Add a MeshCore Repeater

Adding a repeater is one of the best ways to contribute to the Mesh, as they are the backbone of the MeshCore network. Repeaters receive messages from "companion" nodes and other repeaters, then rebroadcast them across the mesh. The more repeaters we have, especially in good locations, the more coverage and reliability the network has.

If you're planning on putting a repeater in a high coverage area, please do reach out to us on Discord so we can coordinate to improve the overall mesh.

Quick Settings

Here are the minimum settings you'll need to ensure your repeater meshes well in Idaho.

1. Use the USA/Canada (Recommended) preset
2. Flood Routed Adverts: 12 hours
3. Zero-hop Adverts: 0 minutes (off)
4. Set a remote Admin password (make sure to remember this!)
5. (optionally) Set a Guest password like idahomesh to let others see your repeater's stats.
6. Set the repeater's location - you can set to a nearby public landmark for privacy
7. Add the Idaho Region (more info below)
   a. region put #idaho
   b. region allowf #idaho
   c. region save
8. Reboot the repeater

Repeater Position

We highly recommend you set a location for your repeater, that said, many of us would rather not broadcast a repeater's exact location, especially if they're at our homes. We suggest manually setting the repeater's location to a nearby park, major intersection, or landmark. Don't set your repeater location too far away, though; an accurate general location helps us plan future repeaters, taking into account existing repeater coverage.

Configure the Idaho region

If you're unfamiliar with region support on MeshCore, you may want to take a look at our MeshCore Regions overview. For repeater owners, the configuration is simple. Log in to your repeater terminal and run the following commands.

region put #idaho
region allowf #idaho
region save

Next Steps...

We suggest all repeater owners join our Discord to help shape the future of IdahoMesh and to stay informed about mesh operations, needed config changes, etc.. In addition to Discord, but especially for repeater owners not on Discord, we ask that repeater owners sign up for our monthly newsletter which will include any updates about important mesh operations.

Need help?

The best way to get help is via our Discord. But if you're already on the mesh, feel free to DM ASHZ or ask in the #idahomesh channel.

Repeater Categories

Primary Repeaters

Primary repeaters are those in locations with lots of "Topographic Prominence." In Idaho, these are almost always going to be located on the tops of mountains. While these repeaters do add significant coverage for companion nodes, more importantly, they are extending the mesh backbone over long distances and connecting lots of secondary and neighborhood repeaters.

Secondary Repeaters

Secondary repeaters are those that cover an area between Primary (mountain top) repeaters and Neighborhood (rooftop) repeaters. These may be on hills, tall radio towers, water towers, taller commercial buildings, or other such places where coverage is provided to a larger area, but not to the level of a Primary Repeater.

Neighborhood / Home Repeaters

In general, on MeshCore, it's hard to go wrong adding neighborhood repeaters. A lot of users will want to add a repeater at their house. Unlike other meshes, this is generally encouraged on MeshCore in areas where coverage isn't 100%. Please follow the settings and suggestions in this guide, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.