Snowfox's Space

Meshtastic Notes

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Snowfox
in

Some notes from setting up a couple Meshtastic nodes.

Essential Setup

Radio configuration

  1. User
    • Set “Long Name” and “Name” to something that lets others identify you. I use ‘Snowfox’ and ‘Fox’ for example.
  2. Channels
    • When adding channels the “Channel Name” and “PSK” MUST match on all nodes. Easiest option is scanning a QR code or clicking a link shared for a channel.
      • Note: Don’t change the default “LongFast” Channel Name or PSK, this is your ‘public’ channel. Messages sent here can be read by anyone. If you enable location in the channel settings it can be seen by anyone.
      • Note 2: For other channels you can enable position and share your location with people who also have that channel added to their node. You can also disable precise location and set a distance to ‘fuzz’ your location randomly around your real location.
        Note 3: Position reports go to the first channel with position enabled, so if you have multiple channels with position enabled it will only send to the first one.
  3. Security
    • Export your keys, useful to have if you need to reset your node or replace it.

Device configuration

  1. Device
    • Pretty much everyone should use the default CLIENT role. Clients will still repeat packets and form a mesh with other local nodes.

How to MQTT

MQTT in Meshtastic lets you link your node through the internet, it can be enabled per-channel. Go into settings on the Meshtastic app and:

  1. LoRa (Optional)
    • Enable “Ok to MQTT” – This lets other nodes who hear you via LoRa that it’s OK to relay your packet to MQTT if they have it configured.
    • Save.
  2. Channels
    • Tap your channel (eg; Trailform) and enable both Uplink and Downlink.
    • Save.
  3. Module Configuration > MQTT
    • Enable MQTT at the top
    • Change ‘Root topic’ to msh/US/CO
    • If you aren’t specifically using WiFi on your node, enable “Proxy to client”. This will use your phones wifi or data to connect to the MQTT server through the app.
    • Save.

MQTT should be working now!
Position will also be sent via MQTT if a channel has it enabled along with uplink toggled on.