MeshCore Setup Guide

From unboxing to sending your first message. MostSetup peopleis completeusually thisquick inonce underyour 15device minutesis (not counting initial charge time).charged.

What you need before starting

• A MeshCore-compatible LoRa device, fully charged
• A smartphone (Android or iOS)
• The MeshCore companion app installed(free). The official clients by Liam Cottle are linked from app.meshcore.nz (freeweb on Google Playapp) and files.liamcottle.net/MeshCore (iOS, Android APK, Windows and Mac). Verify you are installing the Appofficial Storeclient -before searchsearching "MeshCore")an app store, as several MeshCore-related apps exist.

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 controlsbundles the frequencyradio andsettings (frequency, bandwidth, spreading factor, coding rate). Every node must share the same radio settings just to hear each other at all - the wrong preset means you cannot reach anyone. Note that the preset is separate from a channel: to talk on a private (shared-key) channel settings. Wrong preset = wrong network, and you willalso notneed bethat ablechannel's matching key, in addition to communicatethe withmatching anyone.radio settings.

• Navigate to Choose Preset in the app
• Select USA/Canada (Recommended) (910.525 MHz, SF7, BW 62.5 kHz, CR5)
• 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