MeshCore is a newer LoRa mesh protocol designed for efficient long-range routing. It supports up to 64 hops, uses a pull-based telemetry model, and distinguishes between Companion nodes (portable handhelds) and Repeater nodes (fixed infrastructure). It’s particularly well-suited for city-scale networks with dedicated repeater backbones.
What You Need
- A LoRa radio — Starting around $35 for a DIY build or $50–100 for a ready-to-go device
- A smartphone — iOS or Android, to pair with your radio over Bluetooth
- A MeshCore-compatible app — Check meshcore.net for the latest apps
No monthly subscription, no license, no internet connection required.
Amarillo Settings
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency | US/Canada — 910.525 MHz |
| Bandwidth | 62.5 kHz |
| Spreading Factor | 7 |
| Coding Rate | 5 |
| Role | Companion (handheld) or Repeater (stationary) |
| Repeater Ad Interval | 23 hours |
Device Roles
MeshCore uses distinct roles that determine how your node behaves on the network:
- Companion — Your everyday handheld radio. Connects to nearby Repeaters to send and receive messages. Does not relay traffic for others, which keeps the network efficient.
- Repeater — A stationary node (usually solar-powered) that forms the backbone of the mesh. Repeaters relay messages between Companions and other Repeaters across long distances.
Setup
- Download a MeshCore-compatible app (check meshcore.net for the latest)
- Flash MeshCore firmware using the web flasher
- Pair your radio to your phone over Bluetooth
- Set your role — Companion for handheld, Repeater for fixed nodes
- Send a message and say hello!
Best Practices
- Use Companion mode for handhelds — Companion nodes connect to the network through Repeaters without adding unnecessary rebroadcast traffic.
- Set Repeater Ad Interval to 23 hours — Repeaters advertise themselves periodically so Companions can discover them. A long interval reduces airtime usage.
- Repeaters need good placement — Elevation and line of sight matter even more for MeshCore’s infrastructure-focused design. Rooftops and towers are ideal.
- Use a good antenna — A fiberglass antenna makes a huge difference over the stock rubber duck, especially for Repeater nodes.
- MeshCore handles routing automatically — Unlike Meshtastic, you don’t need to set hop counts manually. The protocol determines the best path.
Recommended Devices
Most LoRa radios support both MeshCore and Meshtastic — flash whichever firmware you prefer.
Budget-Friendly
- Heltec V3 — Popular and affordable. Good first radio.
- Seeed Studio SenseCAP Card Tracker T1000-E — Tiny credit-card sized tracker.
- Seeed Studio Wio Tracker 1110 — Compact option with GPS.
Ready to Go
- RAK WisMesh Pocket — Prebuilt and ready out of the box.
- LilyGO T-Echo — nRF52-based with e-ink display and GPS.
- LilyGO T-Deck — Full keyboard and screen, great for standalone use.
Solar Repeaters
- Seeed Studio Solar Node P1 — Compact solar repeater.
- Atlavox Beacon — Ruggedized solar unit.
- DIY Build — RAK board + solar panel + battery + fiberglass antenna.
Need Help?
Find the local community on the Texas Panhandle Meshtastic Facebook group.