Kankakee Communications Group

Meshtastic

An Open Source, Off-grid, Secure, Mesh Communications solution, designed to run on effecient, low power hardware through distribution and decentralization.I.E. More Nodes, Wider net, Lower cost, no cell company, but can only transmit Text

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Matrix/Element

What is Matrix? What is Element? Well, if you've ever used discord, you'll probably find Matrix familiar. Matrix is a fully open sourced and encrypted discord-like platform, the major difference between discord being that you can self host your own server, because really, the 'cloud' just means someone else's computer. while matrix is the server end, where all the messages and images and such get stored, Element is Matrix's official first party client, there are plenty to choose from, but they recommend you start with Element. You also aren't required to host either, as you can use Matrix' own public nameserver to set up your account.

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GMRS

Short for General Mobile Radio Service, GMRS Radio bands are frequently used by businesses, hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, extreme sports, outdoors activities, and everything in between, unlike a HAM Radio license, it requires no test, and only a $35 one time fee, for a license period of 10 years to operate radios within the band. It's long range, cheaper devices, and lower cost to entry, makes it an attractive radio communications option.(DISCLAIMER: We are not associated with the FCC or their branding, using for demonstrative purposes)

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HAM Radio

A staple of the US for many years, but has a much higher barrier to entry, being a licensed HAM operator has many benefits. The hardware is more expensive, and rules stricter, and has a higher fee for both testing and licensing, however, It grants you a callsign, as well as permissions to transmit on a much wider range of frequencies, as well as instruct and guide others. Additional activities include field days, and even being able to communicate with astronauts on the international space station. there are three licensing tiers, and though the test can be daunting, a large portion is common sense and safety. Being a licensed HAM operator also has the potential for job opportunities, as well as civil duties tied to your license, like tuning into a net during a weather emergency.

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Discord

With a recent move towards predatory virtual currencies, and pushes for increased profits, worse offerings, and a clear goal to move towards profit first, Discord is something we're doing out best to move away from.

Telegram

Putting aside any kind of Political Affiliations behind the scenes, Telegram's recent deal with X-ai Directly harm artists and creators who rely on their platform, and put your data at personal risk, no matter how good their encryption.

Facebook

Everyone and their grandma's use facebook, probably even you, but they aren't shy about their attitude towards customers and consumers. Rampant AI, the good ole' home turf of cyber bullies of eld, and former employee's going as far as to say that some data breaches were a direct result of theives walking into the server room and pulling drives off the rack, we recommend avoiding this platform like the PLAGUE.

X (formerly Twitter)

At risk of sounding like a broken record, Political affiliations aside, X/Twitter was the original home of the term "Doom Scrolling" and it was that long before Elon bought the company. But now it's the home of AI, Trolls, and Scammers, and there are far better options out there now.

Bluesky

A new entry into the Social Media Spaces, Bluesky is a fast favorite Alternative for X/Twitter, with a familiar layout and User interface, as well as fun customization options! In addition, The discover feed for Bluesky works a bit different, Rather than being algorithm based, Bluesky's feed consists entirely of linked topics, based on people you follow, hashtags, trends, topics and associations, none of it is decided by anything other than your own two hands, because it also has a robust suite of tools for filtering things you don't want to see.

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Mastadon

Another newcomer, Mastadon is less user friendly than Bluesky, but it offers a benefit similar to Matrix, in that you can host your own Mastadon Feeds, or join someone else's self hosted feed, with the added benefit of all Mastadon feeds still being cross compatible across the web! While definitely a bit more involved, it has a wonderful set of features to tinker with for those of a technical tinkerer nature.

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