2 days ago (1 children)

I'd talk to you if you were on the map 👍

[–] sqgl@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

A grumpy curmudgeon like me? You must be crazy!

Groucho Marx - "I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member"

[–] RubberElectrons@lemmy.world 2 points 2 days ago (1 children)

More like grouchy Marx, amrite?? Eh? Eh?

[–] sqgl@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 days ago
[–] sunbeam60@feddit.uk 3 points 2 days ago

Set up your own emergency grid. I’ve got a couple solar powered nodes around so I can contact my wife even from the villages that aren’t in mobile coverage.

[–] rumba@lemmy.zip 3 points 2 days ago

If you can get one up high, they can reach hundreds of kilometers.

They're all over the West Coast of the US because of all the hills, and there are generally decent nets in cities with high rises.

[–] rumba@lemmy.zip 2 points 2 days ago

There are some, there are probably more than are in the picture, map access is opt-in