Launcher

Type to filter results. Use arrow keys to navigate, Enter to select.

Preferences

You've reached the end of the results

Select Enter
Navigate Arrow down Arrow up
Close Esc

Quick Start Guide

Set up your first Meshtastic node and join the CSRA Mesh.

!! Make sure you have an antenna on your node before powering it on !! Never power up your node (radio) without antennas attached — you can burn out your radio. Depending on your node you may need multiple antennas: one for the LoRa radio, one for Bluetooth, and one for GPS if applicable.

  1. Attach antenna(s) before powering on

  2. Power up your node

  3. Open the Meshtastic App on your iOS or Android device

    Note: This guide was created using the Android App. The Android & iOS apps are different. An iOS-specific guide will be available soon.

  4. Connect to the node via Bluetooth

    Use the + symbol towards the bottom of the tab with the gear-in-a-box icon and look for your node. Typically only Meshtastic nodes will show as available.

  5. Enter a connection code

    • On a Meshtastic device with a screen: a 6-digit code will appear on screen — enter this code.
    • On a Meshtastic device without a screen: enter the code 123456.

  6. Wait for the node to connect

    It may take a minute for the node to sync information with the app. Be patient.

  7. Set the region

    Set the region (shown next to the node name at the top) to US.

  8. Open Radio Configuration

    Select the three dots at the top of the App → Radio Configuration

  9. Configure your user name

    1. Select User
    2. Under Long name enter the name you would like for the node
    3. Under Short name enter the 4-digit (or less) short name
    4. Select Send at the bottom — the node may disconnect or restart

  10. Verify channel settings

    1. Select Channels
    2. Verify that LongFast is Channel 0 (there should be no other channels)
    3. Select Channel 0 LongFast
    4. Verify:
      • Channel Name: LongFast
      • PSK: AQ==
    5. Select Save — the node may disconnect or restart

  11. Verify LoRa settings

    1. Select LoRa
    2. Verify Use mode preset is enabled
    3. Verify Modem preset is set to LONG_FAST
    4. Verify Frequency Offset is set to 0.0
    5. Verify Region is set to United States and Hop Limit is set to 5
    6. Verify Override frequency is set to 906.875
    7. Select Send — the node may disconnect or restart

Congratulations! Your node should now be set up to be found by our mesh. Once your node comes within range of another node with the same settings, they will automatically mesh and begin exchanging information.

Generally, leave the node alone for roughly 24 hours to see what it can connect to. If you don’t see anything within that time frame, take your node on a trip and see if you can find a connection somewhere close by. Currently there are good pockets of nodes in Evans Town Center and Grovetown off Exit 190.