MeshCore Device Setup

Complete guide to flashing MeshCore firmware on your device

IMPORTANT: Attach Antenna Before Powering On!

Always connect an antenna to your device BEFORE plugging in USB or turning it on. Transmitting without an antenna can permanently damage the LoRa radio chip. Even a few seconds of transmission without an antenna can cause irreversible damage. This applies to flashing AND normal use.

Quick Start

1 Install drivers if needed (see device-specific section below)
2 Put device in DFU/bootloader mode (varies by device)
3 Open the web flasher in Chrome or Edge browser
4 Select your device and click Flash
5 Configure settings after flashing (frequency, name, etc.)

Open MeshCore Web Flasher

Post-Flash Configuration

After flashing, configure your device using the MeshCore Configurator or companion app:

Essential Settings

Frequency: 915 MHz (US/Canada), 868 MHz (EU), 433 MHz (other)
Node Name: Give your node a friendly name
Node Type: Client, Router, or Repeater
Location: Set coordinates for mapping

Companion Apps

iOS: MeshCore app on App Store
Android: MeshCore app on Play Store
Web: meshcore.liamcottle.net

North Dakota Users: Use 915 MHz frequency. Join the NoDak Mesh network by connecting to existing nodes in your area!

Device-Specific Instructions

Heltec V3 / WiFi LoRa 32

DFU / Bootloader Mode

Hold BOOT button while plugging in USB, or hold BOOT and press RST

Required Driver

Download CP210x Driver

Notes

Most popular starter device. No special mode needed for most flashing.

Heltec V4 / Vision Master

DFU / Bootloader Mode

Hold BOOT button while plugging in USB, or hold BOOT and press RST

Required Driver

Download CH340 Driver

Notes

Windows users MUST install CH340 driver first. Device won't be recognized without it.

Heltec Capsule Sensor V3

DFU / Bootloader Mode

Hold BOOT button while plugging in USB

Required Driver

Download CP210x Driver

Notes

Ultra-compact tracker with GPS. Great for portable use.

Heltec T114

DFU / Bootloader Mode

Double-tap the reset button quickly to enter bootloader mode

Notes

nRF52840-based device. Shows as USB drive when in bootloader mode.

Heltec Wireless Paper

DFU / Bootloader Mode

Hold BOOT button while plugging in USB

Required Driver

Download CP210x Driver

Notes

E-ink display - great for low-power solar setups.

LilyGo T-Beam

DFU / Bootloader Mode

Hold BOOT button while plugging in USB, or hold BOOT and press RST

Required Driver

Download CP210x Driver

Notes

Has built-in GPS and 18650 battery holder. Great for mobile nodes.

LilyGo T-Deck

DFU / Bootloader Mode

Hold trackball button (press down on it) while plugging in USB

Required Driver

Download CP210x Driver

Notes

MUST enter DFU mode to flash. Has keyboard and touchscreen for standalone use.

LilyGo T-Deck Plus

DFU / Bootloader Mode

Hold trackball button (press down on it) while plugging in USB

Required Driver

Download CP210x Driver

Notes

MUST enter DFU mode to flash. Upgraded version with better display.

LilyGo T-Pager

DFU / Bootloader Mode

Hold BOOT button while plugging in USB

Required Driver

Download CP210x Driver

Notes

Compact pager-style device with keyboard.

LilyGo T-Echo

DFU / Bootloader Mode

Double-tap the reset button quickly to enter bootloader mode

Notes

nRF52840-based. Shows as USB drive in bootloader. E-ink display.

RAK WisBlock (RAK4631)

DFU / Bootloader Mode

Double-tap the reset button quickly to enter bootloader mode

Notes

nRF52840-based modular system. Shows as USB drive when in bootloader.

RAK WisMesh Pocket

DFU / Bootloader Mode

Double-tap the reset button quickly

Notes

Pre-built enclosed device. nRF52840-based.

RAK WisMesh Tag

DFU / Bootloader Mode

Double-tap the reset button quickly

Notes

Ultra-compact tracker. nRF52840-based.

Seeed Wio Tracker 1110

DFU / Bootloader Mode

Double-tap the reset button quickly to enter bootloader mode

Notes

nRF52840-based with GPS. Shows as USB drive in bootloader.

Station G2

DFU / Bootloader Mode

Hold BOOT button while plugging in USB

Required Driver

Download CP210x Driver

Notes

High-power base station. Great for home or repeater setups.

Nano G2 Ultra

DFU / Bootloader Mode

Hold BOOT button while plugging in USB

Required Driver

Download CP210x Driver

Notes

Compact device with screen. Good balance of features.

Setting Up a MeshCore Repeater

Repeaters extend mesh network coverage by forwarding messages. Here's how to configure a MeshCore repeater for optimal performance:

1. Flash Repeater Firmware

In the MeshCore flasher, select your device and choose the Repeater firmware variant if available, or flash standard firmware and configure as repeater afterward.

2. Set RTC Admin Password

Configure an admin password to protect repeater settings from unauthorized changes. This is essential for public-facing repeaters.

Settings → Security → RTC Admin Password → [Set a strong password]

3. Enable Guest Access (No Password)

For public repeaters, allow guest access so anyone can connect and use the mesh:

Settings → Security → Guest Access → Enabled (No Password)

This allows anyone to use the repeater without authentication while keeping admin functions protected.

4. Configure Advertisement Settings

Set these recommended advertisement intervals to balance network visibility with airtime usage:

Zero Hop Interval: 60 minutes

Flood Interval: 3 hours (180 minutes)

These settings reduce unnecessary network traffic while still allowing your repeater to be discovered.

5. Set Location (Optional but Recommended)

Set GPS coordinates so your repeater appears on mesh maps. This helps users find nodes and plan network coverage.

Tip: Place repeaters at high elevations with clear line-of-sight for maximum coverage. A good antenna matters more than TX power!

Troubleshooting

Device not detected?

Make sure you've installed the correct driver (see device section above)
Try a different USB cable - data cables look the same as charge-only cables
Try a different USB port, preferably USB 2.0
Make sure the device is in DFU/bootloader mode before connecting

Flash fails or times out?

Close any other apps that might be using the serial port
Use Chrome or Edge browser (Firefox doesn't support Web Serial)
Try pressing the reset button and re-entering DFU mode
For nRF52 devices: Make sure you see it as a USB drive first

Device boots but won't connect?

Check that you've set the correct frequency (915 MHz for US)
Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone
Try restarting both the device and your phone
Factory reset the device and reconfigure

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