A field lab for off-grid networks — manuals you can actually follow, build lists with real parts and prices, a live Minnesota node map, field notes, streams, and a wall of community builds. Everything here is free to copy, fork, and improve.
Field media on Instagram → @midwest_meshlab
The network at a glance — nodes, gateways, and the links between them. Positions here are illustrative and fully editable; for a live, MQTT-fed view, see the public maps linked on the right.
Sample topology for illustration — not live telemetry. Edit the MN_NODES /
MN_LINKS arrays to match your real network.
Want the real, MQTT-fed picture? These community projects map nodes nationwide:
Field-tested guides from box to first packet. Each links to a page you host in /manuals/.
Bills of materials, wiring, and ballpark costs. Clone one and change what you want.
The hardware and software worth owning before you start. Vendor-neutral — buy wherever you like.
Trends, new gear, firmware, and ideas moving through the mesh world right now.
Full build logs and range tests, plus live streams with real-time Q&A. Video loads only when you press play.
Builds from operators across the network — filter, then add yours. Threaded discussion runs on GitHub Discussions (no tracking, you moderate from GitHub).
giscus in CONFIG, then this panel goes live.Meetups, workshops, and field tests. Add one event or subscribe to the whole calendar — your own device handles the reminders, and we never store your contact info.
Subscribe for new content and event alerts, or reach the lab directly.
New builds, videos, and upcoming events — straight to your inbox.
Co-build a node, contribute a manual, or submit a build for the wall.
If you're anywhere near the Twin Cities, this is the network to plug into. MSP Mesh is a decentralized, volunteer-run group building Minnesota's mesh across the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro, Greater Minnesota, and into western Wisconsin — free to use, no license needed. They put nodes on the tall stuff to keep coverage dense and resilient, and their Discord is one of the most welcoming, well-run rooms in the hobby. They deserve more eyes on the work.
Every manual, BOM, and STL here stays open and free. If something saved you a weekend of trial and error, a coffee keeps the panels charged and the next build coming.
Buy me a coffee