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Companion Protocol Last Updated: 2026-03-08 Protocol Version: Companion Firmware v1.12.0+ NOTE: This document is still in development. Some information may be inaccurate. This document provides a comprehensive guide for communicating with MeshCore devices ov...

Stats Binary Frame Structures Binary frame structures for companion radio stats commands. All multi-byte integers use little-endian byte order. Command Codes CommandCodeDescription CMD_GET_STATS56Get statistics (2-byte command: code + sub-type) Stats Sub-Ty...

Number Allocations This document lists unique numbers/identifiers used in various MeshCore protcol payloads. Group Data Types The PAYLOAD_TYPE_GRP_DATA payloads have a 16-bit data-type field, which identifies which application the packet is for. To make sure m...

Mast optionsJ-pipe mounts: Common TV antenna hardware. Good for moderate antennas on walls or chimneys.Galvanized conduit: 1-1.5" Schedule 40 steel conduit. Strong, affordable, easy to work with. Good for masts up to 4-5 meters.Telescoping push-up masts: Alumi...

SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) measures how well your antenna is matched to the 50-ohm feedline impedance. A well-matched antenna transfers all power to the air; a mismatched antenna reflects some power back.SWR valuesSWRReflected PowerAssessment1.0:10%Perfect (the...

At 915 MHz, cable loss is significant. A long run of cheap coax can negate the benefit of a quality antenna upgrade.Loss at 915 MHz per 10 metersCable TypeLoss per 10mNotesRG-58~4.5 dBAvoid for any outdoor run over 2 mRG-8X~2.5 dBAcceptable for short indoor ru...

A monopole antenna (vertical rod) radiates efficiently only when paired with a ground plane - a conducting surface that acts as the electrical other half of the antenna.What counts as a ground planeVehicle roof: Excellent. A metal roof is an ideal ground plane...

Work through these checks in order.Verify antenna is connected. Most common cause. Transmitting without an antenna can also permanently damage the PA.Verify modem preset matches. Two nodes on different presets are invisible to each other. Check Meshtastic app ...

First: identify the failure modeNode visible in list but messages do not arrive: routing or range issueNode does not appear in list at all: preset, channel, or range issue (see previous page)Hop count too lowIf hop count is 1, you can only reach nodes in direc...

Step 1: Measure actual power drawUse a USB inline power meter to measure real current draw. This immediately shows whether you have a software config problem or a hardware issue.Expected draw by hardwareHardwareTypical active drawESP32 (T-Beam, Heltec), no dis...

Systematic diagnosis in order of likelihood:Undersized battery or panel. Goes offline at night or on cloudy days? Review the Solar System Sizing Guide and resize.Panel obstruction. Bird droppings, snow, or vegetation growth. Verify the panel is clean with clea...

Short answer: NoMeshtastic and MeshCore operate in the 902-928 MHz ISM band under FCC Part 15.247. No amateur radio license is required for standard operation in the United States.Why many operators are licensed hamsThe amateur radio community has been an earl...

Range varies enormously by terrain, antenna height, modem preset, and local conditions.Realistic rangesScenarioTypical RangeGround level, dense urban200 m - 1 kmGround level, suburban0.5 - 2 kmRooftop or upper floor2 - 8 kmHilltop to hilltop, clear terrain10 -...

Both are excellent. Choose based primarily on what your local community already uses - joining an existing active network is almost always more valuable than picking the technically superior option and being alone on it.Choose Meshtastic if:Your local area alr...