Why is my device not detected during flashing?

Try a different USB cable (use data cable, not charge-only), install CH340 or CP210x drivers for your device, hold BOOT button while connecting USB, or try a different USB port (USB 2.0 often works better).

Why are no other nodes visible on the mesh network?

Make sure you configured the preset for USA/Canada in the app, verify antenna is properly connected before powering on, move to a location with better line of sight, and note that nodes do not auto-discover - you need to add contacts or join channels.

Why cannot I connect to my MeshCore device via Bluetooth?

Make sure you flashed the Companion BLE firmware, enable Bluetooth on your phone and grant permissions, try restarting both devices, or forget the device in Bluetooth settings and re-pair.

Why is GPS not working on my MeshCore device?

Not all devices have GPS - check your hardware specs. Move outdoors with clear sky view, wait up to 5 minutes for initial GPS lock, and note that GPS may not work well indoors or near buildings.

How can I improve range and connection quality?

Use a quality external antenna if your device supports it, elevate your device (higher is always better for LoRa), avoid indoor locations with metal structures, and remember that line of sight is critical for LoRa communications.

Get Started with MeshCore

Join the Denver mesh network and connect with the community

View Hardware Setup Guide

Hardware Requirements

MeshCore runs on LoRa devices with ESP32 or nRF52 chips. Here are our recommended options.

Recommended

Seeed Studio T1000-E

Credit card sized, waterproof, long-life battery, high-performance antenna. Perfect for mobile use.

nRF52840, SX1262 LoRa, GPS, Waterproof, Built-in Battery

View Product

Recommended

RAK WisBlock 4631

Modular system for custom builds. Excellent for repeaters and solar setups. Low power consumption.

nRF52840, SX1262 LoRa, Modular design, Low power

View Product

Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V4

Latest Heltec with improved power output and built-in antennas. Budget-friendly option.

ESP32-S3, SX1262 LoRa, 28dBm output, Protected OLED, USB-C

View Product

LilyGO T-Deck+

Standalone device with keyboard and screen. No smartphone needed.

ESP32-S3, SX1262 LoRa, 2.8" LCD, Physical Keyboard, GPS

View Product

Where to Buy

Seeed Studio RAK Wireless Store Rokland Muzi Works PeakMesh

Need help choosing? Ask in our Discord community!

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Follow these steps to get your node up and running on the Denver mesh network.

Flash MeshCore Firmware

Flash the MeshCore firmware onto your device using the official web flasher. No software installation needed.

✓Use Chrome or Edge browser (WebSerial required)
✓Connect your device via USB before starting
✓Select your exact device model and frequency (915MHz for USA)
✓Some devices require holding BOOT button while connecting

MeshCore Web Flasher

Configure Your Node

Set up your node using the MeshCore Companion app (iOS/Android) or the web config tool.

✓Download the MeshCore app from App Store or Google Play
✓Connect to your node via Bluetooth
✓Set a unique, memorable node name
✓Use the web config tool for advanced settings

MeshCore Apps

Join the Community

Connect with other Denver MeshCore members on Discord to get help, share experiences, and coordinate network improvements.

✓Introduce yourself in the #introductions channel
✓Ask questions in #support if you need help
✓Share your node location to help map coverage

Join Discord

Configuration Tips

Recommended settings for optimal performance in the Denver/Front Range area.

Frequency & Region

•Select 915MHz firmware for USA operation
•MeshCore handles frequency configuration automatically
•Ensure antenna is connected before powering on
•Use the correct antenna for your frequency band

Device Roles

•Companion: Pairs with smartphone app via Bluetooth
•Repeater: Extends network coverage (no smartphone needed)
•Room Server: Creates chat rooms for group messaging
•Choose role based on your use case

Denver Area Tips

•Higher elevation = better range (line of sight)
•TX Power: Use maximum for best coverage
•Enable GPS for positioning on the network map
•Join the Denver MeshCore Discord for local help

Radio Settings

Use these settings to connect to other nodes in our area. These settings can be found in the MeshCore app listed as USA/Canada (Recommended).

Setting	Value
Frequency	910.525 MHz
Bandwidth	62.5 kHz
Spreading Factor	7
Coding Rate	5

More information about these settings can be found in the MeshCore documentation.

📡

Repeaters

MeshCore works well with neighborhood repeaters. Increase the range and reliability of the Denver mesh by setting up your own repeater.

View Repeater Setup Guide

💬

Channels

Hashtag topic keys are automatically calculated by the system. The keys are included to help users on devices that cannot type the # (hash) symbol or lack the key calculation functionality.

Topic	Key
#denver	b24355a0d22ed2bf393ec530d75810b4
#frontrange	3adcf6aa656eb14fe6eb785b2c903b36
#bot	eb50a1bcb3e4e5d7bf69a57c9dada211
#emergency	e1ad578d25108e344808f30dfdaaf926
#hamradio	83c8b01997654265938da8765cbc7db9
#testing	cde5e82cf515647dcb547a79a4f065d1

Advanced Topics

Ready to take your mesh networking to the next level? Explore these advanced configurations.

📡

Running a Repeater Node

Set up a dedicated repeater to extend network coverage.

→Flash with Repeater firmware from the web flasher
→Place at high elevation with good line of sight
→Use a quality external antenna for better range
→Ensure stable power supply (wall adapter or solar preferred)
→Configure via USB using the web config tool

☀️

Solar-Powered Nodes

Build a self-sustaining node powered by solar energy.

→Use a 6W+ solar panel for reliable charging
→Include a charge controller (TP4056 or similar)
→Use 18650 batteries (3000mAh+ recommended)
→Weatherproof enclosure (IP65+ rating)
→Position panel facing south for optimal charging

💬

Room Server Setup

Create chat rooms for group messaging on the mesh.

→Flash with Room Server firmware
→Configure room names and settings via USB
→Supports multiple concurrent chat rooms
→Users can join rooms through the companion app
→Great for community or event coordination

Troubleshooting

Running into issues? Here are solutions to common problems.

⚠️Device not detected during flashing

✓Try a different USB cable (use data cable, not charge-only)
✓Install CH340 or CP210x drivers for your device
✓Hold BOOT button while connecting USB
✓Try a different USB port (USB 2.0 often works better)

⚠️No other nodes visible

✓Make sure you configured the preset for USA/Canada in the app
✓Verify antenna is properly connected before powering on
✓Move to a location with better line of sight
✓Nodes don't auto-discover - you need to add contacts or join channels
✓Check our Discord for current network status

⚠️Cannot connect via Bluetooth

✓Make sure you flashed the Companion BLE firmware
✓Enable Bluetooth on your phone and grant permissions
✓Try restarting both devices
✓Forget the device in Bluetooth settings and re-pair

⚠️GPS not working

✓Not all devices have GPS - check your hardware specs
✓Move outdoors with clear sky view
✓Wait up to 5 minutes for initial GPS lock
✓GPS may not work well indoors or near buildings

⚠️Poor range/connection quality

✓Use a quality external antenna if your device supports it
✓Elevate your device (higher is always better for LoRa)
✓Avoid indoor locations with metal structures
✓Line of sight is critical for LoRa communications

Still having trouble? Our community is here to help!

Get Help on Discord

Resources

Helpful links and documentation to support your mesh networking journey.

MeshCore Official Website

Official MeshCore project website with downloads and guides

MeshCore Web Flasher

Flash MeshCore firmware directly from your browser

MeshCore GitHub

Official MeshCore firmware source code and documentation

LetsMesh Analyzer

Real-time network visualization and node statistics

👻CO-DENVER-RUBYHL-OB Analyzer

View the 👻CO-DENVER-RUBYHL-OB analyzer node on LetsMesh

Meadowood Analyzer

View the Meadowood analyzer node on LetsMesh

Denver MeshCore Discord

Community chat, support, and coordination

Ready to Join the Network?

Get your hardware, flash the firmware, and become part of Colorado's growing mesh network community.

Join Our Discord View Network Status