Community connection
Send text messages across the area through a network built and cared for by local people.
What is WaunaMesh?
Small radios. Big community connection.
WaunaMesh uses small, low-power radios to pass text messages from one nearby radio to the next. As more neighbors host, the network gets stronger and reaches farther.
The goal is simple: make it easier for people in Waunakee to learn, experiment, help during outages, and stay connected without depending on cell towers or internet.
A small radio like the ones community members can use to join the network.
Why it matters
A spark that helps neighbors learn, prepare, and connect.
WaunaMesh is practical, educational, and welcoming. We give people a hands-on way to understand radio, mapping, local geography, emergency readiness, and community service.
Emergency readiness
Practice ways to communicate when storms, outages, or busy networks make normal tools less reliable.
Hands-on learning
Learn about radio, antennas, maps, batteries, solar power, software, and problem solving.
Every node helps
Visit the hosting page if you are a property owner. You can be a useful part of the local network!
Where it reaches
Waunakee to Madison and beyond.
WaunaMesh is adding local coverage around the Village of Waunakee.
The Four Lakes Amateur Radio Club has placed a repeater at Schumacher Farm Park, with a strong view of both Waunakee and downtown Madison. Linking Waunakee to the larger Madison Mesh's off-grid mesh network.
Use the map to explore Waunakee's mesh network coverage.
How it works
The network grows.
You do not need to be a radio expert to help. The basics are easy to understand, and the community has guides, tools, and people who can walk you through it.
Repeater
These are installed in a high location with a clear view. Repeaters work together to send your messages far.
Companion
A small pocket device that connects to your phone. Allowing you to send text messages to others through the network.
Neighbors
It is no fun alone! Talk to your neighbors in Waunakee and the wider Madison area.
Friendly onboarding
Curious? You are welcome here.
You can join as a beginner, a host site, a parent with a curious kid, a hardware tinkerer, a wardriving mapper, or an emergency prep volunteer.
A simple first path
1. Say hello. Join the Madison Mesh Discord.
2. Learn what to buy. Most people start with an affordable LoRa radio that can run MeshCore.
3. Send your first message. Once ready, connect with the community and test the mesh.
4. Help coverage grow. Host a node, suggest a location, improve maps, or help at a public demo.
Field Day 2026
Our goal: Waunakee connected by June 27, 2026.
The Four Lakes Amateur Radio Club will host ARRL Field Day at Schumacher Farm Park in Waunakee. We hope to have WaunaMesh fully up and running in time for this public celebration of radio, learning, and emergency communication.
Questions & Answers
Does this need internet?
The radio network sends text messages without internet or cell towers.
Is this ham radio?
The mesh devices use low-power LoRa radios, no license required. WaunaMesh does coordinate with the amateur radio community.
Can my home or business host a node?
Yes. Useful host spots include homes, barns, churches, schools, shops, and other places with height and a clear view.
Is it private?
Yes. While the public chat uses a shared key, direct messages and chat rooms are encrypted.
Community sponsors
Local partners helping WaunaMesh grow.
Thank you to the organizations and neighbors supporting local mesh radio education, hosting, and community readiness.