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[[Main Page|← Home]]
[[Main Page|← Home]]


= Getting Started with Meshtastic =
This guide will help you flash a node, configure it as a companion.


Meshtastic is a peer-to-peer LoRa mesh where every node can forward packets. This guide will help you flash Meshtastic firmware onto your device and configure it for use in the local mesh.
== Flashing & Configuring a Companion Node ==
=== Flashing a Companion Node ===
The easiest way to flash a MeshCore-supported node is by using the official web flasher tool in Google Chrome:


== Flashing a Node ==
[https://flasher.meshcore.co.uk/ MeshCore Web Flasher]
The easiest way to flash a Meshtastic node is by using the official web flasher tool in Google Chrome:
 
[https://flasher.meshtastic.org/ Meshtastic Web Flasher]


Only '''Google Chrome''' supports the serial connection required for flashing.
Only '''Google Chrome''' supports the serial connection required for flashing.


For full step-by-step instructions, see the official guide:
Steps:
[https://meshtastic.org/docs/getting-started/flashing-firmware/ Meshtastic Flashing Firmware Guide]
# Plug your device into your computer via USB.
 
# Open the [https://flasher.meshcore.co.uk/ MeshCore Web Flasher].
== Configuring a Companion Node ==
# Select your device hardware
After flashing, you’ll need to configure your device for local use.
# Select the firmware choice '''Companion Radio (Bluetooth)'''
 
# Click '''Enter DFU Mode'''.
Follow the official guides here: 
# Click '''Erase Flash'''.   
* [https://meshtastic.org/docs/getting-started/initial-config/ Initial Configuration Guide]
# Click '''Flash''' to install the MeshCore firmware.
* [https://meshtastic.org/docs/configuration/ General Configuration Reference]
 
When configuring your node, ensure you set the Ottawa frequency preset: 
'''US/LongFast – 906.875 MHz'''
 
== Configuring a Repeater ==
Meshtastic does not use dedicated repeater-only nodes by default.   
Any stationary node left powered on can function as a repeater, forwarding packets between other users.


If you want to build a fixed repeater-like node:
'''Note:''' Sometimes after erasing, the flash step may fail. If this happens, refresh the page, click '''Enter DFU Mode''' again, and then click '''Flash''' to retry.


'''Steps:'''
=== Configuring a Companion Node ===
# Place a node at height with good line-of-sight. 
After flashing, follow these steps to set up your companion node:
# Power it continuously (mains or solar recommended). 
# Disable Bluetooth to save power and reduce interference (optional).


**Important:** Do *not* change the device role from "Client" unless you understand the implications fully—and preferably only after consultation with the community.   
# Pair the node with your phone or computer (usually over Bluetooth).   
Learn more on Meshtastic’s device roles to guide your decision:  
# Give the node a descriptive '''name''' (e.g. your callsign, location, or handle).  
[https://meshtastic.org/blog/choosing-the-right-device-role/ Choosing the Right Device Role]
# Set it to the Ottawa frequency defaults: '''910.525 MHz / BW: 62.5 kHz / SF7 / CR5'''. 
# Test by sending a message in the '''Public channel'''. 
  * If a repeater hears you, the message will show '''Heard X Repeats''' instead of just '''Sent'''. 


This approach helps your node become reliable infrastructure for nearby users.
'''Tip:''' You may wish to disable '''Message Settings → Auto Reset Path'''. This isn’t required, but many users find it helpful when testing links that aren’t fully stable, as it prevents the path from constantly resetting.

Latest revision as of 19:54, 2 September 2025

← Home

This guide will help you flash a node, configure it as a companion.

Flashing & Configuring a Companion Node

Flashing a Companion Node

The easiest way to flash a MeshCore-supported node is by using the official web flasher tool in Google Chrome:

MeshCore Web Flasher

Only Google Chrome supports the serial connection required for flashing.

Steps:

  1. Plug your device into your computer via USB.
  2. Open the MeshCore Web Flasher.
  3. Select your device hardware
  4. Select the firmware choice Companion Radio (Bluetooth)
  5. Click Enter DFU Mode.
  6. Click Erase Flash.
  7. Click Flash to install the MeshCore firmware.

Note: Sometimes after erasing, the flash step may fail. If this happens, refresh the page, click Enter DFU Mode again, and then click Flash to retry.

Configuring a Companion Node

After flashing, follow these steps to set up your companion node:

  1. Pair the node with your phone or computer (usually over Bluetooth).
  2. Give the node a descriptive name (e.g. your callsign, location, or handle).
  3. Set it to the Ottawa frequency defaults: 910.525 MHz / BW: 62.5 kHz / SF7 / CR5.
  4. Test by sending a message in the Public channel.
  * If a repeater hears you, the message will show Heard X Repeats instead of just Sent.

Tip: You may wish to disable Message Settings → Auto Reset Path. This isn’t required, but many users find it helpful when testing links that aren’t fully stable, as it prevents the path from constantly resetting.

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