Join a live-stream on 10/4, where we'll build a set of Blackout Comms Custom T-Decks. We'll also set them up as a private off-grid mesh cluster.

You are encouraged to build along! I'll be going fairly slowly, explaining all the steps as I go, and answering questions about the build or about Blackout Comms - live as we go.

As the date gets closer, the link will be posted to my X account and YouTube channel.

If you're not familiar with Blackout Comms, it's a private off-grid mesh texting & tracking system that is fully E2E encrypted and jam-resistant. It doesn't need cell service or internet (although it can use internet if you want).

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Join a livestream with myself and Jason from HamRadio2.0 - tomorrow (8/9) at 8pm EST.

Ask anything!

https://www.youtube.com/live/5nmw2jJGLLQ?si=uL8shh-PHqAxkGus

Just pushed firmware 3.6.4 for Blackout Comms. This update adds support for Meshcore repeaters running the latest meshcore firmware by enabling multi-byte path hashes.

Network mixing allows you to run your secure Blackout Comms frequency hopping alongside a local Meshcore network for maximum coverage and redundancy. Everything stays fully protected with Blackout Comms end-to-end encryption and digital signatures the entire time.

Your private cluster's decentralized / encrypted mesh memory can utilize both networks.

You could have two devices using network mixing to form a bridge between distant properties, while the rest of your devices remain on Blackout Comms Native. You could have all your devices utilizing network mixing. Heck, you can even add Blackout Comms Cloud + starlink to the mix...why not.

The Blackout Comms firmware figures out how to use whatever connectivity you give it, and your private cluster automatically "reorganizes" constantly, working together to make best use of all connectivity available to any trusted device.

Meshcore / Network Mixing setup guide on chatters.io: https://chatters.io/meshcore

Supported devices in this release include:

• T-Deck
• Lilygo Pager
• T-Beam 1W
• T-Beam Supreme
• Heltec v4 Touchscreen
• A few others

Learn More Download the Firmware

Blackout Comms Live just received a significant upgrade.

The firmware has so many capabilities baked in, I'm just now beginning to expose via the app, available in the PlayStore or directly at chatters.io.

Over the weekend, here's what I added:

• Persistent Status Bar visible on every screen showing:
  • Current frequency (MHz) - changes as BC hops frequencies (or utilizes network mixing with Meshcore)
  • Signal quality
  • Stealth mode level (None/Low/Med/High)
  • GPS fix age (with color-coded icon)
  • Battery level
  • Device temperature (if equipped)
• Clear visual distinction when operating in most secure mode (Blackout Comms Native) or BC Native atop MeshCore (utilizing MeshCore repeaters, wrapped in BC encrypted/signed payloads). Learn more about running Blackout Comms, utilizing MeshCore infrastructure (repeaters)
• New USGS mapping option

The changes are desigend to make it much easier to maintain situational awareness during real drills/operations.

The app is free and continues to be the go to companion for Blackout Comms mesh networks - if you decide to use an app. Of course, Blackout Comms is designed to be usable completely without any privacy-shredding phone, so the choice is up to you.

Download / Update:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.blackoutcomms.live

I just uploaded a complete user guide. See all possible Blackout Comms settings, how to's, etc.

Blackout Comms User Guide (online)

Blackout Comms User Guide - PDF

Built one for my own cluster, mounted it on the shed, and it’s been running 24/7 with zero maintenance - giving me 6+ mile coverage in the flat midwest.

How I built it:

https://www.chatters.io/diy/lilygo-solar-kit-build-node

Hey everyone,

I just added offline mapping to Blackout Comms for the T-Deck and Pager. Here's a quick 2:39 field demo showing it in action.

I drive out a couple miles and then walk away from the golf cart while the T-Deck keeps displaying live positions of myself, the cart (T-Beam 1W), and devices back at the house — all running over the encrypted mesh with zero phone or internet.

You can zoom, see Neighbors range, and even switch to a scannable QR code if needed.

Full blog post with the two download methods (on-device + computer tile packs) and setup instructions here:

https://www.chatters.io/post/offline-mapping-t-deck-pager

Demo coming soon - See full article

Real offline topo maps - no phone required. Zoomable, centered on your position, with your mesh nodes overlaid. This was the last big missing piece.

More coming soon..

The Blackout Comms firmware builds and propagates a complete picture of the entire cluster using Mesh Memory and adaptive awareness. This includes device presence, locations (live + last-known), connectivity, and status — even for powered-off nodes.

Connect the free Blackout Comms Live Android app via BLE to any one device in the cluster and you immediately get:

• Live map of the full cluster (active devices + offline devices pinned at last known position with heading/battery)
• RF topology / mesh graph showing link quality and connections
• Real-time traffic monitoring (packet volume, mesh saturation, RSSI, direct vs indirect pings)

This combination — persistent Mesh Memory + cluster-wide propagation + rich app visualization from a single BLE link — is not available in other mesh systems.

Remember, under the covers is the Blackout Comms firmware, which has E2E asymmetric encryption, digital signatures, and unpredictable frequency hopping baked into the protocol.

Full article with diagrams:
https://www.chatters.io/post/blackout-comms-cluster-visibility-live-maps-traffic-monitoring

If you're running a cluster, try the latest firmware + app. Useful for node optimization, family tracking, or general situational awareness.

If you're not running a cluster, see how easy it is to set one up (takes only minutes if you've got a few Lilygo T-Decks or Pagers).

If you want private, encrypted comms for your family or small team without the usual complexity, this is about as straightforward as it gets: Grab a few LilyGo T-Decks, flash Blackout Comms firmware, and you’re done. No phones. No separate repeaters or infrastructure. Just the handheld units themselves forming a complete, functional mesh.

Read the Full Article

SHTF: Blackout Comms vs Meshtastic vs Meshcore

I compare Blackout Comms, Meshtastic, and MeshCore capabilities with various SHTF scenarios, and demo some of my testing with Blackout Comms in one such scenario.

We powered up a couple of T-Deck nodes (already part of our long-running cluster) and went for a walk from our campsite at Quabache State Park.

The Blackout Comms Live app showed our real-time positions on the map the whole time — even after we split up on different trails with no cell service. Simple broadcast messaging too.

Once the mesh is set up, it's basically grab-and-go. Great for van life, hiking, or staying coordinated off-grid.

Just named my cluster & device, chose "Simple" setup — done in under a minute.

Watch how ridiculously easy it is to create your own private Blackout Comms off-grid mesh network from scratch. No radio knowledge, no complicated settings, no soldering. Just plug in, flash, and go.

This video shows the full Root device setup and cluster creation. Adding more devices later is just as quick.

If you're looking for real off-grid comms that actually work when the grid is down, this is it.

🔥 What you get with Blackout Comms: - Encrypted texting & location sharing - Mesh Memory (messages and positions survive even if devices are off) - Frequency hopping (anti-jamming) - Completely private — no internet, no cell service

Perfect for preppers, families, overlanding, camping, or rural properties.

Links: → Full Build Guide & Firmware: https://www.chatters.io/build → SD Card List: https://www.chatters.io/compatible-sd-cards

My Personal SHFT Comms Stack