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How to make your own MESH node (in brief)

First get a used LinkSys router

WRT54G(s) versions 1 thru 4

Older LinkSys routers are currently used to build MESH nodes.  You need specific model numbers.  Be sure you get WRT54G or WRT54GS routers that are version 1 thru 4.  No other versions will work (yet).  The reason you want these versions is because they use the Linux operating system and they have enough memory and processor power to do the job.  They also have removable antennas.  This means that you can easily add external antennas and power amplifiers.

You can buy these routers used on eBay for about $35 or even less.

Here is a link to the HSMM-MESH.org PDF file so you can print it for use as reference at the yard sales and thrift stores...

Hardware guide to print

This may be all that you need to buy.  You may even have one or two of these laying around the house.

 

Get the free software from HSMM-MESH.org

Be sure to get the correct package for your model number!  Don't know how to figure that out?  Go to the following link...

http://hsmm-mesh.org/section-blog/37-hardware-faqs/101-supported-hardware.html

Once you are sure of your model and version get the software at the following link...

http://hsmm-mesh.org/software-download.html

Be sure you remember where you save the file, you have to upload it to the router.

 

Flash the router with the new software

Follow this link for step by step installation instructions.  This process worked the first time for me, even though my used router had already been flashed to use 'DD-WRT', which is awesome but another subject altogether.

http://hsmm-mesh.org/documentation/68-firmware-installation-instructions.html

Or a nice PDF (which I like better) is located here...

PDF

Ok so you have installed the software, and you have entered your call sign during setup and have rebooted the router.  All looks ok and you have a MESH node!

You may have noticed the links that point to HSMM-MESH.org   That is because they are the de-facto experts on all things MESH.  I am just a humble user who is glomming on to their site.