March 2025 - Balloons, new hardware and protests, oh my!

From Semtech’s new LR2021 LoRa transceiver announcement to the Monticello Council’s consideration of a Meshtastic-based emergency communication system, there are plenty of exciting updates. We also discuss the latest firmware releases focused on bug fixes and new hardware support. Other highlights include new low-cost hardware options like the Seeed XIAO kits, community projects, and social posts, including a high-altitude balloon launch and nodes deployed at protests. Tune in to get the latest news and hear about innovative uses of Meshtastic technology.

All Links for all topics: https://votme.sh/@voiceofthemesh/episodes/mar-2025

Suggestions?

Do you have suggestions for news topics? Cool projects? Community events? We’d love to hear from you!

• Comment on Youtube! https://youtu.be/6SXUPfYBAgA 
• Mention us on Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/votme.sh
• Meshtastic Discord: https://discord.com/channels/867578229534359593/1335484455070077028

Timestamps

• 00:00 Introduction and Overview
• 00:19 Latest Headline News
• 04:58 Firmware - What’s up with the 2.6 series?
• 08:42 New Hardware!
• 16:15 Community Highlights and Social Posts
• 25:27 Conclusion and Call to Action

Links

• Semtech LR2021 “LoRa Plus” transceiver supports LoRa Gen 4, Amazon Sidewalk, Meshtastic, wM-BUS, Wi-SUN FSK, and Z-Wave - CNX Software 
• Monticello Council considers new emergency communication system proposal 
• MARCH 2025 CLUB MEETING - Meshtastic LoRa with Michael, KY4ZW
• XIAO nRF52840 & Wio-SX1262 Kit for Meshtastic
• XIAO ESP32S3 & Wio-SX1262 Kit for Meshtastic
• T-Deck Pro – LILYGO®
• RAKwireless WisMesh Repeater System with Solar Panel + High Capacity Battery IP67
• ThinkNode M1 Meshtastic Transceiver
• ThinkNode M2 Meshtastic Transceiver
• Balloon Launch - @bayme.sh on BSky
• Deployed my 3D printed, pole-mount, direct-attach Station G2 today. : r/meshtastic
• r/meshtastic on Reddit: Went to Meshtastic presentation at local HAM club. Guy asked, “Anyone live on a hill?” and (I live on a hill) he gave me a custom made solar powered RAK chipset node. I put in on a pole. I am now meshtastic. 
• Meshtastic 2.6 Map Tiles with higher zoom levels 
• MeshDeck I made for Meshtastic remote administration, deployment, maintenance, and firmware recovery. Its also a toolbox. : r/cyberDeck 
• Welcome to coconut wireless : r/meshtastic  
• Nodes at protests : r/meshtastic