Off-Grid DIY Radio Communicators

We had a fantastic time at Otherwise Summer Camp in Danville, VT building off-grid mesh radio communicators! Participants assembled custom "MeshBot" devices using LoRa radio modules, OLED displays, and mini keyboards - creating handheld text messengers that work without cell service or internet.

Workshop in full swing under the tent at Otherwise Summer Camp.

First "Hello World" message on a freshly assembled board.

Learning the components: antenna, radio chip, GPS, battery, and display connections.

Laser-cut voltmeter panel - a handy tool for checking battery levels.

Custom laser-cut enclosures branded for Otherwise Summer Camp 2025.

A completed MeshBot with dual OLED displays and a mini QWERTY keyboard.

Adding some personality to the builds!

Custom PCBs with LoRa radio modules ready for assembly.

Late night soldering sessions at the electronics workbench.

Testing the devices outdoors.

Taking a break between build sessions.

Field testing the completed mesh communicators.

The beautiful Vermont setting for the workshop.

Evening assembly work.