New to Chaos Koalas? Common starting points:

Try Meshtastic (no license needed, join your local mesh instantly)
Get your GMRS license ($35, no test, covers whole family for 10 years)
Get your ham license (adds long-distance HF radio capability, requires test)
Try ATAK (free, turns your Android device into a Team Awareness Kit)

Not sure about the difference between Meshtastic, GMRS, ham, ATAK, etc.? Check out our Communications Technologies FAQ section for a breakdown of what we use and why.

Philosophy and Goals

This guide is about establishing practical, decentralized communications for neighborhoods. We believe in creating networks that are autonomous and resilient, and having fun while doing it.

Our goal is to turn casual hobbyists (and even laypersons) into calm, capable operators when it matters most.

You can support this project directly via Buy Me A Coffee or Patreon.

Baseline Setup

Our foundation includes Meshtastic LoRa radios for text-based mesh networking, TAK (Team Awareness Kit) server for map-based coordination, VHF/UHF ham/GMRS radios for local voice comms, and HF ham radio for regional/long distance comms.

Unlicensed neighbors can try a Meshtastic node and instantly become part of the network. Once licensed, a good starter radio is the Baofeng UV-5R Mini (Amazon affiliate link).

"Field" Ops

We communicate from backyards, parks, and hiking trails with battery-powered portable HF and VHF/UHF gear. Our most successful DX (long-range) radio contact was from Florida to Finland on 40 meters with 50 watts from a backyard home-brew HF setup.

Propagation planning is done casually, often by ear and experience. Frequency plans are ad hoc but increasingly informed by field testing and ARRL band plans. Power comes from a mix of LiFePO4 packs, solar, and USB banks.

Advanced Layering

We layer in TAK integration via a bridged Meshtastic node. This allows text and location data to flow directly into the TAK server and map interface. SDR gear feeds ADS-B (aircraft), AIS (watercraft), and RID (drone/UAS) data into TAK to build a live situational picture.

This keeps people on our neighborhood network not just in-touch, but aware.

Emergency Activation Plan

If the normal comms go down (e.g., hurricane aftermath), the plan is simple: text messages can be sent over the mesh network by anyone, while licensed users spin up the VHF/UHF voice nets. HF can be used to relay messages outside of the immediate area.

Conditions permitting, individuals circulate the neighborhood to check on neighbors and relay updates about those in need using ATAK over Mesh. Comms traffic should stay light, concise, and intentional.

Roles are informal but encouraged: relay runner, mapping hub, radio operator, local scout. We practice these things casually so activation will feel natural.

Get Licensed

Get Your GMRS Radio License NO TEST

Family-wide license. No test required. $35 for 10 years. Perfect for local neighborhood voice comms.

Get Your Ham Radio License TEST REQUIRED

Individual license. Requires multiple-choice exam. General & up enables long-distance HF comms.

Get Involved

Chaos Koalas is about building resilient neighborhood networks through practice and community.

The best way to start is to try a Meshtastic node, or get your GMRS license, and begin practicing. Join local nets. Test your gear. Build relationships with your neighbors.

When things get chaotic, you'll be ready.