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Getting Started with MeshCore

Hardware Requirements

  • MeshCore compatible device: Check the RF Index website, MeshCore.io, and MeshCore Flasher for up-to-date lists of supported hardware
  • Antenna: A suitable antenna for your frequency band (915MHz for US operations)
  • USB cable: For device programming and power
  • Power solution: Battery pack, solar panel, or wall adapter depending on your deployment

Antenna Safety

Never power on your device without an antenna connected. This can permanently damage the radio hardware.

Hardware Setup

  1. Connect your antenna to the device BEFORE powering on
  2. Connect your device via USB to your computer
  3. Ensure you have a stable power source for your intended deployment

Software Installation and Device Role Selection

  1. Visit the MeshCore Web Flasher in your web browser
  2. Connect your device via USB to your computer

  3. Choose your device role by selecting the appropriate firmware type:

    • Companion (BLE or USB): Recommended for your first node. Provides full messaging capabilities and connects to mobile apps
    • Repeater: Dedicated infrastructure node used only if your node has excellent line of sight to many other nodes. Helps extend network coverage
    • Room Server: Special type of node that storages messages to be later forwarded to nodes that missed them

    Warning

    The room server role is not recommended for most deployments. Only use it if your node is placed in a difficult indoor location inside a large building where repeater mode is not suitable. If you are unsure which role is right for your setup, ask in the Discord before proceeding.

  4. Follow the flasher instructions to:

    • Select your specific device model
    • Choose the firmware type that matches your intended role
    • Flash the firmware directly through your browser

Setting Up an MQTT Observer Node?

MQTT helps forward node traffic to the internet. This helps us visualize the network through our analyzers. If you plan to configure your node as an MQTT observer, read the Setup MQTT guide.

Next Steps

View the Configuring MeshCore page to configure your node.

Using MeshCore Client Apps

After setting up your MeshCore device with Companion firmware, you'll need a client app to send and receive messages. MeshCore offers several client options depending on your device and preferences.

Android

iOS

Web

Connecting Your Client

  1. For BLE Companion firmware: Use Bluetooth pairing with mobile apps
  2. For USB Companion firmware: Use web clients with USB serial connection
  3. Default Bluetooth pairing code: 123456 (if prompted)

Basic Usage

Once connected to your client app:

  • Send messages: Type and send text messages to other MeshCore users
  • View contacts: See discovered nodes and their last seen times
  • Join channels: Connect to public channels for group communications
  • Manage settings: Configure your node remotely through the app
  • View diagnostics: Monitor signal strength, battery, and network status

First Time Setup

When you first connect your client app to your Companion device, take some time to explore the interface and send test messages to verify everything is working correctly.

Getting Help

If you need assistance with the MeshCore:

  1. Community Resources: Check our community resources and Discord channels
  2. Documentation: Review the MeshCore project documentation
  • FCC Compliance: Ensure your operations comply with FCC Part 15 regulations
  • Power Limits: Stay within legal power limits for unlicensed operation
  • Antenna Safety: Use appropriate antenna installations and maintain safe RF exposure levels

Next Steps

Once you have your MeshCore device connected: