You're Not an Idiot, But Your ISP Thinks You Are
Welcome to MeshCore—a collaborative effort to build decentralized, resilient communication networks that work independently of traditional infrastructure. Whether you’re interested in emergency preparedness, off-grid communication, or simply want to participate in building robust community networks, you’re joining a growing movement of individuals committed to communication independence.
This guide will help you understand MeshCore, set up your first node, and contribute meaningfully to the network. Your participation matters—every node strengthens the mesh.
Ready to join the MeshCore network? Here’s what you need to know to get your first node up and running:
What You’ll Need:
Frequency: 910.525 MHz
Bandwidth: 62.5 kHz
Spreading Factor: 7
Coding Rate: 5
Quick Start Steps:
Flash Your Device: Visit the MeshCore Flasher, connect your device via USB, select your hardware model and firmware type (Companion Radio for personal use, Repeater to help extend the network), and click flash.
Configure Network Settings: This is critical—use the coordinated settings for your region. In North America, that’s 910.525 MHz with 62.5 kHz bandwidth, SF7, and CR5. Without these settings, you won’t connect to the existing network.
Advertise Your Node: Unlike other mesh systems, MeshCore requires you to manually announce your presence. Use the advertisement function in your app or device to let other nodes discover you.
Start Communicating: Connect via Bluetooth (companion radios) or use your T-Deck’s built-in interface to begin messaging other nodes in the network.
That’s it! You’re now part of a resilient, decentralized communication network. Read on to understand how everything works and how to maximize your contribution to the mesh.
Don’t just take my word for it. Watch these videos and see what happens when regular people decide to actually solve problems:
MeshCore’s strength lies in its ability to create interconnected networks that span neighborhoods, cities, and regions. However, this only works when participants use coordinated settings. Think of it as speaking a common language—when everyone uses the same frequency and parameters, your messages can reach further and connect with more people.
For optimal connectivity with the established MeshCore network in the USA and Canada, use these standardized settings:
Frequency: 910.525 MHz
Bandwidth: 62.5 kHz
Spreading Factor: 7
Coding Rate: 5
These settings are not optional if you want to connect with the existing network. They represent the consensus of the North American community and enable seamless communication from Portland to Vancouver to San Jose and beyond.
Always verify the appropriate frequency for your region and coordinate with local operators.
MeshCore is a lightweight mesh networking protocol built on LoRa radio technology. It enables:
Core Capabilities:
Use Cases:
MeshCore supports a wide range of ESP32-based LoRa devices. Many are compatible with existing Meshtastic hardware, making it easy to repurpose equipment you may already own.
Heltec V3/V4 LoRa32
LilyGo LoRa32 / T-Beam
LilyGo T-Deck
RAK4631
Seeed Studio T-1000E
Most ESP32-based LoRa boards will work. Check the official MeshCore flasher for your specific device compatibility.
MeshCore offers three firmware variants, each serving a specific role in the network:
Purpose: Connects your radio to a smartphone or computer for messaging
Connection Methods: Bluetooth (BLE), USB, or WiFi
Best For:
Available Platforms: Android and iOS apps, web interface
Purpose: Extends network coverage by intelligently forwarding messages
Key Features:
Critical Role: Repeaters form the backbone of the network. Well-placed repeaters dramatically improve coverage and reliability. If you have access to an elevated location—rooftop, hilltop, or tall building—deploying a repeater is one of the most valuable contributions you can make to your local network.
Purpose: Provides persistent message boards (BBS-style) for community communication
Features:
Use Case: Community bulletin boards, persistent group coordination, asynchronous communication
Option A: Web Flasher (Recommended)
Option B: PlatformIO (Advanced)
Companion RadioSimple RepeaterSimple Room ServerThis is critical: Configure your device with the coordinated settings for your region.
For North America:
Frequency: 910.525 MHz
Bandwidth: 62.5 kHz
Spreading Factor: 7
Coding Rate: 5
You can configure these settings:
MeshCore uses manual advertising to reduce network congestion. You must actively advertise yourself to be discovered by other nodes.
What is an Advertisement?
Advertisement Types:
Zero-Hop: Announces your presence to immediate neighbors only—useful for local discovery
Flood: Announces your presence across the entire network via repeaters—use when you want network-wide visibility
Access the advertisement function through the signal icon in your app or T-Deck interface.
Using Mobile Apps:
Using T-Deck:
Cause: No GPS lock or improper GPS configuration
Solutions:
time command via USB consoleExpected Behavior: Repeaters running repeater firmware do not support Bluetooth connections. They are dedicated to network infrastructure roles.
Solution: If you need Bluetooth connectivity, flash companion firmware instead
Most Common Cause: You haven’t advertised your node
Solution: Click the advertisement button in your app or T-Deck. MeshCore nodes don’t continuously beacon—you must explicitly announce your presence.
Reality: While regions like Portland and Vancouver have established networks, many areas are still in early adoption phases.
Opportunity: This is where your leadership matters. Every network started with one person. You can:
Strong networks don’t appear spontaneously—they’re built by committed individuals who understand the value of resilient communication. Here’s how you can contribute:
MeshCore represents more than technology—it’s a commitment to communication resilience and community self-reliance. Every node you deploy, every person you help onboard, and every repeater you place strengthens the network for everyone.
Your participation matters. The time to build resilient communication infrastructure is before you need it.
Welcome to MeshCore. Your network needs you.
This guide is educational, occasionally accurate, and written with love. Always follow FCC regulations for radio use. The author is not responsible for:
Now stop reading and start meshing! 📡