Getting Started With MeshCore
IdahoMesh Quick Start Guide
Welcome to MeshCore! This guide will get you up and running on the IdahoMesh network. If you have any questions or run into problems, we highly suggest you join our Discord server. It's a welcoming community passionate about Mesh technology and off-grid text messaging.
What is MeshCore?
MeshCore is an open-source mesh networking protocol that lets you send encrypted text messages over low-power, license-free "LoRa" radios—no cell service or internet required. Your messages hop from one radio (called a repeater) to another until they reach their destination. All primary repeaters on IdahoMesh are solar-powered, making our mesh entirely off-grid.
Want to talk with MeshCore and Meshtastic enthusiasts all over Idaho?
Come join us on our Discord
Compatible Devices
Please note that links on this page are NOT affiliate links, and are NOT sponsored in any way.
There are lots of devices that work with MeshCore; most work with an app on your phone to send and receive messages, but again, the messages do not use cell or internet, they're off-grid. Other devices have integrated screens and thus do not require a phone to use effectively. You can buy devices on Amazon, AliExpress, or my preferred source, Rokland. Most devices will be listed as "Meshtastic Compatible," as Meshtastic is another popular LoRa mesh technology that has been around longer; any popular Meshtastic device will work with MeshCore. Just make sure the device says it supports 915 MHz; most do, but some only work in the 800 MHz band for use in other countries.
Companion Nodes
There are generally three categories of devices (called "Companion Nodes" on MeshCore) that the community will recommend.
Traditional nodes
Options like the Heltec V3, V4, or the Heltec T114 can be found cheaply all over Amazon and other online retailers. These have the benefit of an external antenna, and if you're into 3D printing, there are tons of custom cases for them.
Credit Card Nodes
There are two common devices that are roughly the size of a credit card. These are very rugged, waterproof, have excellent battery life, and have a built-in GPS. The T1000-E and the RAK WisMesh Tag. Of these, the Tag is personally my favorite and everyday carry device, but I've used the T1000-E and liked it as well.
RAK WisMesh Tag
The RAK WisMesh Tag is my personal favorite node for everyday use. It's compact, rugged, waterproof, and has an excellent battery life.
Standalone Nodes
There are a few devices that include a screen and keyboard so that you do not need to use your phone to compose messages. Of these, the only one I'd recommend for beginners is the LILYGO T-deck, which comes in a variety of configurations.
Flash Your Device
- Go to flasher.meshcore.co.uk
- Connect your device via USB
- Select the type of device you have
- Choose BLE Companion as the firmware type
- Click Erase, then Flash
That's it! Your device is now running MeshCore.
Connect your phone
Install the MeshCore app on your phone, open the app and connect to your device via bluetooth. The default pin is: 123456, you can change this in the app after you connect.
Configure your Device
Configuration on MeshCore is pretty easy, give your node a name and then select Radio and pick the USA/Canada (Recommended) preset. Click save, reboot your device and you're done!
Your first Advert
MeshCore's primary focus is reliable text messaging, as such it doesn't regular automatic node info & position updates like Meshtastic does, this saves (the very limited) airtime ensuring that messages take priority. When you are getting started, the first thing you'll want to do is find the signal icon in the top right of the MeshCore app, click it and tap "Advert - Flood Routed" this will announce your presence on the mesh and that advert will "Flood" to all repeaters on the mesh (up to 64 hops away).
Send your first message!
You may start seeing mesh activity as soon as you turn your device on, or it may take a while. This just depends how active the mesh is at your location at that time. We highly suggest that you open the "Public" channel from the channels list and send a quick message to the mesh. "Hello World", "Hello mesh", "hi y'all" or whatever you want to send (don't be shy) and you may indicate you're new or its a test message or such. If you are within range of the mesh, you should see a number of "repeats" under the message you sent showing how many mesh repeaters you can hear that repeated your message. If that number 1 or greater, you're on the Mesh! Again, if you have any issues, please reach out on our Discord and we'd be happy to help troubleshoot.
Keep in mind that MeshCore's primary focus is messaging nodes aren't near as 'chatty' on MeshCore as they are on Meshtastic so it could take quite a while for repeaters and other nodes to show up on your map, give it time and don't use this to judge how active the mesh is. Try saying "hi" instead.
Next Steps
We also have a #idahomesh channel on MeshCore where we talk all things Mesh in Idaho, come say hi there! Just go to "add channel", then pick "hashtag channel" and type in #idahomesh – you'll be added to our main mesh channel.
If coverage at your home isn't great, especially inside your home, you may want to consider adding your own repeater to the mesh. And check out our other guides and resources at our main IdahoMesh MeshCore resources page
Member discussion