📖 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 -
Imported directlyAdapted from official MeshCoredocumentationdocumentation; 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.