Hosting an East Sooke MeshCore Repeater

1 What is the repeater used for?

• It extends the free, open-source East Sooke community mesh network, using a low-power radio that links with other low-power radios in the area.
• Together they work like a region-wide text messaging system: people can message anyone else on the network, publicly or privately.
• It keeps text communication working where cellular or internet coverage is limited, and during outages.
• Mesh networks like this are used for hiking, emergency readiness, mutual aid and community support across British Columbia and around the world, especially where coverage is spotty: mountains, islands and rural stretches.

2 What equipment will be installed?

• Typically a small, weatherproof box containing a microcontroller, radio and battery.
• A lightweight antenna and a small solar panel.
• It is compact and usually weighs under 1 kg (about 2 lb). Think of the size of a home internet router, with a longer antenna.

3 How is it powered?

• Repeaters are solar-powered and self-sufficient. A built-in battery carries them through nights and cloudy stretches.

4 What antennas or cabling are involved?

• Usually the antenna is attached directly to the repeater. In some cases a small external antenna may be mounted on a mast or pole.
• No cabling goes into the building.
• A typical installation is fastened with U-bolts around a mast or pole, or with industrial-strength zip ties.
• No drilling or screws are needed unless agreed with you in advance.

5 How much maintenance does it need?

• Very little. Repeaters are designed to run on their own for long periods.
• An occasional visit (for example once or twice a year) may be needed for firmware updates or a hardware check.
• Access arrangements can be agreed in writing.

6 What range and coverage will it provide?

• It depends on elevation and antenna, but typically 3 to 15 km (2 to 10 miles) or more, and much further from higher locations.
• Messages travel long distances by being relayed automatically from repeater to repeater across the mesh.
• It operates in the licence-free Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) band, 902–928 MHz.

7 Will it interfere with my existing equipment?

• Extremely unlikely. MeshCore uses different frequencies from Wi-Fi, cellular and TV, and transmits at very low power.
• The radios are designed to be non-disruptive and to comply with Canadian (ISED, formerly Industry Canada) and US (FCC) rules.
• If you have concerns, you can ask for testing or documentation.

8 What about liability?

• As with anything on your property, liability typically rests with the property owner, although the chance of any incident is extremely remote.

9 Are there permits, strata, zoning or other regulations to consider?

• Permits are generally not needed for small antennas or non-commercial installations.
• Strata or building rules may restrict permanent roof or exterior changes. That is one reason our repeaters are easy to remove and need no drilling or permanent changes to a structure.
• If you are a tenant or share the property, it is best to get written permission first.

10 Will it use the building's power, or make a lightning strike more likely?

• No. It is not expected to increase the likelihood of a lightning strike.
• It does not use the building's power. One reason we use solar-powered repeaters, even at fixed locations, is to keep them isolated from the building's electrical wiring.

11 How long will it stay, and can it be removed?

• For as long as you want it. We will agree on a clear timeframe or arrangement together.
• There is no long-term obligation.
• You can ask for removal at any time. We just need a reasonable amount of time to coordinate it.
• Removal should leave no permanent marks or damage.

12 Who else in East Sooke hosts a repeater?

• This is a community-run network, with installations on private homes, small businesses and Crown land.

See our current repeaters →