Newberry Springs, CA – The Newberry Friends Radio Network (NFRN) is proud to announce the official launch of its community Meshtastic network, now providing full coverage across the Silver Valley with expansion underway into Barstow. This milestone marks a significant step forward in establishing resilient, off-grid communication infrastructure for the region.
The network currently consists of 10 privately owned nodes strategically positioned to blanket the Silver Valley. Built on the standard LongFast modem preset, the NFRN Meshtastic network is fully compatible with Meshtastic devices across all of Southern California, ensuring seamless interoperability for travelers and visiting hams alike.
Free Texting, Wide-Area Tracking & Emergency Ready
At its core, the NFRN Meshtastic network provides free, off-the-grid texting using low-cost Meshtastic devices that can be purchased for under $50. Unlike cellular networks, Meshtastic operates in the license-free 902-928 MHz ISM band, allowing users to send text messages and GPS location data without any monthly fees or reliance on commercial infrastructure.
The LongFast modem preset, which is the default for the Meshtastic project, provides an optimal balance of range and data rate. With a raw bitrate of approximately 1.1 kbps and a spreading factor that allows signals to be decoded even below the noise floor, the network delivers robust performance across the valley’s terrain.
Key capabilities of the network include:
- Free Off-Grid Texting: Send and receive messages without cell service or Wi-Fi.
- Wide-Area Node Tracking: GPS-enabled nodes allow users to share their location across the coverage area.
- Search and Rescue Expandability: The infrastructure is expandable and can be leveraged by first responders and search teams for coordination in remote areas.
- Tourist and Traveler Utility: Highway travelers on the I-15 corridor and tourists exploring the Mojave Desert can use the network to stay connected.
Public Channels, Private Groups & Full Encryption
One of the most powerful features of the NFRN Meshtastic network is its flexibility in supporting both open public communication and private, secure group messaging.
Public Channels (Open to All):
- LongFast (Default Channel): This is the standard, open public channel that any Meshtastic user in Southern California can join. Because all NFRN nodes use the LongFast modem preset, anyone passing through the Silver Valley with a Meshtastic device will automatically be able to communicate on this channel. It’s perfect for general chatter, traveler assistance, and regional coordination.
- SVComms Channel: The NFRN also maintains a dedicated local public channel called SVComms. This channel serves as the community’s primary open forum for Silver Valley residents to share information, coordinate events, and stay in touch.
Private & Encrypted Channels for Groups:
Beyond the open public channels, the network supports an unlimited number of private, encrypted channels. These channels are secured with a pre-shared key, ensuring that only authorized members can participate. This makes the network ideal for organized community groups who need secure, reliable communication.
Current groups already utilizing private channels include:
- Silver Valley Neighborhood Watch: Coordinating community safety and awareness.
- Local CERT Teams (Community Emergency Response Teams): Training and coordinating for disaster response.
End-to-End Encrypted Direct Messages:
Privacy is a core design principle of Meshtastic. Every direct message sent between two users on the network is fully encrypted end-to-end. This means that even if a message passes through multiple nodes across the mesh, only the intended recipient can read it. Whether you’re a resident checking in with a neighbor or a CERT member coordinating a response, your private conversations stay private.
Built for Interoperability & Expandability
By utilizing the standard LongFast configuration, the NFRN ensures that any Meshtastic device entering the area can automatically join the mesh. In the US region, the LongFast preset defaults to frequency slot 20 (centered at 906.875 MHz), making it the “common language” for Meshtastic users across the state. This is crucial for interoperability, as all nodes on a channel must use identical LoRa settings (same modem preset and frequency slot) to communicate.
The network is also built to expand. New nodes can be added by community members to extend coverage further, and the infrastructure can be scaled to support additional emergency services, event coordination, or even regional disaster response.
Community-Driven Infrastructure
The NFRN Meshtastic network is a testament to the power of community-driven radio infrastructure. The 10 nodes currently online are owned and operated by local volunteers, forming a decentralized mesh that does not rely on a single point of failure.
“This is about building resilience and community,” said Brad Forschner with NFRN. “Whether it’s a family staying in touch at a local event, a traveler needing assistance on the highway, or a search team coordinating a rescue, the Meshtastic network provides a tool that puts communication back in the hands of the people.”
Get Involved
The NFRN invites anyone interested in learning more about the Meshtastic network, amateur radio, or emergency communications to attend their monthly meetings and on-air events.
- Monthly Meeting: The NFRN meets on the first Saturday of each month at 9:00 AM at the Newberry Springs Senior and Family Center.
- Weekly On-Air Exercises: The group conducts GMRS nets and on-air exercises each Monday and Thursday evening at 7:00 PM. These sessions are an excellent opportunity to test equipment, learn about radio operations, and get help setting up your own Meshtastic device.
For more information about the network, technical details, or how to add a node, you can speak with Brad Forschner with NFRN or visit nfrn.silverhost.net.
About NFRN
The Newberry Friends Radio Network is a community organization dedicated to promoting amateur radio, emergency preparedness, and off-grid communication in the Silver Valley and surrounding areas.