Projects

 Some of our current projects:

We have mentors for all of these projects if you want to get involved. We welcome those with any level of knowledge and skill and can help you get involved in our group projects. Please contact us for more information or to ask any questions.

• MESHTASTIC - We are setting up infrastructure for a Meshtastic network. This will allow anyone interested to access other Meshtastic nodes across the town and region. All are welcomed to participate whether you want to use a node for personal purposes or are willing to assist in hosting an infrastructure node.
  
  Nodes can be solar powered (think solar LED garden light) and mounted on a post or outbuilding if you do not want it attached to your house. Other nodes can be powered by a USB charger (just like a cell phone) and mounted in an upper window, porch, etc. and connected to your WiFi to pass Meshtastic traffic. Please contact us if you have any interest in this project. We need more volunteers and node owners to make this a great success!
  
  
  
• GMRS REPEATER - We currently have a GMRS repeater available to any licensed operator/family to use. It covers the Hamilton Reservoir very well and areas around it. If you are interested in this for personal or emergency communications (or just for fun!) please contact us and we can help get you started. Using GMRS is a great way to learn about radio communications and get started learning about others such as CB radio and amateur (ham) radio.
  
  The repeater is currently in a temporary location just so we could get it on the air for people to use. We will eventually be installing it in a better location to cover more area. In the meantime, feel free to try it out if you already have a radio.

• HAM RADIO - If you are a licensed amateur radio operator we have a simplex repeater located in town that helps to increase range between radios. It can be turned on and off as needed. If you are interested in becoming a license operator, please contact us. We have mentors who would be willing to help you get started.
  
  
  
• EMERGENCY RADIOS - We are creating a cache of radios and operators that regularly test and use two-way radios in order to have an alternative method of communication during emergencies. During the 2011 tornado that ripped through our area, much of the cell service in the area was not functional.
  
  These radios will help to maintain area-wide communications in the event of another severe weather event. If you have dedicated interest in this radios can be provided these without cost if you are willing to be an active participant. Please contact us for more information.
  
  
  
• ONLINE RECEIVERS - We also have online radios that you are welcome to use at your leisure. We have a local scanner stream hosted by Broadcastify that streams local fire departments. There is also a KiwiSDR shortwave receiver (0-32 MHz coverage) that is available for you to use to listen to all kinds of things on the shortwave radio wave bands.