Josh
Mesh networking enthusiast and NodakMesh community member.
72 articles published
Articles by Josh
EasySkyMesh PowerSaving 18: Beta on MeshCore 1.18
EasySkyMesh PowerSaving 18 is a beta on MeshCore 1.18 that turns power saving on by default for new installs. What changed, which boards, and known issues.
MeshCore App Guide: Setup, Contacts, Channels and Repeaters
How to use the official MeshCore app: pairing, radio presets, adverts, contacts, channels, direct messages, repeater login, backups and common fixes.
MeshCore Repeater Not Showing Up or Not Repeating? Fixes
Why a MeshCore repeater doesn't show up in the app or on the map, stops relaying, or won't log in, and the CLI commands that fix each one in 1.18.
Meshtastic 2.8: Why Your Node Disappeared From the Map
Meshtastic 2.8 turns off position and telemetry sharing on public channels, even on upgrade. Why your node left the map and how to share again.
Meshtastic 2.8: What's New and Should You Update?
Meshtastic 2.8 changes US presets, signs broadcasts, gives nodes new IDs and makes position sharing opt-in. What changes, what breaks, and when to update.
Meshtastic Ham Mode: New 2 m, 1.25 m and 70 cm Regions
Meshtastic 2.8 adds licensed Ham Mode and amateur regions on 2 m, 1.25 m and 70 cm. What it changes, the default frequencies, and the hardware you need.
Meshtastic Lock Icons and Public Key Mismatch Explained
What the green, yellow and red locks mean in the Meshtastic app, why a node shows Public key mismatch and how to fix it, and the new 2.8 signed badges.
Meshtastic LongTurbo vs LongFast: Why New Nodes Hear Nothing
Meshtastic 2.8 starts new US nodes on LongTurbo, which can't hear LongFast meshes. Why it happens, how to check, and how to switch back.
Meshtastic Not Seeing Other Nodes? How to Fix It
An empty Meshtastic node list or messages that never deliver, fixed in order of likelihood: region, preset, channel, transmit, timing, filters and hops.
Meshtastic Packet Signing Explained: What 2.8 Protects
Meshtastic 2.8 signs broadcasts with XEdDSA. What a signature proves, what it doesn't, the three receive policies, and why 2.8.0 was pulled.
Meshtastic 2.8 Traffic Management and Automatic Hop Limits
Meshtastic 2.8 trims busy meshes with position dedup and automatic hop limits. What runs by default, what's opt-in, and what it means for your node.
Seeed Wio Tracker L2 Pro First Look: Touchscreen Meshtastic
Seeed's Wio Tracker L2 Pro swaps the L1's nRF52840 for an ESP32-S3, a 3.2-inch touchscreen and offline maps. Specs, firmware status and the catches.
RAK WisMesh Pocket V3: IP67 Meshtastic Handheld for $84.97
The WisMesh Pocket V3 adds an IP67 molded case, better GPS and a buzzer for $84.97. Specs, what changed from the V2, MeshCore status and ship dates.
MeshCore Companion CLI Guide: Commands and Remote CLI
How to use the MeshCore companion CLI added in firmware 1.18: every command, WiFi setup over Bluetooth, and how to grant Remote CLI safely.
Atlavox M1 Review: A Built-to-Order Mesh Handheld
Atlavox M1 review after time on Meshtastic and MeshCore. A built-to-order handheld with GPS and sensors, up to 10 days of battery, and no screen.
3D-Fuel Partnership: Mesh Node Filament Made in Fargo
NodakMesh partners with 3D-Fuel, which makes its filament in Fargo, USA. We toured the plant. Code NODAKMESH takes 10% off, plus a spool for every build.
ThinkNode M9 SD Card Malware: What We Actually Know
Elecrow shipped ThinkNode M9 units with worm-infected microSD cards. What the advisory says, what the community found, and the indicators nobody has.
RAK WisMesh Station HP: First Look at a Pi 4 Mesh Node
RAK's WisMesh Station HP puts a Raspberry Pi 4, a WisBlock HAT, and a 1-watt-class SX1262 in a finned aluminum case. Hardware tour and what it runs.
FCC Part 15.247: The 500 kHz Minimum and LoRa Mesh
Part 15.247 sets a 500 kHz minimum 6 dB bandwidth for digital modulation at 900 MHz. What the rule says, and where Meshtastic and MeshCore presets land.
SenseCAP MeshTracker X1 Review: Our New Daily Carry
A month of daily carry with the SenseCAP MeshTracker X1: 4.5 to 5 days per charge, the best reception of the three trackers we carry, and USB-C at last.
EasySkyMesh PowerSaving 17: RX Sleep Down to 0.9 mA
EasySkyMesh PowerSaving 17 adds RX duty-cycle sleep, pushing RAK4631 repeaters to 0.9 mA. Built on MeshCore 1.16, plus a GPS powersaving catch-up.
MeshCore Firmware v1.17: New Radio Logic and JSON Config
MeshCore 1.17.0 release notes: listen-before-talk rewrite, JSON config migration, new hardware (including our SenseCAP X1 port), and key fixes.
MeshCore's Next Release Ships With the SenseCAP X1 Built In
Our MeshCore X1 port merged upstream and will ship in the next release. Grab the full-feature v2.0.0 build with RGB status and haptics now.
MeshCore Now Runs on the SenseCAP MeshTracker X1
We built and upstreamed the MeshCore board port for the Seeed MeshTracker X1. Grab prebuilt firmware and flash instructions here.
GAT562 30s Kit Long-Term Review: 30dBm, Both Firmwares
GAT562 30s Kit long-term review: 30dBm repeater on a convention center's 16th floor, a reliable carpeater across Fargo, MeshCore and Meshtastic.
First Look: Seeed SenseCAP MeshTracker X1 ($42.90)
SenseCAP MeshTracker X1 pairs dual-band L1+L5 GNSS with Semtech's new LR2021 LoRa chip in an IP66 sealed card. Specs and T1000-E comparison.
SenseCAP Solar Node P1-Pro Review: Our Go-To Solar Repeater
SenseCAP Solar Node P1-Pro review: months on the roofline, a 19km link, and a battery that just works. One nitpick: RP-SMA.
Wio Tracker L1 Pro Long-Term Review: Still Our Favorite Node
The Wio Tracker L1 Pro has survived a 12-foot concrete drop, a security convention in Minneapolis, and months of outdoor use. Still our top pick.
Sosprz's L1 Pro Firmware Beats Ripple. Add It to the Flasher
Sosprz's free MeshCore build for the Wio Tracker L1 Pro matches Ripple's paid features at no cost. Full comparison and our case for flasher inclusion.
MeshCore Split: Andy Kirby's Response
Andy Kirby posted a video response to the MeshCore split. Here's his stated position on the trademark, his role, and the AI question.
Seeed SenseCAP T1000-E Review: A Pocket Tracker We Carry
Honest review of the Seeed SenseCAP T1000-E. Credit-card LoRa tracker with nRF52840, LR1110 radio, and AG3335 GNSS. Field notes from our network.
Seeed T1000-E vs Wio L1 Pro: Pocket Carry or Goldilocks
Side-by-side review of Seeed's two LoRa trackers. T1000-E for pocket carry. L1 Pro for daily mesh. Specs, field notes, and a clear pick.
Seeed Wio Tracker L1 Pro Review: The Goldilocks Mesh Node
Seeed Wio Tracker L1 Pro review. NodakMesh's daily-carry favorite. SX1262, OLED, external antenna, USB-C. Why it's our Goldilocks node.
MeshCore vs Meshtastic: What Network Are You Building?
MeshCore floods once and learns a path. Meshtastic floods every hop. Pick by what you're trying to build, not which protocol wins.
M5Stack Cardputer Mesh Kit: $48 Pocket Meshtastic Terminal
M5Stack's $48 Cardputer Mesh Kit ships pre-flashed with Meshtastic. ESP32-S3, SX1262, AT6668 GNSS, 56-key keyboard. Full specs and field notes.
EasySkyMesh PowerSaving 15: ESP32 BLE Companion at 15-20 mA
EasySkyMesh 15 brings ESP32 BLE companion power saving, no-time-drift on repeaters, and a May 4 hotfix. Built on MeshCore v1.15.
GAT562 30s Mesh Solar Repeater: 1W nRF52840 for $39.99
GAT562 30s pairs an nRF52840 with a 1W LoRa stage and direct solar pads for $39.99. Specs, the no-MPPT story, and RAK WisMesh 1W comparison.
Reading the MeshCore Disclosure From the Field
A heap overflow in MeshCore was fixed in v1.14.0 without an advisory. The exploit primitive, the impact tiers, and why disclosure still matters.
Atlavox Beacon Review: Tower-Ready Solar Mesh Repeater
Field review of the Atlavox Beacon solar repeater going up a licensed tower. Build quality, install notes, and what we'll watch through ND winter.
Seeed MeshCore Starter Kit: Solar Repeater + Client Bundle
Seeed's MeshCore Starter Kit bundles a solar repeater and Wio Tracker L1 Pro into one off-grid mesh. Antenna picks, setup tips, and who it's for.
Atlavox Affiliate Partnership: Handhelds and Solar Nodes
NodakMesh joined Atlavox's affiliate program. The M1 handheld, Beacon solar node, Beacon Preconfigured, and DIY case on our devices page.
Seeed Studio Affiliate Partnership
NodakMesh joined Seeed Studio's affiliate program. Six Meshtastic and MeshCore products, each with a reader coupon code that saves you money at checkout.
The MeshCore Split: What It Means for Operators
The MeshCore core team and Andy Kirby have separated. Here's what each side has said and where the practical picture stands for operators.
Meshtastic 2.7.21 Alpha: HTTP Deprecation and LNA Default
Meshtastic 2.7.21 alpha deprecates the HTTP server on original ESP32, flips LNA on by default for Heltec V4.3, and adds RAK 13302 power support.
Heltec Mesh Node T096: nRF52840, Boosted LoRa, GPS for $30
The Heltec T096 pairs an nRF52840 with an amplified SX1262 pushing 28 dBm, dual-band GPS, color TFT, and solar charging. Full specs and V4 comparison.
MeshCore Firmware v1.15: Repeater and Companion Notes
MeshCore 1.15 lands Heltec V4.3 and T096 support, nRF OTA updates, GROUP_DATA packets, a duty cycle CLI, and a notable rxgain default change.
MeshCore Path Hash Modes Explained: 1, 2, and 3 Byte
How MeshCore's 1, 2, and 3 byte path hashes work, why 1-byte collides at scale, and when to switch. Guide to path.hash.mode for growing meshes.
Meshtastic Range Test: Map Your Mesh Coverage
Measure and map Meshtastic coverage with the range test module, trace route, signal metrics, and MeshMapper. Field tips for flat-plains deployments.
Meshtastic MQTT Setup: Bridge Your Mesh to the Internet
Set up MQTT on Meshtastic to bridge your LoRa mesh to the internet. Uplink/downlink, public vs self-hosted broker, Home Assistant, Grafana.
MeshCore for Emergency Preparedness: A Field Guide
Build a MeshCore emergency comms network. Repeater placement, hardware kits, real-world North Dakota scenarios, and ARES/RACES/VFD integration.
Solar MeshCore Repeater Build Guide: Parts to Deployment
Full build guide for a solar MeshCore repeater. Parts list, wiring, firmware flashing, weatherproofing, and ND-winter solar sizing.
MeshCore Off-Grid Repeat: Companion as Temporary Repeater
Off-Grid Repeat lets your MeshCore companion forward packets for other nodes. How to enable it, when to use it, and the tradeoffs.
MeshCore Open: Free Companion App for Android, iOS, Desktop
MeshCore Open is a free, open-source companion app for MeshCore LoRa mesh devices across Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, macOS, and web.
How MeshCore Works: Companions, Repeaters and Room Servers
A plain-English guide to MeshCore: what companions, repeaters and room servers do, how messages find a path, which frequency to use, and common fixes.
MeshMapper Guide: Wardriving MeshCore Coverage
Map real MeshCore RF coverage with MeshMapper. The five modes, how to read the colors, MQTT observer setup, and how to get your region online.
EasySkyMesh Power Saving 14.1: Heltec V4.3 at 5.5 mA
EasySkyMesh 14.1 brings Heltec V4.3 support at 5.5 mA idle, FEM LNA toggle for 1W boards, powerlog CLI, and nRF52 companion savings to 5.8 mA.
MeshCore Firmware v1.14.1: GPS Sync, Duty Cycle, New Devices
MeshCore 1.14.1 adds GPS auto-sync, token-bucket duty cycle, SenseCAP P1 and GAT562 support, LNA toggle CLI, and three packet bug fixes.
Meshtastic Firmware 2.7.18.fb3bf78 Alpha: What's New
Meshtastic alpha 2.7.18.fb3bf78 adds multi-message storage, API port config, Rak3112 support, and InkHUD joystick nav for the Wio Tracker L1.
MeshCore Repeater v1.14.0: Path Hashes and Power Fixes
MeshCore repeater firmware 1.14.0 adds multibyte path hash, AGC reset, new CLI commands, and power fixes for Heltec V4, Tracker V2, and RAK3401.
MeshOS on LilyGO T-Deck: Standalone Off-Grid Messenger
MeshOS turns the LilyGO T-Deck into a phoneless MeshCore node. Full keyboard, offline maps, encrypted messaging, mesh tools. What it does and who it's for.
RAK WisMesh 1W Booster Starter Kit: 1 Watt LoRa for $39
RAK's WisMesh 1W Booster Starter Kit pairs an nRF52840 with a 1W SX1262 PA and SAW-filtered receiver. Full specs and RAK4631 comparison.
RAK WisMesh 1W vs RAK4631: Which WisBlock to Buy
Hardware comparison of the RAK WisMesh 1W Booster (RAK10724) and the RAK4631 WisBlock. TX power, receiver, power draw, firmware support, price.
NanoVNA Antenna Testing for 915 MHz LoRa Mesh Nodes
Measure SWR, impedance, and resonant frequency on 915 MHz LoRa antennas with a NanoVNA. Calibration, reading the display, and what good looks like.
EasySkyMesh: Power-Efficient MeshCore Firmware
EasySkyMesh publishes MeshCore firmware tuned for low idle current: 8-10 mA on Heltec V3 and RAK4631 repeaters. Why that matters for solar nodes.
Best Portable Mesh Nodes for 2025: Field-Tested Picks
Top 5 LoRa mesh nodes for Meshtastic and MeshCore in 2025. T-Echo, SenseCAP T1000-E, RAK WisMesh Tag, T-Deck Plus, T-Beam Supreme.
MeshCore Not Showing Other Nodes? How Discovery Works
Empty MeshCore contact list? Unlike Meshtastic, MeshCore stays quiet until a node sends an advert. Here's how to advertise and find other nodes.
What Is a LoRa Mesh Network? The Beginner's Guide
LoRa mesh networks send text and GPS data miles over long-range radio without cell service or internet. Here's how they work and why they matter.
Yeti Wurks Base Station Review: Solar Mesh Node Tested
Field review of the Yeti Wurks solar Meshtastic base station after a North Dakota winter. 5 miles of urban range, flawless cold-weather power.
Harbor Breeze Solar Meshtastic Node: $10 Build Guide
Turn a Harbor Breeze solar garden light into a weatherproof solar-powered LoRa mesh node with RAK WisBlock. Full BOM, wiring, and setup.
Meshtastic Device Roles Explained: All 12 Types
Every Meshtastic device role covered. What each does, when to use it, and how wrong role choices quietly kill a mesh. Field-tested guidance.
Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V3 Review: The Default Mesh Board
Field review of the Heltec V3 for Meshtastic and MeshCore. ESP32-S3, SX1262, OLED, USB-C. Why it's still our default recommendation.
Introducing Nodak Mesh: North Dakota's Mesh Community
Nodak Mesh is North Dakota's mesh community, built on MeshCore and Meshtastic LoRa hardware. Why we started it and what we're building.