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links:meshcore:part1 [2026/10/25 11:13] – [Online Tools and Maps] va7filinks:meshcore:part1 [2026/10/30 17:28] (current) – va7fi
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-<WRAP group> +====== MeshCore Part 1 ====== 
-<WRAP half column> +This page moved [[/meshcore/|here]].  Please update your bookmarks.
-**<fs xx-large>MeshCore -- Part 1</fs>** +
-</WRAP> +
-<WRAP half column> +
-<WRAP rightalign> +
-**[[mpdf>|Download as PDF]]** +
-</WRAP> +
-</WRAP> +
-</WRAP> +
-This is the first part of the guide.  [[part2 |The second part]] is about repeaters and other more advanced setups. +
----- +
- +
-====== Introduction ====== +
-From [[wp>MeshCore |Wikipedia]]: +
- +
-<QUOTE> +
-MeshCore is an open-source mesh networking protocol and software platform designed for off-grid, low-power text communication using LoRa (Long Range) radio technology. The system enables decentralized, multi-hop wireless messaging without reliance on cellular networks or internet infrastructure. +
- +
-Use cases include emergency and disaster communications, outdoor and remote activities, [...] and experimental and educational deployments of low-power mesh networking. +
- +
-[It] is designed to [...] operate in unlicensed [[wp> ISM_radio_band |ISM frequency bands]] such as 868 MHz and 915 MHz, depending on regional regulations.  +
-</QUOTE> +
- +
-The idea is that each person has a small //companion// device <key>''C''</key> paired to their cellphone via Bluetooth, and via that device, they can text each other or post public messages using the 915 MHz band, all without a special license.  The signal can travel directly between //companion// devices if they are close enough, or via a series of //repeaters// <key>''R''</key> to extend coverage. +
- +
-<WRAP centeralign> +
-{{  :links:meshcore:meshcore1.svg?600  |}} +
-</WRAP> +
- +
-<WRAP centeralign> +
-<WRAP half column> +
-{{:links:meshcore:mqsg-0.png?0x150|}} \\ MeshCore devices used as //companion//. +
-</WRAP> +
-<WRAP half column> +
-{{:links:meshcore:mqsg-1.png?0x150|}} \\ A MeshCore device setup as a //repeater//. +
-</WRAP> +
-</WRAP> +
- +
-<pagebreak> +
- +
- +
-====== Companions  ====== +
- +
-===== What is needed to use MeshCore? ===== +
-  * The MeshCore app downloaded to your cellphone or computer. +
-  * A device with the MeshCore //companion// firmware paired to your cellphone. +
-  * If needed, a device with the MeshCore //repeater// firmware to extend messaging range. +
- +
-Each person who wants to send messages needs their own //companion// device. +
- +
-==== Download the MeshCore App ==== +
-  * Search for "MeshCore" by "Liam Cottle" on [[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.liamcottle.meshcore.android|Google Play]] or the [[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/meshcore/id6742354151 |Apple App Store]]. +
-  * Alternatively, an offline copy can be downloaded for Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, and Web from [[https://meshcore.io/#download |https://meshcore.io]].  It's a good idea to have an offline copy in case of emergency. +
- +
-==== Where to buy MeshCore devices? ==== +
-  * Recommended devices are listed at [[https://meshcore.io/#hardware |https://meshcore.io]] +
-  * Alternatively, supported devices listed on [[https://meshcore.io/flasher]] can be purchased online from overseas suppliers such as [[https://aliexpress.com |AliExpress]] or [[https://www.seeedstudio.com/Wio-Tracker-L1-Pro-p-6454.html |Seeed Studio]], or in Canada from [[https://ca.robotshop.com/products/seeedstudio-wio-tracker-l1-pro-w-oled-3d-printed-casing |Robot Shop]]. +
- +
-<pagebreak> +
- +
-===== Flash the Firmware ===== +
-<WRAP group> +
- +
-<WRAP third column> +
-<WRAP important round> +
-\\ \\ +
-Use a Chromium-based web browser like [[https://brave.com/download/ |Brave]]. +
-\\ \\ +
-<wrap></wrap> +
-</WRAP> +
-</WRAP> +
- +
-<WRAP twothirds column> +
-<WRAP tip round> +
-On Linux, you may have to add the "''dialout''" group to your user.  To do that, type the following in the terminal replacing "''USER''" with your username and reboot your computer: +
- +
-''sudo usermod -a -G dialout USER'' +
-</WRAP> +
-</WRAP> +
- +
-</WRAP> +
- +
-If you already have MeshCore installed, back up your current settings: +
-  * Open the MeshCore app +
-  * Navigate to the Settings (the gear in the top right corner) +
-  * Scroll down to the "''Extra Tools''" section and select "''Export Config''" +
-  * "''Select All''" and click the check mark in the top right corner to save the "''.json''" file to your phone. +
- +
-Flash the MeshCore Firmware: +
-  * Connect the companion device to your computer via USB. +
-  * Go to https://meshcore.io/flasher (using a **Chromium Browser**). +
-  * Select your device +
-  * Select Companion Bluetooth +
-  * Select Enter DFU Mode +
-  * Select Erase Flash (for **brand new** devices only.) +
-  * Select Flash +
- +
-To reload your previous config file (required only if you lost your configuration for some reason). +
-  * Open the MeshCore App. +
-  * Connect to the companion device, but it probably has a different Bluetooth name now. +
-  * Enter the PIN displayed on your MeshCore device’s screen. If your device doesn’t have a screen, the default PIN is "''123456''". +
-  * Skip Setup. +
-  * Navigate to the Settings (the gear in the top right corner). +
-  * Scroll down to the "''Extra Tools''" section and select "''Import Config''". +
-  * Click on "''Select File''". +
-  * Select the "''*.json''" file. +
-  * "''Select All''" and click the check mark in the top right corner. +
- +
-<pagebreak> +
- +
-===== Connect to your MeshCore Device ===== +
-  * Turn on your device. +
-  * Open the MeshCore App. +
-  * Tap the "''Connect''" button in the top right corner. +
-  * Tap the "''MeshCore-XXXX''" device that matches the name shown on your MeshCore device’s screen. +
-  * Enter the PIN displayed on your MeshCore device’s screen. If your device doesn’t have a screen, the default PIN is "''123456''". +
-  * Once pairing is successful, you’ll be taken to the main screen. +
- +
-<WRAP group> +
-<WRAP centeralign> +
-<WRAP third column> +
-{{:links:meshcore:mqsg-4.png?0x400|}} \\ Tap "''Connect''" in the top right corner. +
-</WRAP> +
-<WRAP third column> +
-{{:links:meshcore:mqsg-5.png?0x400|}} \\ Tap "''MeshCore-XXXX''" which matches the name on your MeshCore device. +
-</WRAP> +
-<WRAP third column> +
-{{:links:meshcore:mqsg-6.png?0x400|}} \\ You are now connected! +
-</WRAP> +
-</WRAP> +
-</WRAP> +
- +
-If you’re having trouble pairing with Bluetooth, try rebooting your phone. +
- +
-<pagebreak> +
- +
-<WRAP group> +
-<WRAP twothirds column> +
-===== Settings ===== +
-  * Tap the settings icon in the top right corner. +
-</WRAP> +
- +
-<WRAP third column> +
-**Quick Checklist:** +
-  * [[#public_info |Share Position in Advert]] +
-  * [[#network_settings |Use 2-byte Path Hash Size]] +
-  * [[#contact_settings |Disable Auto Add of Contacts]] +
-  * [[#position_settings |Disable GPS Mode]] +
-  * [[#advertdiscover |Send a flooded advert]] +
-</WRAP> +
-</WRAP> +
-==== Public Info ==== +
-<WRAP group> +
-<WRAP twothirds column> +
-You should now rename and set a location for your MeshCore node.  These settings will be seen by other users on the MeshCore network (and online!) and can be changed anytime. +
-  * Write a name that is somewhat descriptive (your name or callsign). +
-  * Tap the map icon to pick your location. <wrap important> This will be shared online</wrap> so you might want to select a street corner that's **close to but not exactly** where you live.  It should be close enough to be useful for your neighbours to identify you as part of the neighbourhood. +
-  * Check the "''Share Position in Advert''" +
-  * Tap the <key>✔</key> icon in the top right corner to save the settings. +
-</WRAP> +
-{{:links:meshcore:mcpubinfo.png?300|}} +
-<WRAP third column> +
-</WRAP> +
-</WRAP> +
- +
-The device name in Bluetooth will not update until you reboot your node. +
- +
-==== Radio Settings ==== +
-<WRAP group> +
-<WRAP twothirds column> +
-MeshCore can be used all over the world. Different countries have different regulations on which radio frequencies can be used for public, license-free communication. To ensure your node is operating legally, please make sure to select radio settings that are compliant in your country. +
- +
-The MeshCore app provides a list of radio presets that have been suggested by the community for use in specific countries/regions, but in the SWBC region, we use different settings (see [[https://ridgeline.ve7kod.ca/faq |here]] for more details): +
- +
-  * Tap the Selected Preset field and select "''Canada''".  After you save, this will change to "''Custom''". +
-  * Change the Frequency (MHz) to "''909.000''" +
-  * Make sure the other settings match the picture and tap the <key>✔</key> icon in the top right corner to save the settings. +
- +
-The max transmit power depends on the device. +
-</WRAP> +
-{{:links:meshcore:mcradioset.png?300|}} +
-<WRAP third column> +
-</WRAP> +
-</WRAP> +
- +
- +
-==== Network Settings ==== +
-<WRAP group> +
-<WRAP twothirds column> +
-The Path Hash Size is a chunk of data that is sent with your messages to identify who you are on the mesh (kind of like your node's address).  It is the first 1, 2, or 3 bytes of your public key. +
- +
-There's a trade-off between how many hops a message can go and how many unique addresses each hash size can have.  When two nodes have the same path hash, messages can be routed to the wrong place. +
-</WRAP> +
-{{:links:meshcore:mcnetset.png?300|}} +
-<WRAP third column> +
-</WRAP> +
-</WRAP> +
- +
-^  Path Hash Size  ^  Number of unique addresses     ^  Max Hops  ^  Recommended for           ^ +
-^  1-byte          |  256  (16<sup>2</sup>)          |  64        |  <wrap alert>Avoid</wrap>  | +
-^  2-byte          |  65536  (16<sup>4</sup>)        |  32        |  Companions                | +
-^  3-byte          |  16 millions  (16<sup>6</sup>)  |  21        |  Repeaters                 | +
- +
-[[https://ridgeline.ve7kod.ca/identity |This page]] shows nodes with duplicate addresses, which can be fixed by increasing the path hash size. +
- +
-  * Tap the "''Default Path Hash Size''" and select "''2-byte''" for companions, or "''3-byte''" for repeaters. +
-  * Tap the <key>✔</key> icon in the top right corner to save the settings. +
- +
- +
-==== Other Settings ==== +
-<WRAP group> +
-<WRAP twothirds column> +
-In this section, we'll change two settings: +
-  * Contact Settings +
-  * Position Settings +
-</WRAP> +
-<WRAP third column> +
-{{:links:meshcore:mcotherset.png?300|}} +
-</WRAP> +
-</WRAP> +
-<pagebreak> +
- +
-=== Contact Settings === +
-<WRAP group> +
-<WRAP twothirds column> +
-By default, the app adds every node it hears to the contact list, but it can only store 350 contacts.  It's better to let the user add contacts manually: +
-  * Select "''Auto Add Selected''" +
-  * Uncheck all four options +
-  * Tap the <key>✔</key> icon in the top right corner to save the settings. +
-</WRAP> +
-<WRAP third column> +
-{{:links:meshcore:contactlist02.png?300|}} +
-</WRAP> +
-</WRAP> +
- +
- +
-=== Position Settings === +
-<WRAP group> +
-<WRAP twothirds column> +
-By default, the app can change your location based on your GPS coordinate.  Since we've already set an approximate location earlier, we'll want to disable this option.  It can be temporarily enabled if you're going somewhere you'd like others to be able to track you (for example). +
-  * Select "''Disabled''" +
-  * Tap the <key>✔</key> icon in the top right corner to save the settings. +
-</WRAP> +
-<WRAP third column> +
-{{:links:meshcore:mcgps.png?300|}} +
-</WRAP> +
-</WRAP> +
- +
- +
-==== Extra Tools ==== +
-<WRAP group> +
-<WRAP twothirds column> +
-The last thing we'll do before exiting the settings is to back up all our configs: +
-  * Tap "''Export Config''" +
-  * "''Select All''" +
-  * Tap the <key>✔</key> icon in the top right corner to save the settings. +
-</WRAP> +
-{{:links:meshcore:mcextratools.png?300|}} +
-<WRAP third column> +
-</WRAP> +
-</WRAP> +
- +
-Finally, let's tap the <key>✔</key> icon in the top right corner one last time to save the settings before exiting. +
-<pagebreak> +
- +
-===== Contacts ===== +
-<WRAP group> +
-<WRAP twothirds column> +
-<WRAP important round 100%>Unlike SMS, you can only send a private message to someone if you are **both** in each other's contact list.</WRAP> +
- +
-In this section, we'll see four different ways of sharing contact information. +
-</WRAP> +
-<WRAP third column> +
-Four ways to share contact information: +
-  - [[#advertdiscover |Advert / Discover]] +
-  - [[#qr_code |QR Code]] +
-  - [[#link_to_clipboard|Link to Clipboard]] +
-  - [[#in_a_channel |In a Channel]] +
-</WRAP> +
-</WRAP> +
- +
- +
- +
- +
-==== 1. Advert / Discover ==== +
-<WRAP group> +
-<WRAP twothirds column> +
-=== Advert === +
-An advert is an unencrypted packet transmitted by your MeshCore node. It includes your node name, location and type, public identity key and a cryptographic signature to prevent anyone from tampering with the information as it’s sent across the mesh. +
- +
-You can send two types of adverts: +
- +
-  * ''Zero Hop'': +
-    * The advert won’t be retransmitted by any repeaters. +
-    * Your contact details will only be received by nearby nodes. +
-  * ''Flood Routed'': +
-    * The advert will be rebroadcast by all repeaters that hear it. +
-    * Your contact details could be received by everyone on the mesh. +
-</WRAP> +
- {{:links:meshcore:mcadvert1.png?300|}} +
- {{:links:meshcore:mcadvert2.png?300|}} +
- +
-<WRAP third column> +
-</WRAP> +
-</WRAP> +
- +
- +
-There was a deliberate decision made to [[https://github.com/meshcore-dev/MeshCore/issues/974 |prevent auto advert for companions]] (but not for repeaters).  As such, you should <wrap important>flood advert at least once a week</wrap> so that new users can find and add you to their contact list. +
- +
-    * Tap the "wave" icon just to the left of the gears at the top +
-    * Tap "Advert • Flood Routed" +
- +
-<pagebreak> +
-=== Discover === +
-The easiest way to add nodes that are in your neighbourhood to your contact list is to use the map feature.  However, there are three different kinds of maps in MeshCore: +
- +
-<WRAP group> +
-<WRAP centeralign> +
-<WRAP third column> +
-{{:links:meshcore:contactlist04.png?200|}} \\ +
-1) The map at the bottom of the main page only shows nodes in your contact list. +
- +
-</WRAP> +
-<WRAP third column> +
-{{:links:meshcore:contactlist05.png?200|}} +
-{{:links:meshcore:contactlist06.png?200|}} \\ +
-2) The map under "Discover Contacts" shows all the nodes that your companion has heard so far. +
- +
-</WRAP> +
-<WRAP third column> +
-{{:links:meshcore:contactlist07.png?200|}} \\ +
-3) The "Internet Map" shows a map of all the nodes heard by "observers" that are shared to the [[https://meshcore.io/map |Internet]]. +
- +
-</WRAP> +
-</WRAP> +
-</WRAP> +
- +
-To populate your contact list, use the map under "Discover Contacts".  You might have to leave your node on for a bit for it to hear all the nodes in your area since they need to advert or transmit for your node to see them: +
-  * In the "''Discover Contacts''" -> "''Map View''" +
-  * Tap on the filter icon {{:links:meshcore:contactlist08.png?20}} and select "''Users''". +
-  * Tap on this <key>**⋮**</key> in the top right and uncheck "''Show Added Contacts''" +
- +
-The map will only show users that have not been added yet.  To add them: +
- +
-  * Tap on a node +
-  * Under the node's name, tap on "''Add''" +
- +
-If you go back to the main page's "''Map''" (1), you should now see that contact. +
- +
-The maps only show nodes that have [[#public_info |shared their Position in Advert]].  Nodes that have not shared their location will still show in the list, but you won't be able to tell where they are located.  That's why it's <wrap important>important to share your approximate location</wrap>: so others in your neighbourhood can add you to their contact list. +
- +
- +
-<pagebreak> +
- +
- +
-==== 2. QR Code ==== +
-The fastest way to share your contact information with someone who's next to you is to use QR Codes.  However, don't text or email these out; for that, there's a better way... +
- +
-=== Share === +
-<WRAP group> +
-<WRAP twothirds column> +
-To share your contact details privately via QR Code: +
-  * Tap on this <key>**⋮**</key> in the top right. +
-  * Tap the "''My Contact Code''" menu item. +
-  * Show the QR Code to the other person. +
- +
-The QR Code contains your Node Name, Node Type and Public Identity Key. Your contact details will not be transmitted over the mesh. Only the person who scans your QR Code will receive your contact details. +
- +
-</WRAP> +
-<WRAP third column> +
-{{:links:meshcore:shareqrcode.png?300|}} +
-</WRAP> +
-</WRAP> +
- +
-=== Add === +
-<WRAP group> +
-<WRAP twothirds column> +
-To add a contact via QR Code: +
-  * Tap on this <key>**⋮**</key> in the top right. +
-  * Tap the "''Add Contact''" menu item. +
-  * Tap the "''Scan QR Code''" button (if requested, grant access to the device’s camera). +
-  * Point the device’s camera at the QR Code. +
-  * The contact details will be automatically added to your contacts list. +
-  * Tap the <key>**✔**</key> icon to add. +
- +
-You may need to accept a permissions request for the MeshCore app to access your camera. This permission must be granted to be able to scan the QR Code. +
-</WRAP> +
-<WRAP third column> +
-{{:links:meshcore:addqrcode.png?300|}} +
-</WRAP> +
-</WRAP> +
- +
-<pagebreak> +
- +
-==== 3. Link to Clipboard ==== +
-The easiest way to share your contacts via email or SMS is to use a contact link. +
-<WRAP group> +
-<WRAP twothirds column> +
-=== Share === +
-To share your contact link: +
-  * Tap on this <key>**⋮**</key> in the top right. +
-  * Tap the "''My Contact Code''" menu item. +
-  * Tap on this <key>**⋮**</key> in the top right. +
-  * Tap on "''Copy Link to Clipboard''" +
-  * Paste the link in an email or SMS +
-</WRAP> +
- +
-<WRAP third column> +
-{{:links:meshcore:sharelink.png?300|}} +
-</WRAP> +
-</WRAP> +
- +
-<WRAP group> +
-<WRAP twothirds column> +
-=== Add === +
-To add a contact link: +
-  * Copy the contact link you were sent to your phone's clipboard. +
-  * In the MeshCore app, tap on <key>**⋮**</key> in the top right. +
-  * Tap on "''Add Contact''" +
-  * Tap on "''Import from Clipboard Link''" +
-  * Tap the <key>**✔**</key> icon to add. +
- +
-</WRAP> +
- +
-<WRAP third column> +
-{{:links:meshcore:import_link.png?300|}} +
-</WRAP> +
-</WRAP> +
-<pagebreak> +
-==== 4. In a Channel ==== +
-We haven't discussed Channels yet so feel free to come back to this section later.   +
- +
-=== Share === +
-<WRAP group> +
-<WRAP twothirds column> +
-Here's how to share your contact information with everyone in the Channel: +
-  * In a channel, tap the <key>**⊕**</key> icon at the bottom left +
-  * Tap "''My Contact Info''" and tap the "send" icon at the bottom right. +
- +
-You'll see a message that says: "//You shared this contact//" +
-</WRAP> +
- +
-<WRAP third column> +
-{{:links:meshcore:sharetochannel.png?400|}} +
-</WRAP> +
-</WRAP> +
- +
-=== Add === +
-<WRAP group> +
-<WRAP twothirds column> +
-To add a contact shared in a channel: +
-  * Simply tap the "''Add Contact''" button.  This will populate the name and public key in the ''Add Contact'' window. +
-  * Tap <key>**✔**</key> icon to add. +
-</WRAP> +
- +
-<WRAP third column> +
-{{:links:meshcore:addfromchannel.png?300|}} +
-</WRAP> +
-</WRAP> +
- +
-<pagebreak> +
- +
- +
- +
- +
- +
-===== Public-key Cryptography ===== +
-<WRAP center round info 80%> +
-This section is **optional**.  It'll help you understand how channels and private messages work, but it won't show you how to do anything new. Feel free to skip it. +
-</WRAP> +
- +
- +
-There are basically two different strategies for encrypting a message: +
- +
-**[[wp>Symmetric-key_algorithm |Symmetric-key cryptography]]** is a system where the key to encrypt and decrypt a message is the same. +
- +
-For example, if I generate a long random list of numbers between 1 and 26, I could use that to encrypt a message, and you could use the same list to decrypt it.  Let's encrypt the word "//hello//" by shifting each letter by (1, 9, 2, 7, 3).  The result is "//innsr//".  You can then shift them back using the key to recover "//hello//". +
- +
-This can be very secure //if// the key is random, is as long as the message itself, and is never reused for other messages.  A big practical problem is that I have to somehow give you a copy of the key without it getting intercepted.  If I can do that, I might as well give you the unencrypted message. +
- +
-**[[wp>Public-key_cryptography |Public-key cryptography]]** bypasses the problem of sharing the key securely.   +
- +
-You start with a large random number and use that to generate a //pair// of keys that are "inverses" of each other in some sense.  That way, a message encrypted with one key can only be decrypted with its pair.  This is based on the idea that a lot of processes in math are not easily reversible, so deducing one key from its pair is almost impossible. +
- +
-Once you have this pair of keys, you keep one secret, and you publish the other one.  That's right, you share one of your keys with everyone!  Here are two things that you can now do: +
-  * If I use your public key to encrypt a message that I post on a public forum, you're the only one who will be able to decrypt it with your private key. +
-  * If I use my private key to encrypt a message that I post on a public forum, everyone will be able to decrypt the message (because they have my public key), but they'll know that the message has not been tampered with, and that it really comes from me because I'm the only one with the private key that encrypted it.  Most software publishers use this scheme to sign the programs they publish online. +
- +
-==== MeshCore and Public-key Cryptography ==== +
- +
-MeshCore uses Public Key Cryptography to: +
-  * Identify you uniquely: your public key is your unique ID.  It's listed in [[#public_info |System -> Public Info]], and it's part of the [[#qr_code |Contact Info]] that you share with others for them to add you to their contact list.  Your private key can be [[#extra_tools |exported]] for backup purposes or in case you upgrade your device and want to keep the same ID.  But <wrap alert>don't share your private key with anyone.</wrap> +
-  * A private message is encrypted with the recipient's public key.  So even though it's transmitted over RF and everyone is receiving the message, only the recipient's private key can decrypt it. +
-  * Different types of channels use public / private key pairs in different ways to make the channel either public or private (more on that in the next section). +
- +
-<pagebreak> +
- +
-===== Direct, Private Messages ===== +
- +
-To send a direct, private message to someone, <wrap important>you **both** need to be in each other's contact lists.</wrap> +
-  * Use one of the four methods for [[#contacts |sharing contact info]]. +
-  * From the "''Contacts''" screen, tap on a contact. +
-  * Type your message as you would an SMS. +
- +
-When you send a direct message to someone, it’s possible that it may not go through after several automatic attempts. This can happen for many different reasons, such as: +
-  * Being out of range of the intended recipient. +
-  * There are no repeaters in between you and the intended recipient. +
-  * The intended recipient’s radio might be turned off. +
-  * There might be interference on the radio spectrum. +
-  * The recipient doesn't have you in their contact list. +
- +
-To try sending the failed message again: +
-  * Long-press the failed message shown in red. +
-  * Tap the "''Retry Sending''" button shown in the message actions pop-up. +
-  * Your message will try sending again. +
- +
-<WRAP group> +
-<WRAP centeralign> +
-<WRAP third column> +
-{{:links:meshcore:mqsg-28.png?0x240|}} \\ Long-press the failed message shown in red. +
-</WRAP> +
-<WRAP third column> +
-{{:links:meshcore:mqsg-29.png?0x240|}} \\ Tap the "Retry Sending" message action. +
-</WRAP> +
-<WRAP third column> +
-{{:links:meshcore:mqsg-30.png?0x240|}} \\ Your message will try sending again. +
-</WRAP> +
-</WRAP> +
-</WRAP> +
- +
- +
-<pagebreak> +
- +
- +
- +
- +
- +
-===== Channels ===== +
-Channels are "places" for people to share messages with large groups of people.  It's not possible to know who did and did not receive messages posted in channels.  There is also no "storing" capability, so if someone's node is out of reach, they will miss these messages. +
- +
-There are three types of channels: +
-<WRAP indent> +
-|<100% 11em - >| +
-^The Public channel | has a known public/private key pair so every device can send messages to and read messages from that channel.| +
-^Hashtag channels | can be created and joined by anyone.  The public/private key pair is derived from the hashtag name so anyone who knows the hashtag can join.  These are public channels based on different topics or regions.| +
-^Private channels | have a randomly generated keys.  So only those who know the private key can join the channel.  Messages there are private in-so-far as the private key is not distributed outside the intended circle.| +
-</WRAP> +
- +
-==== The Public Channel ==== +
-By default, messages sent to the "''Public''" channel can be seen by anyone on the MeshCore network. They are repeated across the mesh by all repeaters that hear them. Other mesh nodes in range of you or a repeater that rebroadcast the message should receive it. +
- +
-To send a message: +
-  * Tap the channels tab at the bottom of the screen. +
-  * Tap the "''Public''" channel. +
-  * Type a message and press the send icon. +
- +
-To join the "''Public''" channel if it's not there: +
-  * Tap on <key>**⋮**</key> in the top right. +
-  * Tap on "''Add Channel''" +
-  * Tap on "''Join the Public Channel''" +
-  * Leave the Channel Name to "''Public''" and tap "''Join Channel''" +
- +
-<pagebreak> +
- +
-==== Hashtag Channel ==== +
-Hashtag channels are public channels based on topics or regions.  Here are a few channels used in the South West region of BC: +
-<WRAP indent> +
-|<100%>| +
-^''#bc''      |Public channel for BC | +
-^''#salishmesh'' |Public channel for the Salish area | +
-^''#ssi''     |Public channel for Salt-Spring Island | +
-^''#news''    |News related items | +
-^''#drivebc'' |A bot that posts Drive BC notifications | +
-^''#kod-bot'' |A bot maintained by VE7KOD for testing.  Common commands: ''test'' (or ''t''), ''Path'' (or ''p'').  [[https://agessaman.github.io/meshcore-bot/command-reference/ |Full list here.]] | +
-</WRAP> +
- +
-To join an existing hashtag channel, or create a new one: +
-  * Tap on <key>**⋮**</key> in the top right. +
-  * Tap on "''Add Channel''" +
-  * Tap on "''Join a Hashtag Channel''" +
-  * Type the channel name after the ''#'' symbol and tap "''Join Channel''" +
- +
-==== Private Channel === +
-Private channels create their key pairs randomly and independently of the channel name.  As such, a private channel can be renamed without affecting its "identity".  Here are a list of some private channels used in the South West region of BC. +
- +
-<WRAP indent> +
-|<100% 11em ->| +
-^''Sunshine Coast''      |Private channel for the Sunshine Coast | +
-^''VanIsle'' |Private channel for the Vancouver Island | +
-</WRAP> +
- +
-There may be more that we are not aware of, and we will not list the private key for these channels here. +
- +
-To join an existing private channel: +
-  * Obtain the private key from someone in that channel. +
-  * Tap on <key>**⋮**</key> in the top right. +
-  * Tap on "''Add Channel''" +
-  * Tap on "''Join a Private Channel''" +
-  * Type the channel name after and the secret key (private key), and tap "''Join Channel''" +
- +
-To create a new private channel: +
-  * Obtain the private key from someone in that channel. +
-  * Tap on <key>**⋮**</key> in the top right. +
-  * Tap on "''Add Channel''" +
-  * Tap on "''Create a Private Channel''" +
-  * Type the channel name and copy the secret key (you can do this later). +
- +
-<pagebreak> +
- +
-==== Notifications ==== +
-Each channel can be configured with one of three different notification levels: +
-<WRAP indent> +
-|<100% 11em ->| +
-^All Messages |A notification will show for all received messages.| +
-^Mentions Only |A notification will show if someone mentions you. | +
-^None |Notifications will not be shown. | +
-</WRAP> +
- +
-To change a channel's default notification settings: +
-  * Tap on <key>**⋮**</key> beside the channel you want to change. +
-  * Tap on "''Notifications''" +
-  * Select the notification level you want +
-  * Tap the <key>**✔**</key> icon to save the settings. +
- +
-There are two ways to mention someone in a channel: +
-  * Long press on one of their messages. +
-  * Tap  "''Reply''" +
-  * Type your message after the string that's automatically added. +
- +
-or +
-  * In the message window, type: "''@[TheirMeshCoreName]''" somewhere in the message (it doesn't have to be at the beginning). +
-  +
- +
-<pagebreak> +
- +
- +
- +
-===== Ping a Repeater ===== +
-To check the signal strength to and from a nearby repeater, you can run a ping test: +
-  * Tap on this <key>**⋮**</key> icon next to a repeater contact. +
-  * Tap the "''Ping (Zero Hop)''" menu item. +
-  * A green pop-up will show signal strengths if successful. +
-  * A red pop-up will show "Timeout" if your companion didn’t hear the repeater. +
- +
-<WRAP group> +
-<WRAP centeralign> +
-<WRAP third column> +
-{{:links:meshcore:mqsg-31.png?0x400|}} \\ Tap on this <key>**⋮**</key> icon next to a repeater contact. +
-</WRAP> +
-<WRAP third column> +
-{{:links:meshcore:mqsg-32.png?0x400|}} \\ Tap the "Ping (Zero Hop)" menu item. +
-</WRAP> +
-<WRAP third column> +
-{{:links:meshcore:mqsg-33.png?0x400|}} \\ A green pop-up will show signal strengths if successful. +
-</WRAP> +
-</WRAP> +
-</WRAP> +
- +
-Ping tests do not hop through multiple repeaters. You must be in range of the specific repeater you are ping testing. For a ping test to be successful, the repeater must hear your companion signal directly, and your companion must hear the repeater signal directly. If you’re not in range of the repeater, the ping test will fail with a timeout error. +
- +
-<pagebreak> +
- +
- +
- +
-====== Resources ====== +
- +
-===== Online Tools and Maps ===== +
- +
-|[[https://app.meshcore.nz]]|The browser version of the MeshCore app| +
-|[[https://map.meshcore.dev/?zoom=10&lat=49.5127&lon=-123.5797| https://map.meshcore.io]] |Official MeshCore Node map| +
-|[[https://swbc.meshmapper.net]] |Community generated map | +
-|[[https://ridgeline.ve7kod.ca]] |Meshcore Observatory by VE7KOD| +
-|[[https://analyzer.letsmesh.net/map?lat=44.46703&long=-99.43156&zoom=2 |https://analyzer.letsmesh.net]] |MeshCore Analyser | +
-|[[https://heywhatsthat.com/profiler.html |https://heywhatsthat.com]] |Path Profiler | +
- +
-===== Other Information ===== +
- +
-  * Official MeshCore [[https://meshcore.io |Website]] and  [[https://github.com/meshcore-dev/MeshCore| Github]] +
-  * [[https://youtu.be/OwmkVkZQTf4 |Youtube Presentation by Liam Cottle]] +
-  * [[https://scottbaker.ca/meshcore |Scott Baker's Website]] +
-  * {{:links:meshcore:mc_viard_document.pdf |Vancouver Island Amateur Radio Discord MeshCore tips & Tricks}} <wrap hi>NEW</wrap> +
-  * [[https://salishmesh.net/ |Salish Mesh Website]] +
-  * [[https://forum.letsmesh.net/ |Forum]] +
-  * [[https://www.austinmesh.org/learn/meshcore-vs-meshtastic/ |MeshCore vs Meshtastic]] +
-  * [[https://idahomesh.org/meshcore-channels-rooms-and-dms/ |Channels vs Rooms vs DMs]] +
- +
-===== Copyright and Attribution ===== +
-This document is licensed under [[https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ |CC BY-SA 4.0 International]].  The original can be found at https://scarcs/links/meshcore/home +
- +
-A big part of this document used Liam Cottle's [[https://files.liamcottle.net/MeshCore/Documentation/MeshCore_Quick_Start_Guide.pdf |MeshCore Quick Start Guide]] from November 2025 (CC-BY-SA) as a starting point.  We then updated and expended his guide with regional settings used on the South West Coast of BC.+
links/meshcore/part1.1792952002.txt.gz · Last modified: by va7fi