📡 Off-Grid Messaging Assembly at 38C3

From festival communication blackouts to widespread power outages, from hiking in remote areas to maintaining communication during infrastructure shutdowns – we explore and build communication systems that work when traditional networks don't. Following the evolution from early WiFi-based community networks to modern LoRa and mesh solutions, we're creating resilient communication systems that make long-standing dreams of autonomous networks a reality. Join us in experimenting with these technologies!

🎯 What We're About

• Real-World Applications:
  • Emergency communication during power outages (BBK Bericht 2023)
  • Festival coordination when cellular networks are overwhelmed
  • Civil service coordination (TETRA limitations)
  • Outdoor activities with ranges up to 10km per node (Meshtastic Field Reports)
• Accessible Technology:
  • Entry points from €30-50 for basic nodes
  • Options for both license-free (ISM bands guide) and amateur radio frequencies
  • Academic insights into routing algorithms and network topology

🛠️ Workshop Areas

Our three fully equipped spaces feature:

• 📺 Live network statistics and system demonstrations
• 🔍 Overhead camera for antenna building
• 📊 Interactive demos of LXMF, Nomadnet, cats.radio
• 🔧 Hardware test bench for your projects

🌐 Featured Technologies

From classic packet radio to modern mesh protocols, we showcase the evolution of community-controlled networks:

• 🎯 ISM band systems (Meshtastic, MeshCom)
• 📻 Amateur radio applications (APRS, Direwolf)
• 🌐 Resilient networking solutions
• 💻 Platform demos (OpenWRT, OpenBSD)

🎪 Project Showcase (Work in Progress)

EdgeMap

• Offline-capable mapping and tracking solution
• Used in real field operations
• Live demo tracking assembly network nodes

Wireless Network Transceiver (WNT)

• Hardware and software for robust network communication

RNS-NOW

• ESP-NOW integration for Reticulum Network Stack

Reticulum on OpenWrt

• Run resilient mesh networks on your router

microReticulum

• Lightweight Reticulum implementation for remote area communications
• Bridging the gap between Meshtastic and Reticulum networks

🎥 Media Opportunities

• Live system demonstrations throughout the congress
• Project leaders available for technical interviews
• Visual demonstrations of network growth and resilience
• Hardware showcase and field deployment simulations

🤝 Get Involved

• 💬 IRC: #38c3-off-grid-messaging on hackint
• 📅 Visit: December 27-30, 2024 in Hamburg
• 🔧 Bring your hardware for testing and setup
• 🛠️ Join our antenna building sessions