Guides
Step-by-step tutorials, setup guides, and how-to articles for Meshtastic and MeshCore.
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.
MeshCore Explained: Roles, Routing, and Building a Mesh
How MeshCore's companion, repeater, and room server roles work. Plus path routing, frequency settings, flashing, and the most 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.
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 Device Discovery Explained (Coming From Meshtastic)
Why your MeshCore contact list is empty and how to find other nodes. Adverts, zero-hop, public channels, and what to do when you see no one.
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.
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.