FAQ

What is MeshCore, and what's a companion, repeater, or room server?

MeshCore is free, open-source firmware that turns a cheap LoRa radio into an encrypted text messenger. It hops messages radio-to-radio with no cell towers or internet.

The Public channel and hashtag channels can be read by anyone with a radio. Use a private channel or a direct message for anything personal.

• Companion: your personal radio. It pairs with the MeshCore phone app over Bluetooth. It does not relay other people's messages.
• Repeater: a radio mounted up high that relays messages. Repeaters are how the mesh grows.
• Room server: a small bulletin board on the mesh that holds recent posts so you can catch up later. Run it on a separate device from your repeater.

What about Meshtastic, Reticulum, etc.?

Meshtastic is another popular LoRa mesh project, and we're fans. It just doesn't talk to MeshCore over the air, so the two networks don't mix. The good news is that most radios that run Meshtastic can also run MeshCore, and the reverse is usually true too. Switching is just a re-flash at flasher.meshcore.io (or flasher.meshtastic.org to go back). If you want to test and play with Meshtastic, go for it, and we're happy to help. Most of our network runs on MeshCore right now, so that's where you'll find the most neighbors. Some folks are also tinkering with other niche mesh projects like Reticulum (often on RNode radios) and LoRa APRS. Those don't talk to MeshCore either, but you're welcome to experiment. Come share what you learn on Discord, and maybe someone there will want to help.

Do I need a ham license?

No. MeshCore runs in the 902–928 MHz unlicensed band on off-the-shelf radios. MeshCore messages are encrypted, and ham rules don't allow encoded messages, so it isn't a ham mode anyway. Hams are very welcome, though. Your antenna know-how is exactly what repeaters need. TODO: verify which FCC Part 15 rule covers narrow 62.5 kHz LoRa and 1 W booster boards. Make no power/legal claims until checked.

Does it work when the power, cell, and internet are down?

Yes, within limits. Your radio runs on its own battery and talks to your phone over Bluetooth. Repeaters on solar or battery keep relaying through outages. It's text only, range depends on repeaters, and delivery isn't guaranteed. So keep a weather radio, follow official alerts, and call 911 in an emergency.