Meshtastic is the original open-source LoRa mesh firmware. It has a large community, broad device support, and a mature app ecosystem. Every node rebroadcasts by default, making it great for ad-hoc groups, GPS tracking, and events.
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
- The Meshtastic app — Available for iOS and Android
No monthly subscription, no license, no internet connection required.
Amarillo Settings
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Region | United States |
| Modem Preset | Long Range Fast |
| Frequency | 906.875 MHz |
| Role | Client |
| Hop Count | 3 |
| Node Info Broadcast | 3 hours |
| Position Broadcast | 1 hour |
Setup
- Download the Meshtastic app for iOS or Android
- Flash Meshtastic firmware to your device using the web flasher
- Pair your radio to your phone over Bluetooth
- Apply the Amarillo settings from the table above
- Send a message on the public channel — you’re on the mesh!
Best Practices
- Use Client mode — not Router or Router & Client. Client mode creates better routing behavior for the network overall. Only set a node as Router if you’re running a dedicated solar repeater.
- Start with a hop count of 3 — this covers most situations without flooding the network with unnecessary rebroadcasts.
- Be mindful with MQTT — MQTT bridging is great for connecting remote nodes (like our Dalhart neighbors), but bridging into a busy remote mesh can create unnecessary congestion on the local network. If you’re not sure, leave MQTT off.
- Use a good antenna — even a cheap fiberglass antenna dramatically outperforms the rubber duck that ships with most radios.
- Get up high — LoRa loves line of sight. A radio in a second-story window or on a rooftop will reach much further than one sitting on a desk.
Recommended Devices
Most LoRa radios support both Meshtastic and MeshCore — 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.