Mission

This workshop introduces participants to LoRa radio and community-built mesh networks through making and experimentation. Participants will build and tune their own DIY dipole antenna, to learn some of the basic principles behind radio communication and antenna design .

Together, the group will also build a solar-powered MeshCore repeater, which will be installed on WERC's roof and become part of the existing mesh network in Groningen. The workshop is open to different skill levels and no previous electronics or radio experience is required.

Workshop Itinerary

• Introduction to LoRa and mesh networking
• Build, test and tune individual DIY antennas
• Breaktime
• Build and configure the solar repeater together
• Test and deploy the repeater together on the roof at WERC
• Closing and resources for further exploration

Materials

Brought by People of Earth

• Materials for the DIY antennas
• NanoVNA Network analyzer for antenna testing and tuning
• RAK WisBlock and solar repeater components
• Reclaimed solar panel + battery/power components
• Example MeshCore hardware (I’ll bring Faketec board components to show what some of the main parts make up a LoRa radio)

Brought by WERC

• 2–3 soldering stations
• Basic electronics tools (multimeters, wire cutters/strippers, pliers, etc.)
• Suitable tables/workspace and power
• Ventilation for soldering
• Mounting tools (stuff like a drill and/or screwdrivers, I’ll bring the mounting hardware)