A volunteer-run off-grid mesh network across the Appalachian highlands — resilient, encrypted, and free from carrier infrastructure.
WV MeshCore is a community-built, decentralized radio mesh network using MeshCore firmware on LoRa-capable hardware. We connect hilltops, hollers, and communities across West Virginia — no internet required, no carrier fees, no single point of failure.
When floods shut down cell towers or emergencies leave communities isolated, our mesh stays up. Nodes relay messages hop-by-hop across mountains, reaching neighbors and emergency coordinators alike.
We're a volunteer group of ham radio operators, preppers, outdoors enthusiasts, and community advocates. Anyone can participate — you don't need a license to receive, and Technician class gets you transmitting.
Our network spans from the Northern Panhandle down through the central highlands and into the southern coalfields. Coverage is strongest on ridge lines and peaks, where single nodes can reach 20–30 miles.
In hollows and valleys, repeater nodes on water towers and hilltop structures help bridge gaps. We're actively expanding — every new node strengthens the whole mesh.
Pick up a supported LoRa device — a Heltec V3, LILYGO T-Beam, or RAK WisBlock. Most run $25–$60 and are available online.
Download MeshCore firmware and flash via USB. Our guides walk through the whole process — no coding needed, just a browser and a cable.
Set your node name, choose a channel, and position your antenna. Higher is better — a rooftop or attic mount dramatically increases range.
Power it on and watch neighbors appear. Introduce yourself on the community channel and coordinate with nearby node operators to fill coverage gaps.
Small, affordable, and USB-C powered. Includes a built-in OLED display so you can see network activity at a glance. Great for indoor or sheltered outdoor placement.
Has built-in GPS and battery management, making it ideal for a backpack node or SAR operations. Runs for days on a power bank.
Modular, weatherproof, and solar-capable. Our go-to for hilltop infrastructure nodes that need to survive a WV winter unattended.
Point a yagi at a distant ridge and dramatically extend your reach. Useful for bridging hollows where omni antennas fall short.
A 10W panel and LiFePO4 battery keep most nodes running indefinitely. LiFePO4 handles WV cold better than standard lithium.
Community members have published PETG-printable waterproof enclosures optimized for WV humidity and freeze/thaw cycles. Files shared in our Discord.
Join our channels to get help, share node reports, and coordinate with operators near you.
West Virginia's mountains aren't obstacles — they're infrastructure. Help us build a network that can't be turned off.