MESHCORE
The Famparc Meshcore Project
A group of Famparc Members have found another radio project called Meshcore.
Although this does not use the actual Amateur Bands, it does use Radio Waves, being in Australia and other countries the 915Mhz Frequency.
Let's be clear on this.. MeshCore is a Text Based & Telemetry System.
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You do not communicate with voice, only Text via a Bluetooth Connected Phone, or with some units, where it has a Screen and Keyboard incorporated within the unit itself.
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It utilises a private network setup by you and other uses.. And you can have a private encrypted channel of your own to share with friends and family if you wish.
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It is same as Texting (SMS) on your Smartphone, however it does not use the massive infrastructure such as 4G/5G and Internet.
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You use a free App for your Smartphone which Bluetooths to your phone.
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You cannot send images, files etc.. (Not yet anyway)
Tips:
There is another mode before MeshCore, Meshtastic. When you order a device, it may come pre-installed with Meshtastic, however using the MeshCore Flasher Website, you can Re-Flash your device with the latest Software for Meshcore. Click Here.
You do need to setup and configure your device. Example.
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Name of your Device.. Fred vk3frd (example)
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Location, Lat & Lon (optional)
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If you wish to share your location
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Frequency Pre-set (For Australia select Pre-set "Australia (Narrow)" This will then pre-config your device for the correct frequency and other factors.
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There are a few device names that can run on your device.
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(You can only select one per device)
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Companion Bluetooth.
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Companion USB.
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Repeater.
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Room Server.
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Other settings (optional)
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Once your have configured your device (Companion Bluetooth), and you are finding nothing is happening, you can check for nearby Repeaters, using the MeshCore App on your Smartphone under the Tools Menu, this will scan for any repeaters within radio range, if nothing is found you can:
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Use a larger antenna (make sure it's for the 915Mhz Band).
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Place your device in an area we it can hear and transmit to a Repeater.
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If the above fails, you may need a Repeater Device, which you then place close by so your Companion can talk to it, the Repeater then needs to be in a position so it can talk to other Repeaters on the Mesh Network.
Cost:
Setting up a MeshCore system is very cheap.
Companion Device:
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Build from parts. Around A$30 - $60.
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Buy a Pre-Built Device. Around A$60 - $200.
Repeater Device:
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Build from parts. Around A$60 - $160.
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Buy a Pre-Built Device. Around A$140 - $200.
The Basics:
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Using your Smartphone and it connected to your Companion Device, you can chat to other people using the Public Channel. You can see how many Repeaters (HOPS), it takes them to contact your device. Up to 64 Hops.
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Just like Amateur Radio, people love to know if they are being heard and how many Hops it takes.
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You can simply text them back, which then uses then Mesh Network of Repeaters, no 4G/5G or Internet required.. This is a private network via peoples own Repeaters.
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The Distances can be amazing, and depends on available Repeaters, their locations, band conditions. Based on the limit of 64 Hops, you could in theory, reach hundreds of kilometres.
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The more Repeaters, the more Meshing.
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You message, is sent to the closest Repeater, and because it's a Mesh network, that Repeater then passes your message to the next and so on.
Useful Links:
MeshCore Website
MeshCore Flasher Page
MeshCore Map
MeshCore Victoria Activity Page
Once you have Mastered this Hobby, you can continue to advance further into MeshCore.. There is a lot more to play with.
Note to Reader:
Some Hams may see this as "Not Amateur Radio", however this has been developed by a Amateur Radio Operator, and you will find many many Amateur's using this Technology, and expanding the Repeater Reach by using higher gain Antenna's such as Yagi's.
So although a Non-Ham can use these devices and band here in Australia, it still uses Radios Waves (915Mhz) transmitting Digital Telemetry etc.
ThinkNode M5 $80.00
WisMesh Repeater Mini $170.00
Feature MeshCore System:
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Philosophy"Managed" fixed infrastructure (Structured)
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Best ForCity-wide networks, long-distance links, tactical teams
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Max Hops 64
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RoutingSmart hybrid (Direct + Flood)
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LicenseMIT (Open Source library)
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Power UseExtremely low on Companions (as they don't relay)
MeshCore App Other Settings.
The Technology:
The MeshCore system is a specialized, high-efficiency communication protocol designed for LoRa (Long Range) radio hardware.
While it often runs on the same devices as Meshtastic (like the Heltec V3 or LilyGo T-Deck), its internal logic is built for predictability and fixed infrastructure rather than casual, spontaneous group use.
1. The Core Architecture:
Role-Based Routing
MeshCore’s most defining feature is that it separates hardware into strict, pre-defined roles.
This prevents "channel congestion" (too many devices talking at once).
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Companion: This is your personal handheld device. It connects to your phone via Bluetooth or USB. Companions do not repeat messages. This saves battery and keeps the airwaves clear for actual communication.
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Repeater: These are the "backbone" of the system. They are usually placed in high locations (roofs, towers). Only Repeaters relay messages for others.
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Room Server: A unique MeshCore feature that acts as a "BBS" (Bulletin Board System). It can store messages or public posts that users can "pull" or read when they come within range, even if they were offline when the message was sent.
2. Technical Protocol Details:
MeshCore uses a hybrid routing system that is significantly more advanced than standard "flood" relaying:
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Direct Routing: Instead of shouting a message to everyone, MeshCore attempts to "learn" the best path to a specific user. It only "floods" (sends to everyone) if the direct path isn't known.
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64-Hop Limit: While Meshtastic is usually capped at 7 "jumps," MeshCore supports up to 64 hops. This allows for massive, region-wide networks linked by many repeaters.
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Delivery Confirmation: You get explicit feedback on whether your message reached its destination, how many retries it took, and what route it followed.
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Low Telemetry: It is much "quieter" than other systems. It doesn't send constant location or status updates unless specifically requested, which maximizes the available bandwidth for text messages
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3. Software Ecosystem:
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The App: The primary mobile app (available for Android and iOS) is often used for the user interface. Unlike some other mesh apps, MeshCore’s official mobile client typically requires a small one-time fee to unlock full features, which funds the project's development.
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Web Flasher: You don't need to be a programmer to install it. You can flash the firmware directly through a Chrome browser using the official MeshCore Web Flasher.
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Remote Management: If you own a repeater on a high tower, you don't have to climb up to change settings. You can send "Admin" commands over the radio from your Companion device to reboot the repeater or change its frequency.
4. Hardware Support:
MeshCore is compatible with most standard LoRa development boards:
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Handhelds: Heltec V3, LilyGo T-Deck, LilyGo T-Echo, and the Seeed Studio T1000-E.
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Repeaters: RAK Wireless WisBlock (the "gold standard" for solar repeaters due to its ultra-low power consumption) and the SenseCAP Solar Node.
Meshcore App from Google play store
Meshcore App from apple App Store
This is a typical map of just a few of the private Meshcore Repeaters around the Melbourne area..
Typical MeshCore Map showing Repeater neighbours from your own Repeater.
The Basics of the MeshCore Network, showing devices and how they use the Repeater Meshing.
A Screen/Keyboard Device in-one.
This is fun to watch, it is the Greater Melbourne/Victoria MeshCore Network, if you wait long enough you are bound to see network activity.
