Hi, I’m Patrick, a local amateur radio operator in Roberts Creek (near Sharkey's). I'd like to introduce our neighbourhood to two modes of communications that do not require an amateur radio certificate, but could be very helpful in an emergency.
The Family Radio Service (FRS) is a walkie-talkie radio system offering 22 channels. In the ideal scenario (from mountain top to mountain top with a clear line of sight), the range could be as much as 60 km, but in most scenarios, it's around 1 km.
The area in blue is the range I get when I use the radio inside our house talking to someone in a car. If we were both outside, the range would increase a bit.
Do not believe manufacturer claims regarding the superior range of their particular radio. In Canada, all FRS radios are legally limited to a maximum of 0.5W or 2W of power depending on the channel used. What you pay for is build quality and battery capacity, not extra range.
The radio I personally use is a Retevis RB48 which goes for about $115 for a pair.
To practice this mode of communications, I will be conducting an FRS net on Channel 3 every Thursday between 7:00 pm and 7:30 pm. I encourage anyone who can hear me to check in. And if you can't hear me but you can hear others checking in, ask them to relay your checkin. Then at 7:30 pm, I will checkin to our weekly ham radio net, and share how many FRS checkins I received.
MeshCore is free messaging software that runs on small, low-power radio devices that connect to your smartphone or computer via Bluethooth. It lets you send private or group text messages and share your location without relying on cell towers, Wi-Fi, or the internet. No amateur radio licence or monthly subscription is required.
Messages can travel directly between nearby devices or pass through strategically placed repeaters to reach people farther away. At the moment, the network allows for messages to be sent from Port McNeill down to Victoria and as far west as Maple Ridge and Langley.
There are currently four MeshCore repeaters in the Roberts Creek area, including mine which covers the area in red. Additional repeaters are in the process of being installed for the area.
These repeaters are part of a growing, community-supported network across the Sunshine Coast.
I’ve been testing my own repeater to find out where it can provide a connection. The coverage information below shows the results of those tests. Actual connections will depend on terrain, device placement, antenna configuration, and other conditions.
Even if you’re outside the coverage area of my repeater, you may be able to connect through another repeater in the local network.
How can you get involved?
You don’t need to be a radio operator or have technical experience to use MeshCore.
A good first step is to get a Companion device, connect it to your phone, and see who you can reach.
I’m starting by talking with my immediate neighbours because I already have a relationship with them. My hope is that people will do the same with their neighbours, gradually building connections across the community.
You can:
Get a Companion device and start messaging.
Talk with your neighbours about getting connected.
Help identify suitable locations for additional repeaters.
Join local MeshCore activities and practise communicating with others.
Our local amateur radio club, SCARCS, is helping people get started, organize group purchases, and develop the repeater network.
The more neighbours who participate, the more useful our local network becomes.
Get started
To learn more about MeshCore, equipment, and getting connected, visit the SCARCS MeshCore page:
https://scarcs.ca/meshcore
You can also contact SCARCS for information about local group purchases, setup assistance, and opportunities to get involved.
Start with your neighbours. Help build the network together.
[https://ridgeline.ve7kod.ca/map?lat=49.43532&lon=-123.64114&z=10.22&base=muted&roles=Repeater |other repeaters]] : https://scarcs.ca/meshcore/home
