What is CIMN

The Central Indiana Mesh Network (CIMN) is a grassroots community group focused on building a resilient, decentralized communications option for our region using open-source mesh tools like Meshtastic. By deploying low-power LoRa nodes across Central Indiana, we can enable off-grid messaging that keeps working even when cellular service, internet access, or grid power are unavailable.

CIMN is volunteer-driven and community-powered: we share knowledge, help newcomers get set up, and encourage strategic node placement to strengthen local coverage for emergencies, events, and everyday experimentation. Our goal is simple—make mesh communications approachable and useful, one node at a time.

Getting Started with CIMN

3 quick steps
  • 1
    Get a node.
    Start with a Meshtastic-compatible LoRa device. These can be purchased from Amazon for anywhere from $50 - $120, depending on what you want. We recommend a device from Atlavox for a more premium experience.
  • 2
    Install the app.
    Pair your node with the Meshtastic mobile app to configure settings and send messages.
    Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
  • 3
    Join the mesh.
    Power on your node, verify your region settings, and start sending test messages. In central Indiana, we use the default LongFast channel—this will make sense once you get going!

Select a Device Role

Meshtastic devices can run in different roles depending on how you plan to use them. Selecting the right role helps the mesh stay healthy and keeps your node behaving the way you expect.

  • CLIENT: Standard everyday role for most users. Great for handheld and mobile nodes that send and receive messages normally.
  • CLIENT_MUTE: Similar to CLIENT, but reduces how much your node participates in forwarding traffic—useful when you want to be on the mesh without adding extra routing load.
  • CLIENT_BASE: A “home base” style client that is typically stationary and always on. Useful for a reliable node at home or a fixed location.

Important: Avoid setting up your device as a ROUTER unless you fully understand the impact. Routers can significantly increase network traffic and affect performance for everyone—especially in areas with limited coverage or higher hop counts. This is never the right role for personal or handheld nodes.

What Can It Do?

  • Broadcast Messages: Send public messages that anyone on the primary channel can see—great for alerts and announcements.
  • Group Channels: Share encrypted messages with a specific group using a shared channel key (neighborhood watch, event team, etc.).
  • Direct Messaging: Send encrypted one-to-one messages—like secure texting, but off-grid.
  • Location Sharing: Optionally share your location so friends can see you on the map.
  • Global Gateway (MQTT): If a gateway is available, local meshes can bridge to wider networks and connect communities.
  • Telemetry & Sensors: Nodes can report power levels, signal metrics, and sensor data (like weather) when equipped.

See You Around Town On The Mesh Network!

Whether you’re experimenting with a handheld node, building a home base, or helping extend coverage across the region—welcome to CIMN. We’re building something practical, fun, and resilient together.

Need help picking your first node or getting set up? Email us at info@cimesh.net and we’ll point you in the right direction.

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