LoRa and Meshtastic Workshop: Building a Solar-Powered Node Network at UVa

This in-person, project-based workshop will take place at the University of Valladolid within the framework of the IEEE SPCOM Chapter. Participants will design, assemble and deploy a small LoRa communication network using Meshtastic and autonomous solar-powered nodes. The programme combines the fundamentals of mesh networks and LoRa communications with firmware, channel and security configuration, messaging and telemetry, and hardware assembly. Practical activities include integrating the solar panel, rechargeable battery and charging electronics, assembling the node in a weatherproof enclosure, and conducting functionality and coverage tests. The workshop is primarily intended for Telecommunications Engineering students. Participants will work in teams of up to four people, with a maximum of five teams planned. The final objective is to build functional solar-powered nodes, establish an operational Meshtastic network, and document its configuration and test results.