How I Built a Cheap and Simple Pager System

The Problem with Always Being Connected

In an age where we’re always connected, the idea of losing that connection, especially during an emergency, can feel unsettling.

What happens when the cell towers go down during a natural disaster?

Or get overloaded at a massive event?

Or simply don’t exist when you're camping or living off-grid?

That’s what led me down the rabbit hole of mesh networking and to something unexpected: building my own pager network.

Yes, pagers.

But not like the ones from the '90s where you send “911” from a payphone.

This is something entirely new.

A private, self-reliant, and surprisingly powerful communication system that doesn’t rely on traditional cell networks.

What Is Mesh Networking?

In simple terms, a mesh network is a decentralized communication system.

Instead of relying on cell towers or satellites, devices on the network communicate directly with each other.

The real magic happens when more devices come online.

Messages can hop from one device to another, dramatically extending the network’s range.

Some users in the UK have even reported sending messages across 100+ kilometers using well-placed repeater nodes.

For people who primarily text, this could theoretically replace cellular service altogether.

Setting Up My Own Network

I recently discovered the LilyGo T-LoRa Pager, a device that looked like the ultimate all-in-one mesh solution.

So I bought it to give it a try.

Setting up my own network was easier than I expected.

I started experimenting with the Meshcore firmware, which is open source and free to download.

Flashing it onto the LilyGo devices was simple, and once I had at least two devices ready, I was able to test communication.

I carry one pager with me and connect my phone to another radio device for testing.

When I type a message on the pager and hit send, a small number appears on the screen confirming that the message successfully bounced off a repeater on its way to my phone.

When a reply comes back, the pager vibrates and the keyboard lights up, letting me know it’s arrived.

The whole experience has been fast, responsive, and reliable.

No Fees, No Licenses, No Catch

What makes this so appealing is the fact that there are no ongoing costs.

Once you buy the hardware, that’s it.

There are no monthly subscription fees, and no license is required to operate it because the system runs on unlicensed radio frequencies.

That’s a big deal for anyone who wants a dependable communication tool in off-grid situations, whether you’re living remotely, going on camping trips, or simply want a backup option in case of emergencies.

Messages can even be encrypted, ensuring privacy.

If you're feeling social, there are also public channels where you can connect with other mesh network users in your area, test your range, and swap ideas.

A Closer Look at the LilyGo T-LoRa Pager

The LilyGo T-LoRa Pager itself is a thoughtfully designed device.

It comes with a full QWERTY keyboard and its own screen, so you don’t need to pair it with a phone to use it.

The keyboard feels tactile and intuitive, and there's even a scroll wheel on the side for easy menu navigation.

It includes a built-in speaker, a headphone jack, and pins for expandability.

One of my favorite design elements is the foldable antennas.

They can be popped up for better reception and folded down when not in use, keeping the device compact and pocket-friendly.

It also has a USB-C charging port, an SD card slot, and a lanyard attachment point for convenience.

Offline Maps and GPS: More Than Just Messaging

What really impressed me, though, is that this device offers more than just messaging.

It also features GPS and offline maps.

You can load maps onto the SD card and view them directly on the pager’s screen.

You can pan across the map using the keyboard and zoom in or out with the scroll wheel.

When you turn on the GPS, you see your location on the map, and if others on your network are sharing their location, you can see them as well.

This makes it incredibly useful for navigation and coordination in places where there’s no cell signal.

On top of that, the device has mounting points on the back so you can install it in a fixed location and use it as a repeater node to further extend your network.

Final Thoughts

Exploring the world of mesh networking is a lot of fun.

Devices like the LilyGo T-LoRa Pager are making it easier and more accessible than ever to build a private communication system that works even when modern infrastructure fails.

While I personally enjoy using the pager-style device, there are other form factors available.

Some look like old BlackBerrys, others resemble modern smartphones.

Another alternative is to buy an inexpensive radio that connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. You use an app on the smartphone to send and receive messages.

If you're looking for a way to stay connected when traditional systems go down, or if you're just a curious tech enthusiast who enjoys experimenting, I highly recommend diving into mesh networking.

It’s a fun, practical, and empowering way to create your own resilient, subscription-free communication network.

And it could come in very handy one day, if there is ever an emergency.