Idaho Meshtastic

Active Mesh Networks in Idaho

There are currently two main Meshtastic configurations active in Idaho.

LongFast (Default Settings)

Across most of the state, you'll find nodes meshed using the default "LongFast" configuration. These settings work reasonably well with up to about 20 nodes. Beyond 60 nodes, the network becomes essentially unusable—especially if node configuration best practices aren't followed.

When to use LongFast:

• You're in an area with few Meshtastic users and no established repeaters
• You have a small mesh (under a dozen active users)
• You're setting up an ad-hoc mesh for camping, hiking, or family outings

I'd recommend staying on LongFast defaults until your local mesh grows to at least a dozen users and you're starting to deploy high-profile repeaters. MediumFast is also a solid choice for temporary or ad-hoc setups.

Freq51 (Southern Idaho Regional Mesh)

A newer effort is underway to consolidate Southern Idaho onto the "Freq51" configuration, which originated in Utah. This network uses the MediumFast preset on slot 51 with a private channel—full settings are available on their site. As of January 2026, most high-profile Meshtastic repeaters in Southwest Idaho have migrated to Freq51, leaving the LongFast defaults very quiet.

If you're near a major population center in Idaho, I'd also suggest you check out MeshCore as it is growing rapidly.