A COMMUNITY RADIO PROJECT

Let’s build a radio network for Northwest Iowa.

Building a community-powered MeshCore radio network across Northwest Iowa, starting in Spencer and the Iowa Great Lakes. Connecting towns, farms, and neighbors through local messaging that works without cell service or internet.

I'm John Hass. I’m starting in Spencer and the Iowa Great Lakes, and I’d like to hear from people who want to try a radio, help test a link, or offer a spot for a repeater.

Interested? Get in touch

WHY THIS PROJECT

We remember the flood.

Spencer, June 2024

When cell service wasn’t available, getting information out was hard. Checking on family and finding out what was happening shouldn’t depend on a single way to connect.

The June 22, 2024 flood devastated homes and businesses in Spencer. Neighbors helped neighbors through rescues, cleanup, and a recovery that continued long after the water receded. KTIV’s one-year report documents how deeply the flood affected the community.

The communication problems were real, too. In a firsthand account from Spencer, Grace Katzer described losing contact with family after they lost electricity and cell service.

That’s part of why I’m starting this network. A working local radio mesh could give neighbors another way to share a short update or let someone know they’re okay, even when cell service or internet is unavailable. Building it, using it, and testing it ahead of time is how we find out where it can help.

It still needs powered radios and tested local coverage. This is an experimental community project that supplements existing ways to communicate; keep using 911 and official emergency information.

Text messages. Over radio.

MeshCore is for short text messages, rather than internet access or voice calls. Three kinds of devices do different jobs:

A companion radio: Pairs with your phone and sends your messages over LoRa. You carry it with you.
A repeater: Listens and passes messages along. A suitable antenna and a good location can help extend local reach.
An internet gateway: Can connect separate radio areas when internet is available. Those links are planned; the local radio mesh works independently.

MeshCore and Meshtastic are separate, incompatible radio systems. This project uses MeshCore.

LOCAL PLANS

Start with a few places. Measure what works.

A location on this list is a starting point for the project, not a promise of service.

Spencer

Start with local testing. Home and office locations offer a way to explore how radios hear one another around town.

Initial focus

Arnolds Park & the Lakes

Explore a second local radio area and, eventually, a link back to Spencer.

Initial focus

Farms & nearby towns

Test rural paths as locations become available. If you’re outside these first areas, I’d still like to hear from you.

Looking ahead

GETTING STARTED

Before you buy a radio.

Check the device’s role and firmware support first. A companion and a repeater aren’t interchangeable.

Read up on MeshCore.
The official site explains the system and supported devices. Visit MeshCore
Check the firmware.
The official flasher lists device builds. Match the image to your hardware and its intended role.
Ask about local testing.
Local radio settings aren’t established yet. Leave your general area below so we can work out where to test next.

GET INVOLVED

Where are you listening from?

You can also email info@nwiamesh.com directly. You don’t need to own a radio yet. If you want to try one, have a possible repeater site, or enjoy figuring this stuff out, send your interest.

Add John on MeshCore
Opens in the MeshCore app to add my contact.

Show contact QR code

QR code for adding John Hass as a MeshCore contact

Scan this code with a phone to open my MeshCore contact. The MeshCore app is required to add it.

Download QR code (PNG)

— John Hass

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A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS

What to expect.

Will a radio work at my house?

That needs a real test. Buildings, terrain, antenna placement, and nearby repeaters all matter. These are project focus areas, not confirmed radio coverage.

What happens when the internet goes down?

Nearby radios and repeaters can still communicate over the local mesh. Internet links between separate areas would be unavailable until the connection returns.

Is this for emergencies?

This is an experimental community project. It isn’t a replacement for emergency services or a guaranteed way to communicate. Keep reliable ways to call for help.

How is my information used?

The form saves your name, email, general area, and interest privately and sends them to info@nwiamesh.com for project review. It doesn’t subscribe you to a mailing list. Please don’t include an exact site address.