Apps & Software
- MeshCore App (Official)
- MeshCore Open (Free & Open Source)
- MeshOS (Standalone Device Firmware)
- Meshtastic App
MeshCore App (Official)
Overview
The MeshCore App is the official companion application for MeshCore devices, developed by Liam Cottle, who builds the official MeshCore client apps. The MeshCore protocol itself was created by Scott (Ripple Radios / ripplebiz). It is the recognized standard for device setup across the CascadiaMesh and RegionMesh communities.
Platforms & Availability
- iOS: App Store (free)
- Android: Google Play (free)
Connection Methods
- BLE (primary - most common)
- USB serial
Features
- Direct messaging with end-to-end encryption (E2EE)
- Public channel messaging
- Node management and status monitoring
- Radio configuration (TX power, frequency, spreading factor)
- Choose Preset wizard - guided setup for USA/Canada regional presets
- Repeater administration (clock sync, stats, adverts)
- Room server administration
Required For
- Initial setup of any MeshCore companion device
- Setting the USA/Canada regional preset on a new node
- Configuring radio settings
Cost
Free. The app offers an optional Premium in-app purchase for cosmetic extras (e.g. ad removal, dark theme, and other personalization options); the core device-setup and administration features, including repeater and room server administration, are not paywalled. See MeshCore Open below for a fully open-source alternative.
Notes
This is the "official" app as recognized by the CascadiaMesh and RegionMesh communities. If you are setting up a MeshCore device for the first time, start here.
MeshCore Open (Free & Open Source)
Overview
MeshCore Open is a free, open-source companion app for MeshCore devices, developed by zjs81 and a community of contributors (25+ as of 2026-06-08) under the MIT license. It is not affiliated with the MeshCore core team but is widely used as a full-featured alternative - particularly for users who need offline maps, advanced CLI access, or multi-platform support without paywalls.
Project Stats
- Source: github.com/zjs81/meshcore-open
- License: MIT
- 383+ GitHub stars, 7 alpha releases (latest Alpha7, Mar 2026). Star and contributor counts are volatile - figures are as of 2026-06-08; see the GitHub repo for current numbers.
Platforms & Installation
| Platform | Availability | Install Method |
|---|---|---|
| Android (API 21+) | Stable | APK from GitHub releases, or Obtainium for auto-updates |
| iOS (12+) | Beta | TestFlight (see TESTFLIGHT_GUIDE.md in the repo; confirm current distribution channel) |
| Linux | Stable | Prebuilt binaries on releases page |
| Windows | Supported | Flutter - check the releases page for a prebuilt binary; build from source if none is available |
| macOS | Supported | Flutter - check the releases page for a prebuilt binary; build from source if none is available |
| Web (Chrome) | Beta | WebSocket bridge required |
Connection Methods
- BLE
- USB
- TCP
Key Features vs. Official App
| Feature | MeshCore Open | Official App |
|---|---|---|
| Repeater / room server CLI access | Full, no paywall | Some features paywalled |
| Offline maps | Yes (tile downloads, deep zoom) | No |
| MGRS coordinates | Yes | No |
| Path visualization / route management | Yes | No |
| Emoji reactions & threaded replies | Yes | No |
| Auto-retry with path clearing | Yes | No |
| TX power / radio settings control | Yes | Yes |
| SNR tracking per contact | Yes | Limited |
| 3-level debug logging | Yes | No |
| Languages | 15 | 1 - 2 |
| Off-Grid Repeat mode | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Android, iOS, Linux, Win, Mac, Web | Android, iOS |
Note: GPX export and explicit line-of-sight terrain analysis are not confirmed in the current MeshCore Open documentation as of 2026-06-08; the app provides path visualization and route management. Verify against the app's current feature list before relying on a specific capability.
Off-Grid Repeat Mode
Off-Grid Repeat is described as enabling a connected companion device to forward mesh packets while your phone is connected - turning a standard companion node into a temporary repeater without reflashing firmware. This named feature and its exact behavior are not confirmed in a primary source as of 2026-06-08; verify against the MeshCore Open documentation before relying on it for emergency communications.
How to Enable
- Go to Settings > Node Settings > Radio Settings (menu path may differ in the current build - verify in-app)
- Select an Off-Grid preset: Off-Grid 433 MHz, Off-Grid 869 MHz, or Off-Grid 918 MHz
- Toggle Off-Grid Repeat ON
Region/legality warning: For unlicensed US/Canada use, choose the 918 MHz preset (inside the 902-928 MHz Part 15 ISM band). The 433 MHz preset falls in the US 70 cm amateur band (Part 97 license required, no encryption, station ID) and 869 MHz is an EU SRD band (863-870 MHz) outside the US 902-928 MHz Part 15 band - neither is legal for unlicensed US operation. Operators must select the preset legal for their region.
Limitations
- Only 3 preset frequencies available (433, 869, 918 MHz) - these span three different regulatory regimes, so pick the band legal for your region (918 MHz for unlicensed US; 869 MHz is EU SRD; 433 MHz overlaps amateur allocations)
- Phone battery drains faster while active
- Phone must remain awake with the app open
- BLE/USB/TCP connection must stay active throughout
Use Cases
- Emergency response - instant temporary repeater anywhere
- Events - supplement fixed infrastructure
- Bootstrapping a new mesh area
- Temporary coverage extension
MeshOS (Standalone Device Firmware)
Overview
MeshOS is standalone device firmware for keyboard-equipped MeshCore devices, developed by Andy Kirby. (Note: Andy Kirby is the developer of MeshOS, not the founder of MeshCore - MeshCore was created by Scott of Ripple Radios. The MeshCore companion app is developed by Liam Cottle.) MeshOS is maintained at meshcore.co.uk, separate from the core team's canonical firmware at github.com/meshcore-dev/MeshCore.
MeshOS is purpose-built for T-Deck class devices and phone-independent operation.
Target Devices
- LilyGo T-Deck
- LilyGo T-Deck Plus
- LilyGo T-Lora Pager (T-Pager)
Pricing
- Base features: Free
- Full license: ~£8 one-time, tied to device serial number (as of 2026-06-08; price/availability via meshcore.co.uk)
Features
| Feature | Free | Paid (£8) |
|---|---|---|
| Direct messaging with E2EE | Yes | Yes |
| Channel / group messaging | Yes | Yes |
| Repeater Scanner with whitelist management | Yes | Yes |
| Last Heard list (signal strength + distance) | Yes | Yes |
| Mesh Signal Meter | Yes | Yes |
| Noise Floor Monitor (live RF background graph) | Yes | Yes |
| Trace Route | Yes | Yes |
| QR code display for URLs | Yes | Yes |
| Lock screen (time, battery, mesh signal) | Yes | Yes |
| Terminal access with packet logging | Yes | Yes |
| Repeater Admin (clock sync, stats, adverts) | No | Yes |
| Offline world maps (T-Deck Plus only) | Limited zoom | Full zoom |
When to Choose MeshOS
- You own a T-Deck or T-Deck Plus and want fully phone-independent operation
- You are a repeater operator who needs on-device diagnostics (Noise Floor Monitor, Trace Route, Repeater Admin)
- You want go-bag / emergency deployments with no phone dependency
When NOT to Choose MeshOS
- You need GPS-based maps but only have a standard T-Deck (not the Plus) - GPS is required for mapping features
- You need firmware for hardware outside the T-Deck family - use the core team firmware
Governance Note
MeshOS is Andy Kirby's separate firmware product, distributed via meshcore.co.uk; it is distinct from the canonical MeshCore firmware at github.com/meshcore-dev/MeshCore maintained by the MeshCore core team (the project was founded by Scott of Ripple Radios). There has been a dispute between Andy Kirby and the MeshCore core team over direction and naming; both MeshOS and the core-team firmware are actively maintained choices. MeshOS is optimized for standalone keyboard devices; the core-team firmware covers the full hardware range and is the reference implementation for new device support.
Meshtastic App
Overview
The Meshtastic App is the official companion application for Meshtastic devices, developed and maintained by the Meshtastic open-source project (meshtastic.org). It is required for initial setup of any Meshtastic-firmware device.
Platforms & Availability
- iOS: App Store (free)
- Android: Google Play (free)
- Web: client.meshtastic.org - browser-based, connects via USB serial (Chrome/Edge)
Connection Methods
- BLE (most common for mobile)
- Wi-Fi (for nodes with Wi-Fi capability, e.g. ESP32 devices)
- USB serial (web app via Chrome/Edge)
Features
- Node list with signal, battery, and last-seen status
- Direct and channel messaging
- Map view with node positions
- Full device configuration: region, modem preset, channels, power settings
- Channel management (import/export via QR code or URL)
- Telemetry display (battery, environment sensors if equipped)
- MQTT configuration for internet backhaul
Required For
- All initial Meshtastic device setup
- Setting region (e.g. US, EU_868)
- Setting modem preset (LongFast, MediumSlow, etc.)
- Configuring channels and channel keys
Web App
The web app at client.meshtastic.org provides full configuration capability from a desktop browser via USB serial - useful when a mobile device is unavailable or when doing detailed configuration with a keyboard. Requires Chrome or Edge (WebSerial API).
Cost
Free and open source.