# 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

<table id="bkmrk-platformavailability"><thead><tr><th>Platform</th><th>Availability</th><th>Install Method</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Android (API 21+)</td><td>Stable</td><td>APK from GitHub releases, or Obtainium for auto-updates</td></tr><tr><td>iOS (12+)</td><td>Beta</td><td>TestFlight (see TESTFLIGHT\_GUIDE.md in the repo; confirm current distribution channel)</td></tr><tr><td>Linux</td><td>Stable</td><td>Prebuilt binaries on releases page</td></tr><tr><td>Windows</td><td>Supported</td><td>Flutter - check the releases page for a prebuilt binary; build from source if none is available</td></tr><tr><td>macOS</td><td>Supported</td><td>Flutter - check the releases page for a prebuilt binary; build from source if none is available</td></tr><tr><td>Web (Chrome)</td><td>Beta</td><td>WebSocket bridge required</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Connection Methods

- BLE
- USB
- TCP

## Key Features vs. Official App

<table id="bkmrk-featuremeshcore-open"><thead><tr><th>Feature</th><th>MeshCore Open</th><th>Official App</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Repeater / room server CLI access</td><td>Full, no paywall</td><td>Some features paywalled</td></tr><tr><td>Offline maps</td><td>Yes (tile downloads, deep zoom)</td><td>No</td></tr><tr><td>MGRS coordinates</td><td>Yes</td><td>No</td></tr><tr><td>Path visualization / route management</td><td>Yes</td><td>No</td></tr><tr><td>Emoji reactions &amp; threaded replies</td><td>Yes</td><td>No</td></tr><tr><td>Auto-retry with path clearing</td><td>Yes</td><td>No</td></tr><tr><td>TX power / radio settings control</td><td>Yes</td><td>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>SNR tracking per contact</td><td>Yes</td><td>Limited</td></tr><tr><td>3-level debug logging</td><td>Yes</td><td>No</td></tr><tr><td>Languages</td><td>15</td><td>1 - 2</td></tr><tr><td>Off-Grid Repeat mode</td><td>Yes</td><td>No</td></tr><tr><td>Platforms</td><td>Android, iOS, Linux, Win, Mac, Web</td><td>Android, iOS</td></tr></tbody></table>

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

1. Go to **Settings &gt; Node Settings &gt; Radio Settings** (menu path may differ in the current build - verify in-app)
2. Select an **Off-Grid preset**: Off-Grid 433 MHz, Off-Grid 869 MHz, or Off-Grid 918 MHz
3. 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