Getting Started with Meshcore

Getting Started with MeshCore in Essex

Getting started with MeshCore is surprisingly easy. You need a compatible LoRa radio, the MeshCore firmware and a phone or computer to configure it. Once set up, your device can communicate with other MeshCore users and repeaters without relying on mobile phone coverage, Wi-Fi or the Internet.

This guide takes you through the basics of getting your first MeshCore device running and connected to the growing network across Essex and surrounding areas.

What you’ll need

  • A MeshCore-compatible LoRa device for the 868 MHz band
  • A suitable antenna
  • A USB data cable for flashing the firmware
  • A phone, tablet or computer for setup and messaging

One of the easiest and cheapest ways to get started is a Heltec LoRa 32 V3. They’re widely available, inexpensive and supported by MeshCore.

If you haven’t bought anything yet, see our MeshCore kit and hardware guide.

Step 1: Connect the antenna

Before using your LoRa device, make sure that a suitable 868 MHz antenna is connected.

Don’t overlook the antenna. The small antennas supplied with inexpensive boards are adequate for getting started, but antenna quality and position can make an enormous difference to range.

Step 2: Install MeshCore firmware

The easiest way to install MeshCore is with the official web-based firmware flasher. You don’t need to download programming software or compile the firmware yourself.

Open the MeshCore Flasher
  1. Connect your LoRa device to your computer using a USB data cable.
  2. Open the MeshCore web flasher.
  3. Select your device from the list.
  4. For a normal handheld/personal device, install the appropriate Companion firmware.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Tip: Not all USB cables carry data. If the computer can’t see your device, try another cable before assuming that there’s a problem with the board.

Step 3: Connect to your MeshCore device

Once the firmware is installed, you need an app to configure your device and use the MeshCore network.

MeshCore has apps and interfaces for supported platforms, and there’s also a web-based MeshCore app.

Open the MeshCore Web App

Connect to your newly-flashed device and give it a recognisable name. If you’re a radio amateur you may choose to use your callsign, but you don’t need to be a licensed radio amateur to use MeshCore.

Step 4: Check your radio settings

For MeshCore devices to communicate, their LoRa radio settings need to match. These include the frequency, bandwidth, spreading factor and coding rate.

The MeshCore network around Essex currently uses the normal UK/European MeshCore configuration. If you’re using the standard configuration supplied by the current MeshCore firmware, you should normally be ready to start listening without changing the advanced radio settings.

If you’re experimenting with the settings, make a note of the defaults first. A device on different LoRa parameters won’t hear the local network even if a repeater is nearby.

Step 5: Put your device somewhere sensible

LoRa can cover impressive distances, but height and location matter.

If you’re testing from home, try placing the device:

  • upstairs rather than downstairs
  • near a window
  • in a loft or other elevated position
  • away from large metal objects and electrical equipment

A device sitting on a desk in the middle of a ground-floor room may hear very little, while moving the same device upstairs to a window can make a substantial difference.

Step 6: See what’s around you

Now leave the device running and see what it discovers. Depending on your location, antenna and nearby activity, you may start seeing other MeshCore devices and repeaters.

You can also use our live map to get an idea of MeshCore activity and repeaters around Essex and the surrounding area.

View the Essex MeshCore Map

Remember that a map isn’t a guarantee of coverage. LoRa is radio, and terrain, buildings, antenna height and local interference all affect what you can actually receive.

Step 7: Send your first message

Once you’re hearing the network, try sending a message. MeshCore can use repeaters to extend communication beyond the direct radio range between two users.

We’ve also set up #essexmesh for people using MeshCore around Essex. It’s a useful place to make contact, test your setup and find other local users.

Got connected? Join #essexmesh and say hello.

Not hearing anything?

Don’t assume your device isn’t working just because nothing appears immediately. Start with the basics:

  • Check that you installed the correct MeshCore firmware for your device.
  • Make sure your antenna is connected properly.
  • Check that your radio settings match the local network.
  • Move the device upstairs or closer to a window.
  • Try a better 868 MHz antenna if you have one.
  • Check the Essex MeshCore map to see what repeaters are around you.

For more help, take a look at our MeshCore Setup FAQ.

Companion or repeater?

For your first MeshCore device, you will normally want a Companion. This is the device that you connect to and use for messaging.

A Repeater has a different job. It is normally installed in a good, elevated location and helps relay MeshCore traffic across a wider area.

It’s tempting to turn every spare board into a repeater, but more repeaters aren’t automatically better. A well-positioned repeater with a decent antenna is much more useful than one sitting downstairs in a poor RF location.

Useful official MeshCore resources

MeshCore is developing quickly, so for firmware and detailed technical information it’s worth checking the official resources:

You’re on the mesh – what next?

Once your first device is working, MeshCore becomes much more interesting. Experiment with antenna position, see which repeaters you can reach, take your companion out with you and watch how the network changes as you move around Essex.

And if you find an area with poor coverage, you may have found the ideal location for the next useful MeshCore repeater.

Explore the Essex MeshCore Network
Get MeshCore Kit