📖 Start Here — FAQ Guide

This book answers the most common questions about LoRa mesh networking, MeshCore, and Meshtastic. Use the sections below to jump straight to what you need.

🔍 Most Asked Questions

• MeshCore or Meshtastic - which should I choose?
• Do I need an amateur radio license?
• How far can my node reach?
• Which board should I buy as a beginner?
• Is Meshtastic encrypted? Can anyone read my messages?

📚 FAQ Categories

🔧 Troubleshooting - Something's Not Working

• My node cannot connect to others
• My messages are not getting through
• My battery drains too fast
• My solar node keeps going offline
• My node is flooding the channel with repeated messages
• RF interference is affecting my node - how do I diagnose it?

⚙️ Hardware Questions

• Which board should I buy as a beginner?
• Why isn't my GPS getting a fix?
• Can I use my node inside my house or vehicle?
• Do I need an external antenna?

🔋 Solar and Power Questions

• How big a solar panel do I need?
• Why does my solar node keep dying at night?
• What battery chemistry should I use outdoors?

📡 Networking and Range Questions

• How many hops can a message travel?
• Why do I see duplicate messages?
• What is channel utilization and why does it matter?

🔐 Security and Privacy Questions

• Is Meshtastic encrypted? Can anyone read my messages?
• Who can see my location on the mesh?
• Can I trust MeshCore encryption for sensitive communications?

🤝 Community Questions

• How do I find other mesh users in my area?
• How do I start a mesh network where there are none?
• Can I use Meshtastic or MeshCore for commercial purposes?

🏠 MeshCore-Specific Questions

• What is the difference between a Repeater and Room Client in MeshCore?
• How do I connect to a MeshCore room server from the app?

💾 Firmware and Software Questions

• How do I update my Meshtastic firmware?
• What Meshtastic firmware version should I run?
• How do I factory reset my node?

📖 Full Reference

• Glossary of Mesh Networking Terms - Definitions for every term used in this wiki
• MeshCore Official FAQ - Adapted from official MeshCore documentation; some entries have been edited or paraphrased and may not match the current upstream docs verbatim. Check the official MeshCore docs for the authoritative version.