Date: October 2025
Amount: $33,000

OpenMesh Voice Network is a group of amateur radio operators and engineers developing an open, low cost mesh system that can carry real time voice and data on the 70 cm band. The project builds on recent work in SDR hardware and AI based voice compression to allow clear voice at about 4,800 bps, assisted by comprehensive error correction and TDMA in a 50 kHz channel. All hardware designs, firmware, and software are fully open so that anyone can review, build, or improve the system.

With support from ARDC, the team will move from simulations and bench tests to full hardware design, regulatory compliance, field testing, and community deployment. The grant covers PCB layout, emissions testing, beta units for real world trials, and PC and Android applications for using the network. The project also includes open documentation, public repositories, training materials, and participation in major amateur radio events to help operators understand, test, and adopt this new mesh voice approach.

Learn more at: https://opencollective.com/openmesh.