FAQ

A collection of FAQ regarding Meshtastic

Questions

Answers

How reliable is this?

- Coverage grows as more nodes are introduced into the network. More permanent nodes help the network even more.

Do I need a license or tech skills?

- No license is needed at all. Tech know-how is a bonus, but not needed either.

Where can I get help?

- Our community on Discord, or any of the other Meshtastic communities, or at Meshtastic.org.

How much does this cost?

- The only cost is the hardware and your time.

Do I have to use my real name?

- No. You can remain anonymous if you choose. Just follow the community guidelines or your node will be disabled from the network.

What does RSSI and SNR mean?

- Meshtastic gear gives you two key signal stats: RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) and SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio).

How do I choose the right hardware for my node?

- Select a device with a compatible LoRa radio (for example, ESP32-based boards). Consider battery capacity, form factor, and available GPIOs if you plan to add sensors or buttons.

How do I install or update the Meshtastic firmware?

- Use the official Meshtastic mobile app or the command-line tool (`meshtastic-cli`). Connect your node via USB and follow the on-screen prompts to flash the latest release.

What is Time on Air (ToA) and why does it matter?

- Time on Air is the duration a packet occupies the radio channel. Longer ToA boosts range but reduces network capacity and battery life, so balance spreading factor with message size.

Can I use Meshtastic without GPS?

- Yes. Nodes without GPS will still relay traffic but won’t share location. “Relay only” nodes are often run indoors to bolster outdoor coverage.

How secure is my data on Meshtastic?

- All traffic is encrypted end-to-end using Elliptic Curve cryptography. Only nodes sharing the same network key can decrypt messages, protecting your privacy from eavesdroppers.

What are the regulatory requirements for using LoRa?

- You generally don’t need an amateur radio license for the low-power bands used by Meshtastic in most countries, but you must comply with local power output and duty-cycle limits.

How can I extend my node’s battery life?

- Enable deep-sleep modes, reduce broadcast intervals, lower transmit power, and choose low-quiescent-current regulators. External solar panels or higher-capacity batteries also help.

How do I troubleshoot connectivity issues?

- Check RSSI/SNR values, confirm nodes share the same frequency and network key, restart stubborn nodes, and verify firmware versions match across your network.

Can I integrate Meshtastic with other services?

- Yes. Use the MQTT bridge, the HTTP API, or custom scripts via `meshtastic-cli` to relay messages into home-automation systems, mapping software, or chat platforms.

How do I contribute to the Meshtastic project?

- Head to the GitHub repo to file issues, submit pull requests, translate docs, or join discussions on Discord. Community contributions drive new features and keep the project healthy.

Are third-party antennas supported?

- Absolutely. Just ensure the antenna’s connector (for example, SMA, RP-SMA, u.FL) matches your board and that it’s tuned for the 915 MHz (US) or 868 MHz (EU) LoRa bands.

How do I reset my node to factory settings?

- Hold the “boot” button while powering on to enter bootloader mode, then use `meshtastic-cli --reset-settings` to clear all custom configs and keys.