Ep. 52 — Off-Grid Texting, Mesh Networks, and Cincy Mesh
We're closing in on one year of Let’s Talk Clermont! We start with some local updates, including Batavia Township’s upcoming fire/EMS levy effort, Milford’s move to acquire key downtown parcels, and progress at New Richmond’s Liberty Landing.
Then talk with Hunter Thornsberry from Cincy Mesh to talk Meshtastic—a LoRa-based, off-grid text messaging system that can hop device-to-device without cell service. We cover what it is, why people use it, what gear to buy first, and how the mesh is growing around Greater Cincinnati.
Interview — Hunter Thornsberry (Cincy Mesh)
Hunter talks about:
Want to learn more? Cincy Mesh is friendly, active, and always looking for more nodes—especially in higher-elevation spots. Check out their website to learn more.
https://www.cincymesh.org/
In the News
Website: https://www.cincymesh.org/
Facebook: Batavia Township Fire and EMS Levy
Producer shoutout
Mike Desmond from the Milford Amateur Radio Club (the folks behind Cincinnati Hamfest) joins the show.
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We're closing in on one year of Let’s Talk Clermont! We start with some local updates, including Batavia Township’s upcoming fire/EMS levy effort, Milford’s move to acquire key downtown parcels, and progress at New Richmond’s Liberty Landing.
Then talk with Hunter Thornsberry from Cincy Mesh to talk Meshtastic—a LoRa-based, off-grid text messaging system that can hop device-to-device without cell service. We cover what it is, why people use it, what gear to buy first, and how the mesh is growing around Greater Cincinnati.
Interview — Hunter Thornsberry (Cincy Mesh)
Hunter talks about:
- LoRa + line-of-sight basics and why height matters
- What “mesh” actually means (hops, repeaters, routers)
- Real-world uses: hiking, travel, storms, privacy-minded comms, GPS sharing
- Starter hardware recommendations (cheap nodes vs. nicer keyboard devices)
- Why some folks love/hate MQTT (bridging traffic over the internet)
- How to plug into the local community and help the Cincinnati mesh grow
Want to learn more? Cincy Mesh is friendly, active, and always looking for more nodes—especially in higher-elevation spots. Check out their website to learn more.
https://www.cincymesh.org/
In the News
- Batavia Township Fire/EMS levy info: a new site + Facebook page from producer Brandon Hicks with details ahead of the vote
- Milford: council approved steps toward acquiring multiple downtown parcels (including the Fountain Specialist and Gun Haven Armory buildings) to increase control and make redevelopment easier
- New Richmond / Liberty Landing: retaining wall work advancing; utilities work coming up
- Clermont Northeastern Schools: kindergarten registration is open for the 2026–2027 school year (eligibility: age 5 by Aug. 13)
- Fish fry season is here (St. Louis in Owensville gets a big recommendation)
Website: https://www.cincymesh.org/
Facebook: Batavia Township Fire and EMS Levy
Producer shoutout
- Thanks to the anonymous producers who came in under $50—appreciate you supporting the show!
- Homeschool Discovery Day: Sap to Syrup — Feb 20 (1–2 PM), Pattison Park
- Maple Sugaring Hikes — Feb 21 (1 PM / 2 PM / 3 PM), Cincinnati Nature Center (registration required)
- Saturday Play Date — Feb 21 (10:30 AM), library program (ages ~0–8)
- Foraged Tea Time + Hike (Maple Tea) — Feb 21 (1–2 PM), Clingman Park (registration required)
- Hiking for Lichen — Feb 22 (11 AM–12 PM), Pattison Park (free)
- Young Innovators: Ohio Food Innovations — Feb 23 (4:30 PM), New Richmond Branch Library
- Feelin’ Froggy Fiber Arts — Feb 23 (6 PM), Goshen Branch Library (adults)
- Young Innovators: Superman in Ohio — Feb 26 (4:30 PM), Amelia Branch Library (ages 8–12)
- Maple Murder Mystery — Feb 27 (5:30–7:30 PM), Pattison Park Lodge (registration required, adults)
- Appalachian Music (Dulcimers) — Feb 28 (11 AM), Miami Township Branch Library
- Raptor Rampage — Mar 1 (2–3 PM), Clingman Park (free)
Mike Desmond from the Milford Amateur Radio Club (the folks behind Cincinnati Hamfest) joins the show.
Follow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter.
Newsletter
If the show brings you value, consider supporting us!
Donate
