mesh-network-project/README.md

# "What is this?"
I'm building a radio mesh network, kinda like CyberPony to democratize WiFi and have a private and free form of the internet. Most websites hosted will be like the early internet at first, but maybe as time goes on speeds will be better.

# Nodes
**Note:** Prices are in AUD.

## Relay
Relays just push the signal further, they sit on your roof or in other high places.  
**Tip:** You can turn your relay into a server that hosts something!  
**Cost:** $75.25
### Parts
- Raspberry Pi Pico H ($8.65) | [Buy](https://core-electronics.com.au/raspberry-pi-pico-h-with-headers.html)
- SX1262 LoRa Node Module for Raspberry Pi Pico (comes with antenna) ($21.94) | [Buy](https://piaustralia.com.au/products/sx1262-lora-node-module-for-raspberry-pi-pico-lorawan-915mhz)
- TP4056 Charger ($2.11) | [Buy](https://www.amazon.com/18650-Board-TP4056-Module-Protect/dp/B09SWBM31Z?crid=C8N1XC4HLDXF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Ucrx7MAXbCG7TEifdeu7RmSnK3LGRgsxnNN2Vvbzxt8PDRbYg_8aqnR4aTsyQpZx2CcgioGKLXpBZ_tNYS2AlUP4XybzGQ0zI2LGu4bn-GBb5kZTp3F0gEpDL1jiQkanKi1jxQv5jR0kTFtn432DA38uKen0RL37BQjW0P4jxGOHfKF6IPB4myUbQ9VcP0-BnH9qRUvGoJzAtzP71FoQOVjD0ZweFCZ9zLc7fCa7iXw.C08ESSiAZHdEtUpxkY-RoC8xiG_Di4Q_aIVbzopsJXM&dib_tag=se&keywords=TP4056&qid=1772238259&sprefix=%2Caps%2C263&sr=8-1)
- 18650 rechargable battery 3200mAh 3.7V ($19.95) | [Buy](https://www.jaycar.com.au/18650-flat-top-rechargeable-li-ion-battery-3200mah-3-7v/p/SB2622)
- 18650 battery holder ($4.40) | [Buy](https://www.jaycar.com.au/single-18650-battery-holder/p/PH9205)
- Solar Panel 5V ($18.20) | [Buy](https://core-electronics.com.au/monocrystalline-solar-panel-5v-1a.html)
- Any way to program and flash the Pico, whether thats USB or another way.

## Connector
A connector lets you use the mesh network over bluetooth, they would be somewhere in your house or in your pocket.  
**Cost:** $33.84  
**Cost (with optional parts):** $60.30  
### Parts
- Raspberry Pi Pico WH ($11.90) | [Buy](https://core-electronics.com.au/raspberry-pi-pico-wh.html)
- SX1262 LoRa Node Module for Raspberry Pi Pico (comes with antenna) ($21.94) | [Buy](https://piaustralia.com.au/products/sx1262-lora-node-module-for-raspberry-pi-pico-lorawan-915mhz)
- Any way to program and flash the Pico, whether thats USB or another way.

### Optional parts if you want it to be portable:
- 18650 rechargable battery 3200mAh 3.7V ($19.95) | [Buy](https://www.jaycar.com.au/18650-flat-top-rechargeable-li-ion-battery-3200mah-3-7v/p/SB2622)
- 18650 battery holder ($4.40) | [Buy](https://www.jaycar.com.au/single-18650-battery-holder/p/PH9205)
- TP4056 Charger ($2.11) | [Buy](https://www.amazon.com/18650-Board-TP4056-Module-Protect/dp/B09SWBM31Z?crid=C8N1XC4HLDXF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Ucrx7MAXbCG7TEifdeu7RmSnK3LGRgsxnNN2Vvbzxt8PDRbYg_8aqnR4aTsyQpZx2CcgioGKLXpBZ_tNYS2AlUP4XybzGQ0zI2LGu4bn-GBb5kZTp3F0gEpDL1jiQkanKi1jxQv5jR0kTFtn432DA38uKen0RL37BQjW0P4jxGOHfKF6IPB4myUbQ9VcP0-BnH9qRUvGoJzAtzP71FoQOVjD0ZweFCZ9zLc7fCa7iXw.C08ESSiAZHdEtUpxkY-RoC8xiG_Di4Q_aIVbzopsJXM&dib_tag=se&keywords=TP4056&qid=1772238259&sprefix=%2Caps%2C263&sr=8-1)

# Setting up your device
There are provided `.uf2` files in the Releases tab which you can easily flash to your Pico depending on which node you're building.

# Setting up your device (building from source)
Depending on whether you're building a relay, you will need to cd into a different directory, but the command is the same. You will need the Raspberry Pi Pico SDK to build, [this video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhajoAyP8e4) is a good place to get that installed.

For relays for example:
1. `cd relay`
2. `mkdir build`
3. `cd build`
4. `cmake -DPICO_SDK_PATH=$PICO_SDK_PATH ..`

For connectors it's the same but the folder should be "connector" instead of "relay".

This will put a `.uf2` file in the current directory, you can now boot your board in the BOOTSEL mode by holding the white button when plugging in the board, and then dragging the `.uf2` file into the drive that appears in your file explorer.