Hi, my name is Patrick and I'm a local ham radio operator in Roberts Creek.

Our local radio club is helping expend the MeshCore network on the Sunshine Coast. This enables anyone to send and receive private or group text messages to other MeshCore users without the use of the cell network or the internet (no ham license required either). This would be an invaluable tool in case of an emergency.

This network is composed of repeaters that connect with each other to pass messages over long distances. At the moment, the network allows for messages to be sent from Port McNeil down to Victoria and as far west as Maple Ridge and Langley.

To connect to this network, you need a small device, called a companion, paired to your cellphone via Bluetooth. A companion can send messages directly to other companions (if they are within range), or hop through the repeater system to drastically extend coverage.

If you live in the area outlined on the map, there's a big chance that you can connect to the network via my repeater. If not, there are a lot of other repeaters you might still be able to connect to.

To find out more on how to get started with MeshCore, visit: https://scarcs.ca/meshcore/home

Share this with your neighbours to help connect our neighbourhood!