Guides
Step-by-step guides, each based on the official documentation and written for US (915 MHz) users. Filter by firmware or difficulty.
Your first node: what to buy
Choose a first LoRa radio for Meshtastic or MeshCore, get the right US band, and know what comes in the box.
MeshtasticMeshCoreInstall USB serial drivers
Get your computer to see a LoRa board over USB on Windows, macOS or Linux, so you can flash and configure it.
MeshtasticFlash Meshtastic with the web flasher (ESP32)
Install Meshtastic on an ESP32 board such as a Heltec V3/V4, T-Beam or T-Deck using flasher.meshtastic.org.
MeshtasticFlash Meshtastic on nRF52 boards
Install or update Meshtastic on RAK4631, T-Echo, T114 and other nRF52 radios by dragging a UF2 file, or with the web flasher.
MeshCoreFlash MeshCore with the web flasher
Install MeshCore companion, repeater or room server firmware on a supported radio using flasher.meshcore.io.
MeshtasticFirst setup in the Meshtastic app
Pair your radio, set the US region, name your node and match your local mesh's preset.
MeshCoreFirst setup in the MeshCore app
Pair a MeshCore companion radio with the app, pick the US preset, send an advert and add contacts.
MeshtasticMeshCoreJoin your local mesh (Arizona and beyond)
Find your local group, match their settings, and be a good neighbor on a shared Meshtastic or MeshCore network.
MeshtasticChannels and encryption: private groups done right
Add a private Meshtastic channel for your family or team without leaving the public mesh, and share it safely.
MeshtasticPicking the right device role
Which Meshtastic role to use for a handheld, a home base, a tracker or a hilltop node, and which ones to avoid.
MeshCoreSet up a MeshCore repeater
Flash, configure and secure a MeshCore repeater, from setting its name and location to changing the default admin password.
MeshCoreRun a MeshCore room server (a mini BBS)
Set up a MeshCore room server that stores messages so people can catch up when they come back into range.
MeshtasticMeshCoreAntennas 101: choose, connect and place
The single best upgrade for most nodes. Pick a 915 MHz antenna, connect it correctly and place it for the best range.
MeshtasticMeshCorePlan coverage with line of sight and the Site Planner
Predict whether two spots can link before you climb a roof, using HeyWhatsThat, the Meshtastic Site Planner and the Fresnel zone.
MeshtasticMeshCoreBuild a solar-powered node (Arizona heat edition)
Size a battery and panel for a low-power node, keep it cool in Arizona sun, and weatherproof it for monsoon season.
MeshtasticMeshCoreMount a rooftop or mountaintop repeater safely
Get permission, mount the antenna high and stable, ground it, and plan for maintenance before a repeater goes up.
MeshtasticBridge your mesh to the internet with MQTT
Turn a Wi-Fi Meshtastic node into an MQTT gateway, choose public or private brokers, and avoid flooding your local mesh.
MeshtasticSend mesh data to Home Assistant
Show Meshtastic battery, telemetry and messages in Home Assistant using MQTT and JSON.
MeshtasticAdd a weather/telemetry sensor (BME280)
Wire a BME280 temperature, humidity and pressure sensor to a Meshtastic node and broadcast the readings over the mesh.
MeshtasticRange testing your node
Use Meshtastic's range test module to map where your node can be heard, then turn it off so it doesn't clog the mesh.
MeshtasticMeshCoreManage nodes remotely
Change a rooftop node's settings without climbing up, using Meshtastic admin keys or MeshCore remote management.
MeshtasticMeshCoreUpdate firmware over the air (OTA)
Update a Meshtastic or MeshCore node without a USB cable, and know when it's safer to use one.
MeshtasticHam radio licensed mode on Meshtastic
Turn on Meshtastic's licensed (ham) mode with your call sign, understand what it changes, and stay within Part 97.
MeshtasticMeshCoreTroubleshooting: no connection, no messages, no nodes
Fixes for the most common Meshtastic and MeshCore problems, from flashing errors and Bluetooth pairing to radios that can't hear anyone.