Sun Coast Amateur
Radio Club Society

User Tools

Site Tools

You are here: home » links » meshcore » part1
links:meshcore:part1

Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

Link to this comparison view

Both sides previous revisionPrevious revision
Next revision		Previous revision
links:meshcore:part1 [2026/10/25 11:58] – [To Do] va7filinks:meshcore:part1 [2026/10/25 20:34] (current) – [To Do] va7fi
Line 11: Line 11:
 This is the first part of the guide.  [[part2 |The second part]] is about repeaters and other more advanced setups. This is the first part of the guide.  [[part2 |The second part]] is about repeaters and other more advanced setups.
 ---- ----
 +
  
 ====== Introduction ====== ====== Introduction ======
Line 91: Line 92:
   * Connect the companion device to your computer via USB.   * Connect the companion device to your computer via USB.
   * Go to https://meshcore.io/flasher (using a **Chromium Browser**).   * Go to https://meshcore.io/flasher (using a **Chromium Browser**).
-  * Select your device +  * Select your device. 
-  * Select Companion Bluetooth +  * Select Companion Bluetooth. 
-  * Select Enter DFU Mode +  * Select Enter DFU Mode. 
-  * Select Erase Flash (for **brand new** devices only.) +  * Select Erase Flash (for **brand new** devices only). 
-  * Select Flash+  * Select Flash.
  
 To reload your previous config file (required only if you lost your configuration for some reason). To reload your previous config file (required only if you lost your configuration for some reason).
Line 109: Line 110:
  
 <WRAP pagebreak /> <WRAP pagebreak />
 +
  
 ===== Connect to your MeshCore Device ===== ===== Connect to your MeshCore Device =====
Line 124: Line 126:
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
 <WRAP third column> <WRAP third column>
-{{:links:meshcore:mqsg-5.png?0x400|}} \\ Tap "''MeshCore-XXXX''" which matches the name on your MeshCore device.+{{:links:meshcore:mqsg-5.png?0x400|}} \\ Tap "''MeshCore-XXXX''", which matches the name on your MeshCore device.
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
 <WRAP third column> <WRAP third column>
Line 135: Line 137:
  
 <WRAP pagebreak /> <WRAP pagebreak />
 +
  
 <WRAP group> <WRAP group>
Line 148: Line 151:
   * [[#contact_settings |Disable Auto Add of Contacts]]   * [[#contact_settings |Disable Auto Add of Contacts]]
   * [[#position_settings |Disable GPS Mode]]   * [[#position_settings |Disable GPS Mode]]
-  * [[#advertdiscover |Send a flooded advert]]+  * [[#advertdiscover |Send a Flood Advert]]
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
 +
 ==== Public Info ==== ==== Public Info ====
 <WRAP group> <WRAP group>
Line 184: Line 188:
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
- 
  
 ==== Network Settings ==== ==== Network Settings ====
Line 201: Line 204:
 ^  1-byte          |  256  (16<sup>2</sup>)          |  64        |  <wrap alert>Avoid</wrap>  | ^  1-byte          |  256  (16<sup>2</sup>)          |  64        |  <wrap alert>Avoid</wrap>  |
 ^  2-byte          |  65536  (16<sup>4</sup>)        |  32        |  Companions                | ^  2-byte          |  65536  (16<sup>4</sup>)        |  32        |  Companions                |
-^  3-byte          |  16 millions  (16<sup>6</sup>)  |  21        |  Repeaters                 |+^  3-byte          |  16 million  (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. [[https://ridgeline.ve7kod.ca/identity |This page]] shows nodes with duplicate addresses, which can be fixed by increasing the path hash size.
Line 207: Line 210:
   * Tap the "''Default Path Hash Size''" and select "''2-byte''" for companions, or "''3-byte''" for repeaters.   * 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.   * Tap the <key>✔</key> icon in the top right corner to save the settings.
- 
  
 ==== Other Settings ==== ==== Other Settings ====
Line 234: Line 236:
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
- 
  
 === Position Settings === === Position Settings ===
Line 247: Line 248:
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
- 
  
 ==== Extra Tools ==== ==== Extra Tools ====
Line 264: Line 264:
 Finally, let's tap the <key>✔</key> icon in the top right corner one last time to save the settings before exiting. Finally, let's tap the <key>✔</key> icon in the top right corner one last time to save the settings before exiting.
 <WRAP pagebreak /> <WRAP pagebreak />
 +
  
 ===== Contacts ===== ===== Contacts =====
Line 274: Line 275:
 <WRAP third column> <WRAP third column>
 Four ways to share contact information: Four ways to share contact information:
-  - [[#advertdiscover |Advert / Discover]]+  - [[#advertdiscover |Advert/Discover]]
   - [[#qr_code |QR Code]]   - [[#qr_code |QR Code]]
   - [[#link_to_clipboard|Link to Clipboard]]   - [[#link_to_clipboard|Link to Clipboard]]
Line 281: Line 282:
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
  
 +==== 1. Advert/Discover ====
  
- +=== Advert ===
- +
-==== 1. Advert / Discover ====+
 <WRAP group> <WRAP group>
 <WRAP twothirds column> <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. 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.
  
Line 305: Line 304:
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
 </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. 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.
Line 313: Line 311:
  
 <WRAP pagebreak /> <WRAP pagebreak />
 +
 === Discover === === 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: 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:
Line 321: Line 320:
 {{:links:meshcore:contactlist04.png?200|}} \\ {{:links:meshcore:contactlist04.png?200|}} \\
 1) The map at the bottom of the main page only shows nodes in your contact list. 1) The map at the bottom of the main page only shows nodes in your contact list.
- 
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
 <WRAP third column> <WRAP third column>
Line 327: Line 325:
 {{:links:meshcore:contactlist06.png?200|}} \\ {{:links:meshcore:contactlist06.png?200|}} \\
 2) The map under "Discover Contacts" shows all the nodes that your companion has heard so far. 2) The map under "Discover Contacts" shows all the nodes that your companion has heard so far.
- 
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
 <WRAP third column> <WRAP third column>
 {{:links:meshcore:contactlist07.png?200|}} \\ {{: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]]. 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> </WRAP>
Line 343: Line 339:
  
 The map will only show users that have not been added yet.  To add them: The map will only show users that have not been added yet.  To add them:
- 
   * Tap on a node   * Tap on a node
   * Under the node's name, tap on "''Add''"   * Under the node's name, tap on "''Add''"
Line 350: Line 345:
  
 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. 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.
- 
  
 <WRAP pagebreak /> <WRAP pagebreak />
- 
  
 ==== 2. QR Code ==== ==== 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...+The fastest way to share your contact information with someone next to you is to use QR Codes.  However, don't text or email these out; for that, there's a better way...
  
 === Share === === Share ===
Line 396: Line 389:
 ==== 3. Link to Clipboard ==== ==== 3. Link to Clipboard ====
 The easiest way to share your contacts via email or SMS is to use a contact link. The easiest way to share your contacts via email or SMS is to use a contact link.
 +
 === Share === === Share ===
 <WRAP group> <WRAP group>
Line 421: Line 415:
   * Tap on "''Import from Clipboard Link''"   * Tap on "''Import from Clipboard Link''"
   * Tap the <key>**✔**</key> icon to add.   * Tap the <key>**✔**</key> icon to add.
- 
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
  
Line 428: Line 421:
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
 +
 <WRAP pagebreak /> <WRAP pagebreak />
 +
 ==== 4. In a Channel ==== ==== 4. In a Channel ====
-We haven't discussed Channels yet so feel free to come back to this section later.  +We haven't discussed Channels yet, so feel free to come back to this section later.  
  
 === Share === === Share ===
Line 461: Line 456:
  
 <WRAP pagebreak /> <WRAP pagebreak />
- 
- 
- 
  
  
Line 470: Line 462:
 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. 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> </WRAP>
- 
  
 There are basically two different strategies for encrypting a message: There are basically two different strategies for encrypting a message:
Line 489: Line 480:
  
 ==== MeshCore and Public-key Cryptography ==== ==== MeshCore and Public-key Cryptography ====
- 
 MeshCore uses Public Key Cryptography to: 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>   * 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.   * 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).+  * 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).
  
 <WRAP pagebreak /> <WRAP pagebreak />
  
-===== Direct, Private Messages ===== 
  
 +===== 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> 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]].   * Use one of the four methods for [[#contacts |sharing contact info]].
Line 529: Line 519:
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
- 
  
 <WRAP pagebreak /> <WRAP pagebreak />
- 
- 
- 
  
  
 ===== Channels ===== ===== 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.+Channels are "places" for people to share messages with 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: There are three types of channels:
Line 545: Line 531:
 ^The Public channel | has a known public/private key pair so every device can send messages to and read messages from that channel.| ^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.| ^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.|+^Private channels | have randomly generated keys.  So only those who know the private key can join the channel.  Messages there are private insofar as the private key is not distributed outside the intended circle.|
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
  
Line 560: Line 546:
   * Tap on "''Add Channel''"   * Tap on "''Add Channel''"
   * Tap on "''Join the Public Channel''"   * Tap on "''Join the Public Channel''"
-  * Leave the Channel Name to "''Public''" and tap "''Join Channel''"+  * Leave the Channel Name as "''Public''" and tap "''Join Channel''"
  
 <WRAP pagebreak /> <WRAP pagebreak />
Line 571: Line 557:
 ^''#salishmesh'' |Public channel for the Salish area | ^''#salishmesh'' |Public channel for the Salish area |
 ^''#ssi''     |Public channel for Salt-Spring Island | ^''#ssi''     |Public channel for Salt-Spring Island |
-^''#news''    |News related items |+^''#news''    |News-related items |
 ^''#drivebc'' |A bot that posts Drive BC notifications | ^''#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.]] | ^''#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.]] |
Line 588: Line 574:
 |<100% 11em ->| |<100% 11em ->|
 ^''Sunshine Coast''      |Private channel for the Sunshine Coast | ^''Sunshine Coast''      |Private channel for the Sunshine Coast |
-^''VanIsle'' |Private channel for the Vancouver Island |+^''VanIsle'' |Private channel for Vancouver Island |
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
  
-There may be more that we are not aware of, and we will not list the private key for these channels here.+There may be more that we are not aware of, and we will not list the private keys for these channels here.
  
 To join an existing private channel: To join an existing private channel:
Line 598: Line 584:
   * Tap on "''Add Channel''"   * Tap on "''Add Channel''"
   * Tap on "''Join a Private Channel''"   * Tap on "''Join a Private Channel''"
-  * Type the channel name after and the secret key (private key), and tap "''Join Channel''"+  * Type the channel name, the secret key (private key), and tap "''Join Channel''"
  
 To create a new private channel: To create a new private channel:
Line 625: Line 611:
  
 There are two ways to mention someone in a channel: There are two ways to mention someone in a channel:
-  * Long press on one of their messages.+  * Long-press on one of their messages.
   * Tap  "''Reply''"   * Tap  "''Reply''"
   * Type your message after the string that's automatically added.   * Type your message after the string that's automatically added.
Line 634: Line 620:
  
 <WRAP pagebreak /> <WRAP pagebreak />
- 
  
  
Line 661: Line 646:
  
 <WRAP pagebreak /> <WRAP pagebreak />
- 
  
  
Line 667: Line 651:
  
 ===== Online Tools and Maps ===== ===== Online Tools and Maps =====
- 
 |[[https://app.meshcore.nz]]|The browser version of the MeshCore app| |[[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://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://swbc.meshmapper.net]] |Community-generated map | 
-|[[https://ridgeline.ve7kod.ca]] |Meshcore Observatory by VE7KOD|+|[[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://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 | |[[https://heywhatsthat.com/profiler.html |https://heywhatsthat.com]] |Path Profiler |
  
-===== More Information ===== 
  
 +===== More Information =====
 |[[https://meshcore.io]] |Official MeshCore website| |[[https://meshcore.io]] |Official MeshCore website|
 |[[https://github.com/meshcore-dev/MeshCore]] |Official MeshCore Github| |[[https://github.com/meshcore-dev/MeshCore]] |Official MeshCore Github|
Line 686: Line 669:
 |[[https://idahomesh.org/meshcore-channels-rooms-and-dms]] |Channels vs Rooms vs DMs| |[[https://idahomesh.org/meshcore-channels-rooms-and-dms]] |Channels vs Rooms vs DMs|
 |[[https://discord.gg/vHUqyBSTPe]] |Vancouver Island Amateur Radio Discord Server | |[[https://discord.gg/vHUqyBSTPe]] |Vancouver Island Amateur Radio Discord Server |
 +
  
 ===== To Do ===== ===== To Do =====
Line 691: Line 675:
   * Add screenshots to the [[#channels]] section   * Add screenshots to the [[#channels]] section
   * Edit the [[part2 |second part]] of this guide.   * Edit the [[part2 |second part]] of this guide.
- --- //[[[email protected]|Patrick, VA7FI]] 2026/10/25 18:54// + --- //[[[email protected]|Patrick, VA7FI]] 2026/10/25 20:34//
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
 +
  
 ===== Copyright and Attribution ===== ===== 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 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.+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 expanded his guide with regional settings used on the South West Coast of BC.
links/meshcore/part1.1792954692.txt.gz · Last modified: by va7fi