Get Involved
The mesh only works if people run nodes
Information
This website is very beta. Many pages are broken or they just don't exist. Please be patient, I am only one person. Thanks!
The New Welsh Mesh isn't a company or a product. It's a group of people running radios so we can talk without relying on the phone networks. It only grows if people get involved, so here's how you can help.
Run a node
The most useful thing you can do is put a node on the air. Every node that joins makes the mesh bigger and more reliable for everyone. You don't need much, a £20 Heltec V3 on a windowsill works fine.
If you haven't got a device yet, have a look at Node Choices to pick one, then follow the Setup Guide to get it on the mesh.
Once you're up and running, add yourself to the Node Operators list so the rest of us know you're there.
Run a repeater
If you've got somewhere high up with a bit of power spare, a loft, a roof, the top of a hill, a fixed repeater helps coverage a lot. One well-placed repeater can connect two parts of the mesh that couldn't reach each other before.
There's a full guide in Node Configuration under the repeater section. If you set one up, get in touch and we'll list it.
Fixed or high-traffic node? Have a word with us first
Before you put up a fixed node like a repeater or a base station, or run anything heavy on the mesh such as a high hop limit, give the admins a shout on the Discord before you switch it on. One badly-placed or badly-set-up node like this can knock the whole network about for everyone, and a quick chat first saves a lot of hassle.
Help out on Discord
Most of the day-to-day chat happens on the Discord. Answering setup questions, welcoming new people, or just letting everyone know your node is live all helps. If you'd like to help keep things running, we could use a hand moderating too.
Fix the website
Spotted a typo, a dead link, or something out of date? You can fix it yourself. Every page has an edit button, the pencil icon in the top right, that opens the page on GitHub. Make your change and send it over, and it'll come through for review.
Not comfortable with GitHub? No problem, just mention it on the Discord and we'll sort it. There's a contributing guide on the repo if you want the details.
Spread the word
The mesh gets more useful the more people are on it, especially close together. Tell your mates, your local makerspace, anyone who might be into it. The more nodes around Tonyrefail and across the valleys, the better it works for all of us.
Not sure where to start? Get a node on the air and come say hello on the Discord.