MeshCore/Getting Started

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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.

How Adverts Work

MeshCore uses a repeater-driven advert system for discovery (not a prerequisite to transmit).

• You do not need to have recevied an advert from a repeater to send a message. You can transmit at any time; any repeater that hears your packet will forward it.
• Adverts allow your node to discover repeaters (their ID and info). This enables features such as:

 * Tracing paths to confirm connectivity  
 * Seeing repeater names in the path summary of a message  
 * Setting static paths to a specific user  

• Repeaters periodically broadcast adverts (short beacon packets) across the mesh.
• In Ottawa, adverts are configured for:

 * Zero-hop adverts (direct): every 1 hour  
 * Flood adverts (forwarded across repeaters): every 3 hours  

This approach keeps discovery traffic low while still ensuring that repeaters can be identified and messages are reliably forwarded across the mesh.

The Public Channel

By default, MeshCore companion nodes in Ottawa have access to the shared public channel.

• Any correctly flashed node set to the correct frequency can join immediately and begin passing traffic.
• When you send a message and a repeater hears it, you will see Heard X Repeats under your message (instead of just Sent).
• You can click and hold the message, then select Heard Repeats to see which repeaters heard it.

 * If you have discovered the repeater through adverts, you will see its name.  
 * If not, you will see only its ID.  

Next steps

Once your node is flashed and configured, check out MeshCore/Frequency Settings for Ottawa defaults and MeshCore/Repeaters & Coverage for areas with established repeater links.