Imagine a world where you can stay connected with your team, even when you’re far off the grid.
That’s the magic of Meshtastic—an open-source, decentralized, off-grid mesh network powered by affordable, long-range LoRa radios.
These compact communicators form a seamless network and can link to your phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Meshtastic ensures you’re always connected. Learn more on the official website.
How Does It Work?
Meshtastic operates in the 915 MHz frequency range, leveraging the powerful LoRa protocol to create an interconnected web of communication.
Here’s the magic behind it:
Radios running Meshtastic software form a resilient, self-healing mesh network.
Connect to these devices via Bluetooth for nearby use or through handheld nodes that double as repeaters.
Messages effortlessly hop from node to node, extending your reach and building a robust communication chain.
Ready to Get Started?
If you don’t have a Meshtastic device yet, we have recommendations in our Recommended Hardware section.
After you have a device it’s time to check out the Getting Started section for a quick guide to get you on the air.
Once you’re online and having fun, we have additional guides for more advanced use cases, detailed configurations, and even custom hardware builds.
In order to use Meshtastic or join in the Iowa Mesh, you will need a device capable of running the Meshtastic firmware.
You should make sure your device includes at least an antenna, a battery if you want to operate portable, and a GPS if you want to share your position.
Some of our favorite starter devices are:
If you would like to explore other options check out our hardware recommendations. Some things to be aware of:
Some devices are available for multiple frequency bands. The United States requires the 915 MHz band.
nRF52 based devices are more power efficient than ESP32 based devices so they are better for portable use.
Most devices do not have a built in GPS. If you are connected to the device with your phone, it can still use your phone’s GPS if you want to track position.
Flash the Firmware
After selecting your device, use the Meshtastic web flasher to install the software.
It’s quick, straightforward, and backed by excellent documentation.
Configure Your Device
Connect to your device
Install and open the Meshtastic app on your phone.
From the main screen click on the connect button to pair with a new device.
You will need to follow the pairing instructions for your specific device.
Generally devices without a screen will have a fixed pin like “123456” and devices with a screen will present a pairing code on the screen.
Set your Lora Region to United States
Name Your Device
Be Found Easily by naming your device! If you are already a licensed Amateur Radio Operator you can opt to put in your call sign
LoRa Settings
Currently in Iowa it’s a bit sparse for coverage.
It might be worth turning up for the recommended 3 hops
If you plan on participating in the meshmap you’ll need to turn on Ok to MQTT.
More information here.
Add Channels for Private configuration
Use These QR Codes to Add the additional IROMesh Channel to your node.
The Public Channel is available to everyone, but the IROMesh Channel will give us a little better place to communicate among the group.
Have Fun
You’re now ready to have fun with Meshtastic and the Iowa Mesh!
Join the Community
Have questions or want to connect? Find us on Discord and join the conversation with Iowa Radio Operators!
2 - Recommended Hardware
There are tons of options for hardware when it comes to Meshtastic. From prebuilt setups for the beginners all the way to DIY setups for custom deployments in cars, routers or base stations. We’ll try our best to account for as many levels of users that visit the site and want to get into Meshtastic.
For the user who wants to just get involved or not wanting to assemble anything there are some easy solutions to invest in.
Heltec ESP32 V3 Heltec V3 Node Kit comes with a case already that takes minimal assembly and an easy barrier to entry with a low cost to get started. The ESP versions are good but given that it’s based on ESP32 battery life becomes the concern. The ESP modules tend to use the battery quicker than a something based on NRF style chip. The base option here doesn’t not have GPS and would need to be added separately. Since it doesn’t have the GPIO headers it would require customer work. Here is another good option for an Heltec v3 providing you all the hardware you need to get started: Pacific North Heltec Kit
The T114 kit from Muzi Works Muzi Works T114 Kit is another option for low entry into Meshtastic. While it is a little more in price you are getting a complete kit including the T114, Battery, GPS Module, Antenna and case. The T114 is based on the NRF processors which are super-efficient on battery life.
Another great NRF build is from Rokland. They have released their WisMesh Pocket Rokland WishMesh Pocket which is a small version of the Rak Wireless board, screen, battery, GPS Module. Given that this is based on an NRF module you can expect to get great battery life out of it as well as functionality with the screen.
Check back as we will add new options as they come out. Check out the blog posts as well for options that will have some 3d printing involved, but still low cost to entry.
The rest of the links here will help you choose for more custom builds and other options to consider when building a Meshtastic node
Please note we are not affiliated with any of these links. We do not get any kick back, these are not affiliated likes just recommendations we believe is a good place to start
2.1 - Antennas
Whether you’re building a portable mobile node or a fixed base station, selecting the right antenna for your application is essential to ensure optimal performance. The recommendations provided here are sourced from community insights and practical experiences. Keep in mind that results may vary depending on your specific use case. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to reach out to us on Discord or via email
Series ½-wave center-fed dipole antennas are designed for outdoor and indoor use. They deliver outstanding performance in a rugged and cosmetically attractive package. The antenna contains a helical element and internal counterpoise which eliminates external ground plane dependence and maximizes performance.
It’s great low cost option for starting out. Does not require a ground plane.
2.1.2 - ALFA Network AOA-915-5ACM 5 dbi Omni Antenna
Another Great use case for a base station or higher up location. Can also be used for a client or potentially a router. Good build quality and ready for deployment
Great Antenna for Router or higher up node. Potentially great for a base station Node as well
2.2 - Radios
There are dozens of options for radio, including kits that you could build yourself (some cases with 3d printing) and others that are all in one solutions. We will try to break down those options here.
Simple Options like the RAK Wireless WisMesh v2 will give you a turn key option to start using Meshtastic!
Another good option for a built-in node would be the LilyGo T-Echo. Also put together, it brings a low entry barrier to use and get started with Meshtastic.
Meshtastic supports various operating modes to suit different needs:
Device Role
Description
Best Uses
CLIENT
App connected or stand alone messaging device. Rebroadcasts packets when no other node has done so.
General use for individuals needing to communicate over the Meshtastic network with support for client applications.
CLIENT_MUTE
Device that does not forward packets from other devices.
Situations where a device needs to participate in the network without assisting in packet routing, reducing network load.
CLIENT_HIDDEN
Device that only broadcasts as needed for stealth or power savings.
Use in stealth/hidden deployments or to reduce airtime/power consumption while still participating in the network.
TRACKER
Broadcasts GPS position packets as priority.
Tracking the location of individuals or assets, especially in scenarios where timely and efficient location updates are critical.
LOST_AND_FOUND
Broadcasts location as message to default channel regularly for to assist with device recovery.
Used for recovery efforts of a lost device.
SENSOR
Broadcasts telemetry packets as priority.
Deploying in scenarios where gathering environmental or other sensor data is crucial, with efficient power usage and frequent updates.
TAK
Optimized for ATAK system communication, reduces routine broadcasts.
Integration with ATAK systems (via the Meshtastic ATAK Plugin) for communication in tactical or coordinated operations.
TAK_TRACKER
Enables automatic TAK PLI broadcasts and reduces routine broadcasts.
Standalone PLI integration with ATAK systems for communication in tactical or coordinated operations.
REPEATER
Infrastructure node for extending network coverage by always rebroadcasting packets once with minimal overhead. Not visible in Nodes list.
Best positioned in strategic locations to maximize the network’s overall coverage. Device is not shown in topology.
ROUTER
Infrastructure node for extending network coverage by always rebroadcasting packets once. Visible in Nodes list.
Best positioned in strategic locations to maximize the network’s overall coverage. Device is shown in topology.
ROUTER_LATE
Infrastructure node that always rebroadcasts packets once but only after all other nodes, ensuring additional coverage for local clusters. Visible in Nodes list.
Ideal for covering dead spots or ensuring reliability for a cluster of nodes where placement doesn’t benefit the broader mesh. Device is shown in topology.
