MeshMapper Wardriving Guide

MeshMapper Wardriving Guide 
 MeshMapper is a platform for mapping actual measured RF coverage of a MeshCore network - not just node locations, but real signal coverage at road level. This is the ground truth that theoretical planners cannot provide. 

 Getting the App 
 
 Android: Google Play - search "MeshMapper Wardriver" 
 iOS: App Store - search "MeshMapper Wardriver" 
 Web interface: wd.meshmapper.net 
 The app is free . 
 

 MQTT Observer Setup (Required) 
 MeshMapper requires an MQTT connection to observe mesh traffic. Connect to one of these brokers before starting a session: 
 
 mqtt-us-v1.letsmesh.net:443 (WebSocket TLS) 
 mqtt.meshmapper.cc:443 (WebSocket TLS) 
 
 Important: MeshCore devices only support one BLE connection at a time. Disconnect the MeshCore companion app before launching MeshMapper or the connection will fail. 

 Operating Modes 
 
 Mode Description Best For 
 
 
 Hybrid (recommended) 
 Alternates discovery requests and channel messages. 50% fewer transmissions than legacy Active mode. 
 General wardriving - balances coverage data quality with network impact 
 
 
 Passive 
 Discovery requests every 30 seconds; no channel messages. 
 Minimal network impact; good for densely populated mesh areas 
 
 
 Manual Ping 
 Single on-demand ping. 
 Spot-checking coverage at a specific location without driving 
 
 
 Active 
 Legacy channel-message-only mode. 
 Backward compatibility - Hybrid is superior in all cases 
 
 
 Trace 
 Focus on a single repeater identified by its hex node ID. 
 Antenna alignment, diagnosing a specific repeater's coverage, post-installation validation 
 
 
 

 Coverage Map Color Meanings 
 
 Color Code Meaning 
 
 Green BIDIR Two-way confirmed contact - gold standard coverage. Your device and the repeater can hear each other. 
 Cyan DISC Discovery-based two-way confirmation - confirmed via discovery protocol rather than channel message. 
 Orange TX Transmit-only path - your signal reaches the repeater but return path is incomplete (asymmetric link). 
 Purple RX Receive-only - you can hear the repeater but it cannot hear you. 
 Grey DEAD Signal heard but not relayed - marginal contact; unreliable for mesh routing. 
 Red DROP No repeater responded - no coverage at this location. 
 
 

 Wardriving Best Practices 
 
 Mount your device with the antenna as high as practical in the vehicle (dashboard or roof magnet mount). 
 Drive at normal road speeds - the app samples frequently enough. 
 Cover roads in a grid pattern for systematic area mapping. 
 Use Trace mode after installing a new repeater to confirm its actual coverage footprint. 
 Share your coverage data back to the community map so others benefit.