MQTT Setup Guide
Share telemetry with the CSRA Mesh broker for mesh analysis and coverage mapping.
What is MQTT?
The Meshtastic website describes MQTT as: “Bridging mesh networks over the internet and integrating Meshtastic protocols with popular technologies.”
MQTT is a message broker tool that enables nodes to share data across both internet and LoRa RF connections. Once configured, information can be aggregated for mesh analysis, multi-area maps can be created, or messages can be relayed remotely.
While this somewhat contradicts Meshtastic’s primary advantage (internet-independent operation), the CSRA community uses MQTT for analytical purposes during mesh expansion. Real-time node visibility logging helps identify RF connection gaps.
Reference: Meshtastic MQTT Documentation
Before You Configure
Two things to consider before contributing data:
- Community membership: Data helps only if you’re part of the CSRA community. If you’re setting up a separate community’s MQTT, we can still help — reach out on Discord.
- Connection purpose: Currently we support uplink-only telemetry for mesh analysis. We are not currently bridging inter-mesh or enabling distant node messaging.
Configuration Settings
LongFast Channel
Radio Configuration → Channels → LongFast
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Uplink Enabled | ✅ Checked |
| Downlink Enabled | ☐ Unchecked |
| Position enabled | ✅ Checked |
| Precise Location | User preference |
| Precision Slider | User preference |
LoRa
Radio Configuration → LoRa
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Ignore MQTT | ☐ Unchecked |
| OK to MQTT | ✅ Checked |
MQTT Module
Module Configuration → MQTT
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| MQTT Enabled | ✅ Checked |
| MQTT Server Address | mqtt.csramsh.net |
| MQTT Username | meshdev (Alt: csramsh) |
| MQTT Password | large4cats (Alt: csramsh) |
| Encryption Enabled | ✅ Checked |
| JSON Enabled | ☐ Unchecked |
| TLS Enabled | ✅ Checked |
| Root topic | msh/US/GA/csramsh |
| Proxy to client | ✅ Enabled |
| Map reporting | ✅ Checked |
| Map reporting interval | 10800 seconds |
| Precise location | User preference |
TLS encrypts data between MQTT clients and broker. Not supported on all platforms.
Neighbor Info
Module Configuration → Neighbor Info
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Neighbor Info enabled | ✅ Checked |
| Update interval | 14400 seconds |
| Transmit over LoRa | ☐ Unchecked |
These settings should configure your node to connect and share data with our MQTT broker. For troubleshooting or questions, contact us via Discord or Facebook.