Jackson Mesh

Connecting to the Private Jackson Mesh Channel

Connecting to the private channel isn't necessary to use the mesh network, but it will give you many features above using the default public channel.

To join the private Jackson Mesh channel and access enhanced features, you'll need to configure your Meshtastic device with specific settings.

This page is a work-in-progress and may not contain accurate information yet.

Steps to Connect Automatically:

Scan this QR code. It will automatically configure your channel settings so you have the default public channel and the Jackson Mesh channel.

Steps to Connect Manually:

1. Update Your Meshtastic Device: Ensure your device is running the latest stable firmware. You can do this via the Meshtastic Web Flasher with a compatible browser.
2. Open Your Meshtastic App: Connect your Meshtastic device to your phone via Bluetooth.
3. Navigate to Channel Settings: Go to "Settings" then "Channels" section in your Meshtastic app.
4. Add New Channel:
   • Select "Add Channel".
   • Unless you're editing the frequency band, the channel number *needs* to be 2.
5. Enter Channel Name: "JacksonMesh".
6. Enter PSK (Pre-Shared Key): This is crucial for connecting to the private channel.

   JacksonMesh PSK: 1mFHo8YoLPDAHwWVQZe49w==

   Please contact a network administrator or local community organizer for the actual PSK. This ensures the privacy and integrity of our local network.

7. Set Channel LongFast Settings:

   These settings must be exact for the channel to work:

   • Modem Preset: LongFast
   • Channel Number: 2
   • Bandwidth: 125kHz
   • Spreading Factor: 12
   • Coding Rate: 4/5

   These settings balance range and data rate for our local topology.

8. Save Settings: Apply the changes to your device. Your device should now attempt to connect to the private JacksonMesh channel.

If you encounter any issues, please check our About page for contact info.

Features of the private JacksonMesh channel

The private JacksonMesh channel offers several enhanced features designed to improve your Meshtastic experience within our community:

• More Accurate Location Reporting

  With denser node coverage and optimized settings on the private channel, your device can report its GPS location more frequently and with higher precision. This is especially useful for tracking community events, search and rescue efforts, or simply knowing where your friends and family are in a reliable, off-grid manner.

  Imagine being able to see precise locations on your connected map, even without cellular data:

• Store and Forward Capability

  Our private channel leverages a robust "store and forward" mechanism. If a message cannot immediately reach its destination due to a temporary lack of direct path, it will be stored by intermediary nodes and forwarded as soon as a path becomes available. This significantly increases message reliability and ensures your communications get through, even in challenging RF environments or when nodes go offline and come back online.

  This feature is vital for maintaining communication continuity across our mesh network.

• Enhanced Security and Privacy

  By using a private PSK, the Jackson Mesh channel offers a higher level of security and privacy compared to public channels. Only devices configured with the correct key can join and participate in communications, reducing unwanted interference and ensuring that your local conversations remain within our trusted community.

• Community-Specific Applications

  Future plans for the private channel include support for community-specific applications, such as local alerts, event coordination, and dedicated message groups for various local interests.

These features combine to create a powerful and reliable communication platform for the Jackson, Michigan community.

This page is a work-in-progress and may not contain accurate information yet.

Features of MeshBot

Jackson Mesh operates a bot on our local mesh that offers many services to the community:

• More Accurate Location Reporting

  With denser node coverage and optimized settings on the private channel, your device can report its GPS location more frequently and with higher precision. This is especially useful for tracking community events, search and rescue efforts, or simply knowing where your friends and family are in a reliable, off-grid manner.

  Imagine being able to see precise locations on your connected map, even without cellular data:

• Store and Forward Capability

  Our private channel leverages a robust "store and forward" mechanism. If a message cannot immediately reach its destination due to a temporary lack of direct path, it will be stored by intermediary nodes and forwarded as soon as a path becomes available. This significantly increases message reliability and ensures your communications get through, even in challenging RF environments or when nodes go offline and come back online.

  This feature is vital for maintaining communication continuity across our mesh network.

• Enhanced Security and Privacy

  By using a private PSK, the Jackson Mesh channel offers a higher level of security and privacy compared to public channels. Only devices configured with the correct key can join and participate in communications, reducing unwanted interference and ensuring that your local conversations remain within our trusted community.

• Community-Specific Applications

  Future plans for the private channel include support for community-specific applications, such as local alerts, event coordination, and dedicated message groups for various local interests.

These features combine to create a powerful and reliable communication platform for the Jackson, Michigan community.

This page is a work-in-progress and may not contain accurate information yet.

Jackson Mesh Coverage Map

This map illustrates the current estimated coverage of the Jackson Mesh network. As more people join and deploy nodes, our coverage will expand!

Note: This is a placeholder image. An actual coverage map generated from our network data will be uploaded here soon.

(Placeholder: Actual coverage map coming soon!)

If you're interested in helping expand our coverage, consider setting up a Meshtastic repeater node at your location!

This page is a work-in-progress and may not contain accurate information yet.

About Jackson Mesh

Jackson Mesh is a community-driven initiative dedicated to building and maintaining a resilient Meshtastic mesh network in Jackson, Michigan. Our goal is to provide a robust, off-grid communication option for residents, enhancing local preparedness, fostering community connection, and exploring the exciting possibilities of decentralized wireless communication.

Our Mission

• To establish and grow a reliable Meshtastic network across Jackson.
• To educate and support community members in utilizing Meshtastic.
• To foster a collaborative environment for network development.

Get Involved!

We welcome all interested community members to join us! Whether you're a seasoned radio enthusiast or new to Meshtastic, there are many ways to contribute:

• Set up a Node: Deploy a Meshtastic device as a stationary repeater to extend network coverage.
• Spread the Word: Tell your friends, family, and neighbors about Jackson Mesh.
• Contribute to Development: If you have technical skills (coding, hardware, mapping), we'd love your help!
• Join Discussions: Participate in our online forums or local meetups to share ideas and ask questions.

Contact Us

Have questions, suggestions, or want to get involved?

• Email: info@jacksonmesh.com
• Community Forum: (Link to your preferred forum/chat, e.g., Discord, Reddit, etc.) - Coming Soon!
• Social Media: (Links to Facebook, Twitter, etc.) - Coming Soon!

We look forward to building this network with you!