Meshtastic - home page

[last updated: 2026-08-04]
(link to:) MeshTastic.org
unorganized source material
Non-ham radio modes
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WARNING: DO NOT power the node without an ANTENNA attached !

• General Description:
  • Meshtastic works by having a bunch of nodes spread through some geographical area, and they all talk to each other (text or data only).
  • Each node is programmed to listen for messages from other nodes that are using the same configuration parameters (ie. are part of its mesh),
    and when it receives a message, if certain conditions are met, it will rebroadcast the message.
  • The 900 MHz frequency range used for meshtastic effectively limits range of propagation to line-of-sight.
    But with the re-broadcast method, a given message can be passed from node to node and ultimately reach a destination many km farther than the range of a single node.
  • In it's low-power configuration, meshtastic does not require a ham or other license. It does not rely on cell service or internet connection.
    As such, it is potentially very useful in grid-down disaster response situations.

  • Nodes:
    A node is composed of a LoRa radio module and a microcontroller (MCU) that is loaded with meshtastic software.

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• Details - how it works:
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• Get Started:
  • Get a node
  • flash/download/install meshtastic firmware
  • configure the meshtastic software for your desired mesh and use-case
    • Configuring your node requires "interacting with your node." See below.
    • When meshtastic software is first downloaded/flashed into a node, it will already be programmed with some default settings.
      It will NOT, however, have a "region" defined, listing it as "UNSET".
    • So you must first set your region. This is required because this parameter specifies the frequency band you're allowed to legally use by your local governments.
      In the US, set the region parameter to "US". This will specify the "915 MHz" band, which is the nominal center freq of the overall band from 902 - 928 MHz.
    • Recommended to set your desired custom node name. Meshtastic defaults will give you a generic name, something like, "Meshtastic xxxx", but you'll want to change that to something that identifies you.
      Basic Config: ...and ensure the default modem preset (LONG_FAST) and ALL rebroadcast mode are active for public mesh participation.
    • Frequency slot:
      Slot 0 (zero) is a dummy/place-holder index that tells Meshtastic to use the region's default frequency slot for whichever modem preset has been selected.
      Slot 20 is the actual frequency slot that slot 0 defaults to when using the LongFast modem preset
  • At this point your MeshTastic node should be functional, assuming the local mesh you want to connect to uses Long Fast default settings.
    Connect a charged battery and you should be on the air.
  • Connect to your node with BT or wifi or USB to send and receive messages.

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• Node Hardware Options:
  Recall that a node is composed of a LoRa radio module and a microcontroller.
  So alternative hardware options means using different models of LoRa radios, and/or different microcontrollers.
  In common usage, most meshtastic nodes use the ... ... ... LoRa module,
  however there are a lot of alternative options being used for the MCU:
  • Heltec - ESP32...
  • "native linux" options:
    rPi/pico
  • wisblock / RAK:
    • Cores:
      wisblock core MCU# and their respective MCU's:
      RAK4631: Uses the Nordic nRF52840 (ARM Cortex-M4F) for LoRa and Bluetooth.
      RAK4631-R: Uses RUI V3 (Rust/C APIs/AT Commands), offering more optimized firmware development.
      RAK11200: Uses the Espressif ESP32-WROVER for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
      RAK11310: Uses the Raspberry Pi RP2040 for LoRa.
      RAK3312: Uses the Espressif ESP32-S3 for LoRa, BLE, and Wi-Fi.
      RAK11162: Uses the STM32WLE5 for integrated LoRaWAN, often paired with an ESP32 for BLE/Wi-Fi.
    • Base modules:
      RAK19003 (Mini): Compact, 2 sensor slots, standard power options (USB, LiPo, Solar), good for basic projects.
      RAK19007 (2nd Gen): Larger, 2 IO + 6 Sensor slots, supports OLED screens, USB-C, better power management (charge controller), more versatile.
      RAK5005-O: Older version of the RAK19007, supports USB/LiPo/Solar power, has an e-switch.
    • Sensor/IO Modules (Add-ons):
      RAK12500 vs RAK12501 (GNSS): RAK12500 is versatile (I2C/UART, faster updates), RAK12501 is simpler (UART only, power-efficient sleep).
      RAK13002: Adds general purpose I/O to baseboards.
      RAK12005 (Rain), RAK12006 (PIR), RAK12007 (Ultrasonic): Specific sensor functionalities.
  • rPi pico for secondary mcu:
    https://learn.adafruit.com/getting-started-with-raspberry-pi-pico-circui...
    https://projects.raspberrypi.org/en/projects/getting-started-with-the-pico
    https://pip-assets.raspberrypi.com/categories/610-raspberry-pi-pico/docu...
    https://thepihut.com/blogs/raspberry-pi-tutorials/raspberry-pi-pico-gett...

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• My Nodes:
  In addition to details about my 2 Heltec nodes, this page shows procedure for configuring a WaveShare LoRa hat onto a rPi,
  including options for procedures to install the MeshTastic software onto the rPi.
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• Operation:
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• Serial/uart communication with a node:
  • TEXTMSG Mode: This mode is designed for simple human-readable output. Any text message received from the mesh is sent to the serial port in the format: : .

    Sender data: The sender's short name is explicitly included.
    Addressee data: The addressee is implied by which channel the message was sent on (e.g., the default channel), but not explicitly stated in the output string.

    PROTO Mode: This mode exposes the full Protobuf Client API over the serial port. Data is sent as binary Protobuf packets with a 4-byte header for framing.

    Sender/Addressee data: The full packet structure, as defined in the Meshtastic API, includes fields for both the sender and the addressee (destination node ID). This allows a client device (like an Arduino or Raspberry Pi) to parse the data and extract all relevant information programmatically.

    SIMPLE Mode: Operates as a "dumb UART tunnel," forwarding raw data without specific formatting, and requires a dedicated "serial" channel. Sender/addressee data may be part of the raw data, but it would need to be decoded by an external program.
    NMEA/CalTopo Modes: These modes output standard NMEA 0183 data streams primarily containing GPS and node location data as waypoints, not general message sender/addressee information.

    In summary, for simple text output, you see the sender's name. For full data access including the addressee, use the PROTO mode and a compatible client library to decode the Protobuf messages, such as the Python Meshtastic API library or the Arduino client library

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• meshCore - TBD:

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• Random Other Stuff:
  • Antennas:
    5.8 dbi (RAKARG14): https://www.sparkfun.com/lora-fiberglass-antenna-type-n-5-8dbi-902-928mh...
    Muzi Works - 17cm whip 10 dbi gain: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D7D6866W?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
  • set manual position (ie. not having GPS) using CLI:
    • meshtastic --setlat 45.60 --setlon -121.19 (plus alt not done... --setalt 120)
    • Had to fiddle around to get it to show on the map:
      closed terminal window, reconnected serial to client.meshtastic, pulled USB plug, reconnected, finally worked
  • LoRa sans Meshtastic:
  • LoRaWAN
    Classes: A, B, and C
    LoRaWAN data rates range from 0.3 kbit/s to 50 kbit/s per channel.
  • Modules:
    Transceiver
    Telemetrhttps://meshtastic.org/docs/about/y
    Modem
  • Encryption misc:
    Yellow Unlocked Padlock: Uses the default, shared PSK (insecure/public) or a node has old firmware.
    Green Locked Padlock: Uses a custom, configured PSK (secure).
    Red Unlocked Padlock: No PSK configured (insecure/public).
  • Telemetry (generic):
    This refers to generic telemetry, not specifically what can be implemented with MeshTastic...
    • The bands used for telemetry are described unofficially as the L band from 1435 to 1535 MHz, the S band from 2200 to 2300 MHz, and the upper S band from 2310 to 2390 MHz.
      While these band designations are common in telemetry parlance, they may have no specific meaning to anyone else.
    • search for: bidirectional lora
      and: lora arduino gateway
  • Telemetry with Meshtastic:
    • Links:
      • meshtastic telemetry module (uses i2c to connect to sensors): https://meshtastic.org/docs/configuration/module/telemetry/
        recommend wisblock instead of ESP32: https://www.reddit.com/r/meshtastic/comments/1d70k6q/using_meshtastic_fo...
        add a sensor to heltec V3 using telemetry module: https://www.hackster.io/Adrelien/how-to-add-telemetry-sensor-to-heltec-l...
      • comms youtube channel - getting started - 11 videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLshzThxhw4O5JTOACGHzYSSd3soDhoXKK
      • amazon - lilygo with meshcore firmware: https://www.amazon.com/LILYGO-ESP32-S3-LORA-89-Keyboard-Development/dp/B...
      • rokland - lilygo TTGO with meshtastic firmware: https://store.rokland.com/products/lilygo-ttgo-meshtastic-t-echo-white-l...
      • etsy - case for lilygo t-deck: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1667607664/lilygo-t-deck-wsma-snap-case-mes...
        rokland - lilygo t-deck: https://store.rokland.com/products/lilygo-t-deck-portable-microcontrolle...

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• Links:
  • bluetooth issues:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOUiGnmOPP8&t=686s
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1d8OhvfKHY
    https://www.ezurio.com/support/faqs/how-do-i-test-connecting-ble-periphe...
  • links to meshtastic nets in other cities:
    https://pugetmesh.org/
    https://sagebrushmesh.com/
        https://discord.com/channels/1248721443127296090/1248721443643068498
  • Wisblock:
    RAK46731 LoRaWAN docs: https://docs.rakwireless.com/product-categories/wisblock/rak4631/overview/
  • https://store.rakwireless.com/collections/meshtastic
  • general:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knyg6EEiGOo
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zn1Tv9eQi5s
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irurZdgJxdo
  • general setup: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smQALUBiJ8s
  • general: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHX09AZ0vIA
  • perhaps tells you your version... https://meshtastic.org/docs/configuration/radio/lora
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_lbvqCQnMY
  • problems with meshtastic?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CbXoo5rqSU
  • I/O adapter: https://store.rakwireless.com/products/adapter-module-rak13002?srsltid=A...
  • N35 with GPS module: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilNy8v1QYrQ
  • Li battery charging module: https://www.hotmcu.com/tp4056-micro-usb-5v-1a-lithium-battery-charger-mo...
  • meshtastic screen readout explanation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7cWszshHDA
  • YouTube MeshTastic channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Meshtastic
  • Logging telemetry data with AdaFruit: https://meshtastic.org/docs/software/integrations/mqtt/adafruit-io/
  • waveshare on rpi - long and confusing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91ULi9DWgds
  • meshtastic on native-linux devices: https://meshtastic.org/docs/hardware/devices/linux-native-hardware/
  • https://adrelien.com/thinknode-m1-review-e-paper-display-handheld-with-p...
  • WAV-24654: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NQHlI-al2w
  • WAV-24654: https://thepihut.com/products/sx1262-lorawan-node-module-expansion-board...
    https://www.namrd.com/product-p-402911.html
  • Channels: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egAZP4KKHNo
  • Core Electronics YouTube Series:
    intro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjJIVBOWvfc
    #1 - what is meshtastic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGSidL6m64I
    #2 - installing MT on rPi Pico: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGSidL6m64I
    https://core-electronics.com.au/sx1262-lora-node-module-for-raspberry-pi...
    #3 - channels and frequencies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4Jd6yowp6c
    #4 - sending sensor data: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyjrBtFLoVU
    #5 - controlling hardware: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs9uIrmZfgo
    #6 - integrating MQTT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4Z23yYmhvY
    #7 - simple sensor data: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7l6ExVbQg_o
    complete written course: https://core-electronics.com.au/courses/meshtastic-for-makers-workshop/
    setting up meshtastic on a rPi pico: https://core-electronics.com.au/courses/meshtastic-for-makers-workshop/#...
  • meshCore:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0CPxwvYYzs
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXoAhebQc0c
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaFltojJrAc
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAyCvLYJCj4
  • IO stuff - custom firmware:
    edit and flash custom firmware: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTNXBvOog2I
    Core Electronics series #1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjJIVBOWvfc
    Core Electronics series #3? - build a node with a rpi pico: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5d7deZqHBIls:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKP8OvBm6nM
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UT_tBZ7nByg
  • hardware options: https://store.rokland.com/pages/meshtastic-hardware-rak-lilygo
  • MeshSense: http://35.132.143.2:5920/
  • Ink HUD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToYPCecRjBo&t=228s
  • 3dp Cases:
    https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6532281
    https://old.reddit.com/r/meshtastic/comments/1bf2miy/3d_case_for_heltec_...
    https://www.printables.com/model/718956-heltec-wireless-paper-case-for-m...
    https://www.printables.com/model/767214-heltec-wireless-paper-enclosure-...
  • https://www.actility.com/what-are-lora-and-lorawan/
  • https://www.amazon.com/REYAX-RYLR998-Interface-Antenna-Transceiver/dp/B0...
  • https://www.amazon.com/RYLR689-Wireless-Include-Antenna-Interface/dp/B0B...
  • https://www.mokosmart.com/what-is-a-lora-module/
  • https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DZNHT81K/
  • Instructable - ESP32 gateway:
    • https://www.instructables.com/How-to-Program-ESP32-As-LoRa-Gateway-With-...
    • https://www.makerfabs.com/esp32-lora-gateway.html
    • LoRa relay: https://www.tindie.com/products/makerfabs/lora-relay-30a/
    • LoRa temperature/humidity/moisture sensor: https://www.makerfabs.com/lora-soil-moisture-sensor-v2.html

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