Welcome to the Inter-Canyon Mesh Network, a community-driven project to build a peer-to-peer encrypted communication network 🔒 across our canyons using Meshtastic 📡. Text message your peers or the canyon crew with no internet, power, or cell service needed!

📡 How Does It Work?

Our team has installed radio infrastruture 📡 on hilltops in Trabuco Canyon to provide initial coverage for residents. All you need is a small $40 mesh radio paired via Bluetooth to your existing cell phone. Download the Meshtastic app 📱, follow the simple instructions, and you’ll be up and running in minutes. Practice group texting 💬 with your community or, more importantly, stay connected when disaster strikes!

⏱️ Example

Bobby can text Jack 💬 across the network, with messages hopping from device to device, bypassing obstacles and working without internet, power, or cell service

Community Example

⚙️ Quick Start

  1. Get a Device: Starting at $40 and great for walking around the SenseCap Tracker T1000-E is an excellent every day carry radio the size of a credit card or try something with a screen like the WisMesh Pocket V2 for $99.
  2. Install the App: Download the Meshtastic app on iOS (App Store) or Android (Google Play). 📲
  3. Connect Your Phone: Open the Meshtastic app, navigate to Bluetooth, pair with your device.
  4. Join ICMESH: Go to settings -> Lora Config -> Region = United States. Use Preset ON. Preset = Medium Range - Slow. Ignore MQTT = ON, OK to MQTT = ON. Transmit Enabled = ON.
  5. Name Your Device: Settings -> User -> Short Name up to 4 characters or 1 Emoji -> Long Name + ICMESH.COM. For example: short name = BAC and long name = BACON - ICMESH.COM. Use ICMESH.COM in your long name so we can include you on our community dashboard.
  6. Send A Message: In your mobile app, go to Channel to send a message to everyone or Direct Messages to send a secure message to anyone on the network.

Here is a pic of the SenseCap Tracker T1000-E for $40

Device Example

📍 Coverage Map

Current & Future Infrastructure Nodes in Trabuco Canyon, CA.

Future Proposed Locations

🟢 🟡 🔴
Operational Planned Down

View our Extended Range Plan and the Future Goals of the Mesh

🤝 We Need Your Help!

We’re looking for:

✅ Current Progress

📡✨ Communications Compared 📊

How does ICMESH compare to other forms of communication?

PACE Level Method Description ✅ Pros ❌ Cons
Primary 📱 Cell Phone / Internet Standard mobile networks or Wi-Fi internet communication. High reliability and speed Dependent on towers and infrastructure
Alternate 📶 ICMESH (Meshtastic) Encrypted peer-to-peer communication using mesh networking devices. No infrastructure needed, encrypted Limited range, requires local nodes
Contingency 🎙️ GMRS General Mobile Radio Service (requires license), for family or local communication. Easy to use, better range than FRS Requires GMRS license, non-encrypted
Emergency 📻 Ham Radio High-frequency amateur radio for long-range emergency communication. Global range, robust in emergencies License needed, complex equipment
Emergency 🛰️ Satellite Satellite communication (e.g., Starlink, Iridium) for critical off-grid communication. Global coverage, reliable in remote areas Expensive, limited message capacity

❓ FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

How reliable is this? - As we kick off, coverage might be patchy. The more nodes 📡 we install, the stronger the network gets! Nope, this isn’t a cell phone substitute 📱❌.

Do I need a license or tech skills? - No license required 🎫❌. Tech know-how is a bonus but not needed to chat with neighbors 👋.

Where can I get help? 🆘 - Catch us on the Trabuco Facebook pages or join us on Discord 💬.

How much does this cost? - Just a radio ($40 to $100) 📻. No monthly fees ever 🙅‍♂️.

Do I have to use my real name? - Nope. You can remain anonymous if you choose. Just follow the community guidelines or your node will be disabled from the network.

What does RSSI and SNR mean? - Meshtastic gear gives you two key signal stats: RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) 📶 and SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) 🎙️. Learn more here 📚.

📜 ICMESH Community Guidelines

To ensure a positive and respectful environment for all users, the following guidelines apply to messaging over ICMESH:

  1. 🚫 No Politics or Religion:
    Keep conversations neutral and avoid topics related to politics or religion to maintain harmony.

  2. No Foul Language:
    Use respectful language at all times. Offensive or inappropriate language is strictly prohibited.

  3. 🚷 No SHAT:
    Content related to Sex, Hate, Alcohol, or Tobacco/Drugs is not allowed. Keep messages clean and safe for everyone.

  4. All-Age Appropriate:
    All messages should be suitable for audiences of all ages. Think family-friendly in all communications.

  5. 📵 No Commercial Sales or Spam:
    Messages promoting commercial sales, advertisements, or spam are not permitted. Let’s keep the network free of unwanted promotions.

  6. Legal Placement of Nodes: Always place nodes in areas with federal, state, city, government, and property owner permission. Avoid “rogue” installations to maintain integrity.

We look forward to seeing you on ICMESH!

⚠️ Disclaimer

icmesh.com is run by an independent team not affiliated with Meshtastic LLC, using Meshtastic® software under license (Meshtastic® is a trademark of Meshtastic LLC). We proudly support SoCalMesh, a 1,000+ member mesh networking community in Southern California. By using our site, you agree it’s provided “as is” with no warranties, and we’re not responsible for any communication issues, damages, or losses. It’s not a substitute for emergency services—dial 911 in emergencies.