MeshCore Setup Guide

From unboxing to sending your first message. Most people complete this in under 15 minutes (not counting initial charge time).

What you need before starting

• A MeshCore-compatible LoRa device, fully charged
• A smartphone (Android or iOS)
• The MeshCore app installed (free on Google Play and the App Store — search "MeshCore")

Step 1 — Charge your device

Connect via USB and charge fully. Most devices show a red LED while charging and green or blue when complete. Initial charge takes 2-3 hours.

Step 2 — Power on

Hold the power button for 2-3 seconds until the screen activates. Bluetooth typically starts automatically.

Step 3 — Pair with your phone

1. Open the MeshCore app
2. Tap Add Device or the + icon
3. Select your device from the list (shown as "MeshCore_XXXX")
4. Wait 10-20 seconds for pairing to complete

Step 4 — Select the correct preset

This is the most critical step. The preset controls the frequency and channel settings. Wrong preset = wrong network, and you will not be able to communicate with anyone.

• Navigate to Choose Preset in the app
• Select USA/Canada (Recommended)
• Set a recognizable display name for your node

Step 5 — Test your connection

Open the Public channel. You are now on the network. Any nearby nodes will appear, and you can send and receive messages.

Tips for better performance

• Test outdoors first — LoRa range through walls is significantly reduced
• Elevation matters enormously — even a second-floor window vs. ground level makes a measurable difference
• Leave default radio settings alone until you understand what they control
• Keep firmware updated for the latest improvements