📖 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.