Ham radio licensed mode on Meshtastic

IntermediateMeshtasticAbout 15 minutes

You'll need

• An FCC amateur radio license
• A Meshtastic radio and antenna suited to the band you'll use

Licensed operators only

Only use licensed mode and amateur-band regions if you hold an amateur license. Licensed mode disables encryption, so the radio can’t join normal encrypted channels.

What licensed mode changes

• Sets your long name to your call sign (required station identification).
• Removes encryption from channels. FCC §97.113(a)(4) prohibits “messages encoded for the purpose of obscuring their meaning.”
• Lets you pick amateur-only regions. For the Americas, ITU2_2M (144–148 MHz), ITU2_125CM (220–225 MHz) and ITU2_70CM (420–450 MHz).

Turn it on

Command line (the quickest way):

meshtastic --set-ham 'N0CALL'

This enables ham mode, sets your name to the call sign and disables encryption. (N0CALL is the standard placeholder; use your own call sign.)

In the app: in the user settings, turn on Is Licensed, set your long name to your call sign, and make sure channel keys are empty.

Changing bands

Picking an amateur-band region only works if your radio hardware supports that frequency. A 915 MHz board with a 915 MHz antenna can’t operate on 2 m or 70 cm.

Operating tips

• Everyone you talk to needs licensed mode with matching settings.
• Coordinate with local ARES or club nets before running a ham-mode mesh.
• Part 97 rules still apply: identify, no business use, no obscured messages.

Sources

Checked on October 18, 2026.

1. meshtastic.org/docs/configuration/radio/user
2. meshtastic.org/docs/configuration/radio/lora
3. meshtastic.org/docs/overview/encryption
4. docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-13-1918A1_Rcd.pdf