📖 Start Here — Getting Started Guide
Welcome to the Mesh America Wiki. This book is your launchpad —- whether you're completely new to LoRa mesh networking or just want to orient yourself before diving deeper.
🚀 New? Start With These Three Pages
- What is LoRa Mesh Networking?
—- The plain-English explanation of what this technology is and why it matters - MeshCore vs Meshtastic: Quick Decision Guide
—- Which platform is right for you? Answered in under 5 minutes - What You Need to Get Started
—- The minimum hardware and software to get on the mesh today
📚 What's In This Book
Understanding the Technology
- How LoRa Works
—- Chirp spread spectrum, range, and the physics behind it - LoRa Range: Realistic Expectations
—- Actual ranges by terrain, antenna height, and preset - LoRa vs LoRaWAN: What's the Difference?
- The 915 MHz ISM Band
—- Why this frequency and what the rules are
Your First Node
- Hardware Buyer's Guide for Beginners
- Where to Buy Hardware
—- Sources, prices, what to avoid - Getting Your First Message Through: Meshtastic
- Getting Your First Message Through: MeshCore
- Day 1: Getting Your Node Online
- Day
2–2 - 7: Exploring the Mesh
Legal, Licensing, and Ham Radio
- FCC Part 15 Compliance for LoRa Mesh
—- No license needed, but here are the rules - Getting Your Ham Radio License
—- Why it's useful even though it's not required - Operating in Canada: ISED Rules
Comparing LoRa Mesh to Other Options
- LoRa Mesh vs Satellite Messengers (Garmin inReach, SPOT)
- LoRa Mesh vs FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radios
- LoRa Mesh vs Ham Radio (VHF/UHF)
Maintaining Your Node
- Node Maintenance Schedule
—- Monthly, quarterly, and annual checks - Total Cost of Ownership
—- What a mesh node actually costs over 5 years - Updating Meshtastic Firmware
- Updating MeshCore Firmware
➡️ Where to Go Next
| Your Goal | Go To |
|---|---|
| I chose Meshtastic | Meshtastic book |
| I chose MeshCore | MeshCore book |
| I want to buy the right hardware | Hardware Guide book |
| I want to set up a solar repeater | Solar & Power Systems book |
| I have quick questions | FAQ book |