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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 each person has a small companion device C paired to their cell phone 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 R to extend coverage.

Getting Started: Companions

See the new MeshCore Quick Start Guide. At the top of the page, you'll notice a link to download a PDF version of that page. The PDF will show the date when the web page was last updated. That way you can judge how recent the information is.

Next Step: Repeaters

Install Instructions

Install Instructions

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

  • Go to https://config.meshcore.io/
  • 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:

  • Go to https://meshcore.io/flasher
  • 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 Downloads 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:

  • Go to https://meshcore.io/flasher
  • 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. If there are no device with DFU in the name select the device with OTA in the name.
    • Under Progress click Start
    • If you selected a device with OTA, the process will fail at DFU initialization. Not to worry, go back to the previous step and now you should be able to select a device with DFU in the name.

See Scott Baker's article for more information.


More Advanced: Sensors

Maps

Repeater Project

Repeater Project

meshcore_repeaters.jpg Here's how to use MeshCore's Antenna Coverage tool to model line of sight coverage:

  • Navigate to the web version of the MeshCore App
  • You don't need to connect to an actual Meshcore device.
  • Click on \$\quad \vdots \quad \$ on the top right corner and then select Tools
  • Enter the Antenna Coverage tool
  • Where it says 0 Coverage Layers click on \$\quad \vdots \quad \$ and select Import JSON
  • Import this file


Tools

Resources

links/meshcore/home.1789229039.txt.gz · Last modified: by va7fi