I'm Wes Fryer of Charlotte, North Carolina, and I created this website to share videos and blog posts about creating a SMART HOME with IoT (Internet of Things) devices. Some of these topics also relate to my "Communitarian Prepper" project. More of my projects and spaces I share are available.
last updated 14 October 2026
31 August 2026
Available as a video on YouTube and a video / blog post on Substack.
In this article, Wes Fryer explores Meshtastic, an open-source, decentralized text-messaging network that relies on low-power LoRa radio devices rather than cellular towers or the internet. Motivated by his interest in "communitarian prepping," he purchased compatible hardware—including ThinkNode M1 radios and a USB LoRa stick—to experiment with off-grid communication. After setting up a secure, 256-bit encrypted private channel and disabling GPS for privacy, he successfully tested two-way messaging with his wife up to half a mile away using stock antennas. Looking forward, Fryer plans to consult local amateur radio operators about safely mounting a permanent rooftop antenna to serve as a neighborhood relay node. Ultimately, he highlights the importance of building communication resilience and technical literacy before emergencies happen rather than relying solely on corporate digital platforms.
