How to Reach Ed
Two ways to make contact: an encrypted 1:1 direct message, or the shared Reach-Ed channel joined by QR scan.
There are two ways to contact me over the mesh, depending on whether you want a private one-to-one message or to join a shared contact channel. Pick whichever fits.
Option 1 — Private direct message (1:1, recommended for anything personal)
Meshtastic supports end-to-end encrypted direct messages between any two nodes, with no shared channel required. A DM to my node is encrypted specifically to me — nobody else on the mesh can read it, and other people messaging me can’t see your message either.
How:
- Make sure your node has heard mine on the mesh (my node appears in your node list).
- Select my node — KYKM (ERM Mobile) — and send a direct message.
That’s it. There’s nothing to set up on your end beyond having a working node on the same mesh; PKC direct messaging is built in. This is the most private way to reach me, and the best choice for anything you don’t want other members to see.
Option 2 — Join the “Reach-Ed” contact channel (group)
Reach-Ed is a shared channel for reaching me — good when it doesn’t matter that other members can see the conversation (a general question, a group-relevant topic, a quick shout). Because it’s a shared channel, everyone who has joined it can see all messages on it, including other people’s messages to me and my replies. Think of it as a public help desk, not a private line.
How to join — scan the QR code:
Open the Meshtastic app → scan this QR code → the Reach-Ed channel is added to your device automatically. No keys to type. The channel will land in the next free channel slot on your device (the slot number doesn’t need to match anyone else’s).
Once joined, select the Reach-Ed channel and message away.
Good to know:
- Reach-Ed is text only — no location is shared on this channel in either direction.
- It does not go out to the internet (no MQTT uplink), so it stays on the local RF mesh.
- If you want a private conversation instead, use Option 1 above.
Which should I use?
| You want to… | Use |
|---|---|
| Send me something private, one-to-one | Option 1 — direct message to KYKM |
| Ask a general/group-relevant question | Option 2 — the Reach-Ed channel |
| Reach me but not be seen by others | Option 1 — direct message |
| Be part of an ongoing group contact space | Option 2 — the Reach-Ed channel |
Either way, make sure your node is on the same mesh settings as the local network (US region, MEDIUM_FAST preset) so we can actually hear each other.