Haarlem Tech Community

We are hosting a hands-on MeshCore tinkering workshop at Launchpad023 where we will build, flash, and connect LoRa radios into a real off-grid mesh network with zero internet dependency.

MeshCore is a newer open-source firmware that takes a smarter approach to mesh routing than traditional flood-based systems. If you are curious about resilient communication, privacy-focused infrastructure, or just love tinkering with radio hardware, this one is for you.
We have a few radios here to play with, so bring yourself and your curiosity. If you already own a LoRa radio, bring it along, and we will put it to work. If you would like to purchase one, we are happy to recommend a good option.

Some technical background is helpful.

References/for more info:
•⁠ ⁠https://valleirug.nl
•⁠ ⁠https://www.meshnet.nl/wiki/MeshCore (archive:
•⁠https://web.archive.org/web/20251113053806/https://www.meshnet.nl/wiki/MeshCore)
•⁠ ⁠https://bowshock.nl/irc/#short-version
•⁠ ⁠https://meshcore.io
•⁠ https://www.antratek.nl/lora/meshtastic
•⁠ ⁠https://meereco.nl/communicatie/introductie-meshcore/
•⁠ ⁠https://forum.meshcore-net.nl/

This evening is for anyone curious about Linux, whether you are completely new to it or already experimenting on your own. Maybe you are tired of constant operating system changes, frustrated by older hardware being left behind, interested in privacy and open source software, or simply want to understand what alternatives exist outside the major tech ecosystems. Whatever brought you here, you are welcome.

Bring your computer and we’ll help you get started in a relaxed, beginner friendly environment at Launchpad023 in Haarlem. We’ll guide you through installing Linux step by step, explain what is happening during the process, and help you understand your options rather than just clicking through an installer.

Brian Johnson, co founder of Launchpad023 and CTO of Gozynta, will lead the evening and be available throughout the session to help troubleshoot, answer questions, and explain the process in a practical and approachable way.

You can bring almost any computer, including Windows PCs, Macs, laptops, or desktops. If you want to dual boot Linux alongside your current operating system, we can help with that too. Already using Linux? You are still welcome to come by for tweaks, troubleshooting, questions, or simply to meet others interested in the space.

We will also have several systems already running Linux for anyone who wants to try it before making changes to their own computer.

Monitors, keyboards, and mice will be available for desktop setups and testing.

No prior technical experience is required. Curiosity is enough.

Some installations take only a few minutes. Others may involve experimentation depending on the hardware. Every machine is a little different, and part of the evening is learning together, exploring possibilities, and helping each other along the way.

Please bring:

* A laptop or desktop computer
* A charger and any necessary cables
* A USB stick if you have one
* A backup of any important files
* Your administrator password

Installing a new operating system changes how your computer is configured, so backing up your files beforehand is strongly recommended.

The event will run from 18:00 to 22:00 at Launchpad023 in Haarlem.

If your computer cannot upgrade to Windows 11, that is completely fine. Many older machines run Linux extremely well and often feel significantly faster afterward. If you are unsure whether Linux is right for you, you are also welcome to attend just to watch, ask questions, and learn more before deciding.