Meshtastic has quickly become one of the most exciting new tools in the radio and hacker communities. Using inexpensive LoRa radios and open-source software, it allows anyone to build decentralized, off-grid messaging networks that work without cellular infrastructure or the internet.

This talk introduces Meshtastic and the technologies that make it possible. We’ll cover the basics of LoRa radio, how mesh networking works, and how Meshtastic ties together radios, microcontrollers, and mobile apps into a simple communication platform.

Attendees will learn what hardware is required, how easy it is to set up a node, and how Meshtastic networks are being used at events like DEF CON and in off-grid environments around the world.

If you’re curious about building your own mesh network—or want to understand why everyone is suddenly carrying strange little radios—this session will show you how to get started.

Modern amateur radio is no longer just voice communication. Today, radios routinely exchange digital data, text messages, telemetry, and even machine-learning encoded voice signals.

This talk introduces the world of amateur radio digital modes and explains how computers and radios work together to communicate using sound. We’ll explore some of the most popular digital modes used by operators today, including FT8, JS8Call, WSPR, APRS, and several emerging digital voice technologies.

Attendees will learn what digital modes are, how they differ from traditional analog radio, and why they have become so popular. The session will also highlight new developments in the digital radio ecosystem, including open-source digital voice systems and long-range LoRa APRS experimentation.

If you've ever wondered what those strange buzzing sounds coming from a radio actually mean—or how to start experimenting with digital radio yourself—this talk will show you how to get started.