This article explores how to bridge the gap between BitChat, which uses smartphone Bluetooth for short-range local mesh networking, and Meshtastic, which provides long-range communication through dedicated 915 MHz radio hardware. The proposed integration aims to expand off-grid coverage without requiring every person in a network to own specialized equipment. Two primary solutions are discussed: utilizing dedicated relay boards at high elevations or updating Meshtastic firmware to allow smartphones to act as ad-hoc relays for BitChat signals via existing Bluetooth connections.
* Comparison of range and hardware requirements between Bluetooth and 915 MHz radio
* Methods for bridging short-range smartphone meshes with long-range radio networks
* Implementation ideas involving dedicated relay nodes or software integration in firmware
* Comparison of range and hardware requirements between Bluetooth and 915 MHz radio
* Methods for bridging short-range smartphone meshes with long-range radio networks
* Implementation ideas involving dedicated relay nodes or software integration in firmware
