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Meshcore

Introduction

From Wikipedia:

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 ISM frequency bands such as 868 MHz and 915 MHz, depending on regional regulations.

The basic idea is that you get a small companion device that you pair to your cell phone via bluetooth, and via that device, you can text others or post public messages using the 915 MHz band, all without a special license.

Getting Started: Companions

See Scott Baker's article for more information.

Next Step: Repeaters

Install Instructions

Install Instructions

If you already have Meshcore installed (but not the bootloader), download your current settings:

  • Connect your device to your computer with a USB cable.
  • Click on Connect
  • Click on Export
  • Click on Disconnect
  • Locate the .json file (probably in your Downloads folder).

Download the bootloader:

  • Select your device
  • Select Repeater (or Room Server)
  • Click on Download
  • Select the *bootloader-x.x.x-OTAFIXx.x.uf2 file
  • Locate the .uf2 file (probably in your Download folder).

Copy the bootloader over to your device:

  • Connect your device to your computer with a USB cable.
  • Double click on the reset button.
  • Open the drive that just mounted on your computer
  • Copy the .uf2 file to the drive.
  • The drive may close on its own right away. This is normal.

Flash the Meshcore Firmware:

  • Select your device
  • Select Repeater (or Room Server)
  • Select Enter DFU Mode
  • Select Erase Flash
  • Select Flash

Re-upload your settings:

  • Select Configure via USB from the previous page, or navigate to https://config.meshcore.io/
  • Select Connect
  • Select Import
  • Select your .json file
  • Scroll down to the Access section and retype your New Admin password (it doesn't remember it)
  • Scroll down and select Save settings
  • Select Disconnect

Setup the Over the Air (OTA) update app (first time only):

  • Download the “nRF Device Firmware Update” app by “Nordic Semiconductor ASA” (Android, Apple)
  • Open the DFU app
  • In the settings, check Packet receipt notification

Perform an OTA update:

  • Using your phone's browser, navigate to https://meshcore.io/flasher
    • Select your device
    • Select Repeater (or Room Server)
    • Select Download
    • Select the firmware zip file (not the bootloader file)
  • Using the Meshcore app, login to your repeater (or room server) using the admin password.
    • For Room Servers: go to Remote Management
    • Go to the Command Line
    • Type start ota, you should get a message that says: OK - mac: xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx
  • Open the DFU app
    • Under File click Select to chose the firmware .zip file
    • Under Device click Select and chose the device that has DFU in the name.
    • Under Progress click Start

See Scott Baker's article for more information.

More Advanced: Sensors

Maps

Tools

Resources

List of Repeaters on the Coast

VA7KRZ-Gibsons-RP1

Location: Kitchen Window, Gibsons (49.414161, -123.515539)
Equipment: Heltec V3 with a 5.8 dBi Antenna
Orientation: Clear line-of-sight toward Richmond / Lower Mainland
Sponsor: Adam, VA7KRZ
Public Key: 612826cd886fd45bc6ce607308d14a4cb77b49673042d9844bf54242df5e74d8

Under Construction:

Location: Roof, Gibsons (49.414161, -123.515539)
Equipment: RAK19004 (power module), RAK19007 (Baseboard), RAK4631 (LoRaWAN module)

VA7FI - SenseCap

Location: Atop a 20 m tree in Roberts Creek
Equipment: SenseCAP with stock antenna
Sponsor: Patrick, VA7FI
Public Key: 0c035f5ec37944b7f7df9599cf2b74fd8b75851481dda4aac0c813854fca1726

VA7XES - Roberts Creek

Location: Roberts Creek (49.449751, -123.653155)
Equipment: :?:
Sponsor: :?:
Public Key: 857d939db34d0afdeb7cb6ee4cddfc59aab02dc6efd1e76d14fc318e4e54c1e2

Sechelt_PBay

Location: :?:
Equipment: :?:
Sponsor: Gary, VA7GYT
Public Key: d7ed6f8f764ca63a4158108d3a24fde6e8df836b6f63aa09ef2a2060b0bd304f

SSAC-1

Location: On roof of Sechelt Senior Activity Centre (49.4757, -123.7580)
Equipment: SenseCAP Solar Node P1-Pro with FIXME: Antenna
Sponsor: Larry, VA7LSP
Public Key: 6dfc25cb2d0a6efe8520f469d9ac2e8c5dacde42c4d380cf553dd05bf768b1e2
links/meshcore/home.1785858055.txt.gz · Last modified: by va7fi