How do I connect to a MeshCore room server from the app?
How Do I Connect to a MeshCore Room Server From the App?
A MeshCore room server stores messages for offline nodes and enables larger-group conversations that persist beyond the RF range of any single transmission. Importantly, a room server is reached over the LoRa mesh, not over the internet. There is no server IP address, hostname, or TCP port involved, and no firewall configuration is needed. To join one you need to be within RF range of the mesh (directly or via relays) and know the room server's password, which is set by the server operator.
Step-by-step connection
- Open the MeshCore app on your phone and ensure your companion node is connected via Bluetooth (or USB serial).
- Wait for your companion node to discover the room server as a contact on the mesh. Room servers advertise themselves over LoRa, so they appear in your contact list once your node hears them (directly or relayed through other nodes).
- Select the room server from your contact list.
- When prompted, enter the room server password. This is the shared secret set by the server operator. It must match exactly, including capitalization.
- Once the password is accepted, you join the room and can send and receive messages. Messages are stored by the room server and delivered to members as they come into range.
Administration of the room server itself is done locally over Bluetooth or USB serial on the room server device, not over a network connection.
Troubleshooting connection failures
If you cannot join the room server, work through these checks:
Room server does not appear as a contact
- The room server node may not be powered on or may be out of RF range. Verify the room server has power and that your node can hear it on the mesh (directly or through relays).
- Move closer to the room server or to a node that relays it, then wait for your node to rediscover it on the mesh.
- Confirm your companion node is on the same region/frequency settings as the room server so they can hear each other on LoRa.
Password rejected or wrong password error
- The password you entered does not match the room server's configured password. Passwords are case-sensitive. Try re-entering it manually rather than copy-pasting to rule out invisible characters.
- The operator may have changed the password. Ask the server operator for the current password.
Messages are not arriving
- You may be out of RF range of the room server and any relaying nodes. Because delivery happens over the mesh, you only receive stored messages when your node is within reach of the server (directly or relayed).
- Confirm your companion node is still connected to your phone over Bluetooth or USB and is participating in the mesh.