Moved from Meshtastic to Meshcore

 

After some discussion with other LoRa device users I discovered that there is a better alternative to Meshtastic. Using the same devices Meshcore delivers a much more structured way of networking. 

The biggest difference is that with Meshtastic every device will repeat all the messages it receives while with Meshcore only dedicated repeaters will repeat messages. You can imagine that in that case there is a lot more space on air to send and receive messages with Meshcore.

However there are always pros and cons. With Meshtastic you only need one device to do you thing basically. With Meshcore you need at least 2, better 3 devices. With Meshtastic it is difficult to get your messages out, especially when there are more hops involved. With Meshcore delivering messages over longer paths is more reliable. 

PE4BAS Roodeschool (repeater)

   I've now 4 devices in use in my personal on air network. First I removed my node from the flagpole in front of the house and flashed it as a Meshcore repeater, I now mounted it in the antenna tower. It is an off grid node consisting of a SEEED XIAO nRF52 module a 5Ah battery and a 8W solar panel. The fun is that I can remotly configure the node with another device. No Bluetooth involved anymore, It is a fantastic feature.

PE4BAS BBS/Room

   Device 2 is a Meshcore room-server on a Heltec V3. It is basically a very simple BBS. It can store (15) messages and you need a password to access this, in my case the password is a standard "hello" which can be changed later. Also this room-server can be remotely configured. You and others can retrieve the messages later. Excellent for when you are not at home and still want to be able to receive messages there.

PE4BAS/p

   Device 3 is a Meshcore companion on a Heltec V3 with a 10Ah power bank. It is controlled via a mobile phone. Luckily the Meshcore app can be used on older devices like and Iphone 8, this is not the case with Meshtastic which needs the latest smart phones. This is the device you need to bring with you. You communicate through this device. A repeater will repeat all your transmissions. It is also able to remote control the repeater and room-server.

PE4BAS T-Deck 

Device 4 is a Liligo T-Deck which is a standalone device. No need for a mobile phone but this has not al the possibilities of a smart phone. It is essentially only for sending and receiving messages without the use of an smart phone. 

I can write a lot of things about Meshcore but it has all been written before. You can all find it on the internet. This post is just about how I made my local network with Meshcore. The ultimate setup is off-grid. Very easy with these devices as they do not take much power. It is all independent of any commercial network like 4G or 5G or whatever. It is very low power so don't expect long distant calls. A typical device can be used from 1-10km depending on antenna, terrain, buildings, height etc. The devices can be used license free, you don't need to be a licensed radio operator (HAM). You don't need a lot of knowledge. The devices can be programmed with firmware online. All other settings can be found on the internet. Although it helps when you are handy with computers, know something about radio/antennas and are a little technical.

Remember this is still all experimental and a challenge, even for an experienced HAM. I like that!

Interested?

Some links:

https://meshcore.co.uk/

https://www.localmesh.nl/meshcore/ (In Dutch and English)

https://www.meshcore.ch/settings (Swiss settings also valid for the rest of Europe)

https://veron.nl/nieuws/meshcore-de-opvolger-van-meshtastic/ (Dutch)