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This is one of the most common points of confusion for newcomers. LoRa and LoRaWAN are related but completely different things. MeshCore and Meshtastic use LoRa - not LoRaWAN. Understanding the distinction helps explain why mesh networking is fundamentally dif...

Getting on a LoRa mesh network requires minimal hardware and no ongoing costs. This page covers everything you need - and what is optional but recommended. Minimum Requirements To send and receive messages on a LoRa mesh network, you need: 1. A LoRa Device w...

You have your device. Here is how to go from unboxed hardware to sending your first message on your local mesh network. Before you start - attach the antenna first. Screw the antenna on before you power the device for testing. Never transmit with no antenna c...

Full Glossary A - Z A reference guide to terms used in LoRa mesh networking, covering MeshCore, Meshtastic, hardware, radio concepts, and related protocols. Terms are listed alphabetically. A ACK Acknowledgment. A confirmation packet sent by the destinat...

Hardware Overview & Buying Guide Choosing hardware for a LoRa mesh node comes down to three factors: what role the device will play (handheld communicator, portable node, or fixed repeater), what firmware you intend to run (MeshCore or Meshtastic), and your bu...

MeshCore Device Compatibility MeshCore is a lightweight mesh firmware optimised for LoRa networks. The following devices are supported as of early 2026 (the supported list changes - always check flasher.meshcore.io for the latest list before purchasing hardwar...

Meshtastic Device Compatibility Meshtastic is the other major firmware option for LoRa mesh nodes. Hardware compatibility overlaps significantly with MeshCore. Always verify at flasher.meshtastic.org before purchasing. Widely Used Meshtastic Devices DeviceMC...

Budget Devices Budget-tier devices generally cost under ~$30 (as of 2026-06-08) and can be a reasonable entry point, but they come with trade-offs: most bare boards ship without GPS, an enclosure, or a battery. Users who want a turnkey experience may be better...

Mid-Range Devices Mid-range devices ($25 - $50) add useful features: GPS, better displays, higher transmit power, lower power consumption, or more robust form factors. (Prices below are as of 2026-06-08 and shift over time.) Heltec V4 - $25 - $35 (as of 2026-...

Premium & Feature-Rich Devices Premium devices (roughly $43 - $109, as of 2026-06-08) target users who want a self-contained communicator, maximum battery life, infrastructure-grade performance, or specialised capabilities like NFC. Prices are volatile and var...

Prebuilt Solar Repeater Units Prebuilt solar nodes take the complexity out of outdoor deployments. They arrive weather-rated, often pre-flashed, and ready to mount. The trade-off is higher cost compared to a DIY build. Prices below are as of 2026-06-08 and var...

Base Station Nodes Base station nodes are designed for fixed high-site installations where maximum transmit power, receive sensitivity, and continuous power availability matter more than portability or battery life. Station G2 - ~$109 (as of 2026-06-08) The S...