@Edent I'm on #meshcore because that looks to be more active in my area. (Netherlands)
I sarted with 25 euro investment for a helltec v3 (3.2 iirc) and I learned a ton about wireless signals already. I am planning to build a repeater to get the network more stable and put that out on the balcony where I live.
I'm having fun but it's still very new. It feels like proper emergency comms are still with the hams, but then I need to get a license.
Highly subjective takes, all of this. ๐Learning