Looking to see if I could execute this using Meshtastic.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but meshtastic is great for short amounts of data to transfer over long distances.

Thinking about having a node (comfortabley) attached to my dogs that frequently broadcasts their GPS location.

This would be an alternative to using data sim cards and other extra junk. Essential for out in the boonies.

How small could this get? I don’t think they’d mind wearing a chunky block on their side, but the smaller the overall better.

And would this also be great for keeping track of important objects and personal belongings?

Thanks.

  • m-p{3}@lemmy.ca
    2·
    7 months ago

    For that I simply went with a bluetooth beacon compatible with the Google Find My Network. Small, no SIM data plan needed and a battery life of 2 years on a CR2032.

    It’s not open source, but the network scale is hard to ignore and I’d rather put more chance of finding my dog if he happens to get lost.

    • TurkeyDurkey@piefed.worldOPEnglish
      1·
      7 months ago

      I appreciate the suggestion, but falling to that convenience is what I’m fighting against. Relying on any proprietary networks or stuff less controllable is a no go. Looking forward to open source systems as reliable as the common alternatives.

  • Demonmariner@lemmy.world
    1·
    7 months ago

    You can do this, but consider the range. Meshtastic range can be miles, but depends entirely on terrain; it is line of sight. A dog is close to the ground and so the range could be very limited.