CSRA Network Coverage¶
See the Network¶
| Resource | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| Corescope Map | Live map of active CSRA nodes and their positions |
| AGS MeshMapper | War drive coverage map - real-world signal coverage measured from a moving vehicle at ground level |
The war drive map is especially useful for identifying dead zones and deciding where a new node would have the most impact. Keep in mind that this is ground coverage, and elevated nodes will pick up signals that would not be seen at ground level.
Getting More Range: Go Higher¶
LoRa radio is line-of-sight. The single most effective thing you can do to improve your range and help the network is get your antenna off the ground.
Even modest elevation changes make a dramatic difference:
- A node sitting on a desk indoors may reach a few blocks
- The same node in a second-floor window can double that
- Mounted on a rooftop or in a tall tree, it can cover miles
Practical Options¶
Rooftop or attic - a reliable option for a fixed node. An attic installation keeps the device protected from weather while still gaining significant height. Some roofs are highly insulated though and may not get good signal. An outside rooftop mount with a weatherproof enclosure is even better.
Trees - a surprisingly effective option in the CSRA. Strapping a solar-powered node to a tall tree in your yard or on a wooded ridge can give you 20–30 feet of elevation for free. Use a waterproof enclosure and a small solar panel facing south.
Second story or high window - even this helps. Positioning near a window on the upper floor of a home beats a ground-floor interior location significantly.
Elevated terrain - the CSRA is relatively flat, so any natural high ground is valuable. Hilltops wherever they can be found are prime relay locations.
Weekly Network Check¶
A weekly net is held every Tuesday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM to give the community a regular opportunity to test equipment and verify coverage.
To participate, join the #weekly-net channel in your MeshCore app. Start and end announcements are posted there, and that is where you check in. Check-ins are mirrored to the #net-meshcore channel on Discord so you can confirm your message was received on the mesh - if your check-in shows up there, it made it.
Hop on during the window to confirm your node is reachable, check how many hops you are from other stations, and flag any dead zones you notice. It's also a good time to try a newly deployed node or antenna change before counting on it in an emergency.
Helping the Network¶
Every node - even a home base that's always on - strengthens the mesh for your neighbors. Fixed nodes that are elevated and running 24/7 are the backbone of the network.
If you deploy a fixed relay, consider:
- Sharing your location - helps the community track coverage on Corescope or elsewhere. Feel free to pick a nearby but fake location if you'd like to obscure precise location.
- Announcing it on the Public channel so others know coverage has improved in your area