How to join AustinMesh
1) Join the group (optional)
Outside of the mesh network itself, we're most active in our public Discord Server. You can email us to be added to our mailing list for our in-person meetings in Austin. You can also follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or join our Discord.
2) Connect to the network
Austin Mesh currently supports 2 networking technologies. We recommend MeshCore for all beginners.
- MeshCore: Best for text message communication
- Meshtastic: Best for data(e.g. weather, air quality) and travel
(In depth comparison of MeshCore and Meshtastic)
Getting started using MeshCore
1) Hardware/Radio
You'll need a radio to get started. Prices range from $13 - hundreds. Most sit in the $30-80 range.
Companion Radio
- More time than money: Seeed XIAO nRF52 ($13)
- More money than time, tiny package: Seeed SenseCAP T1000-E ($35-50)
- More money than time, better performance: WisMesh Pocket V2 ($90)
- Phone-free/All in one: LILYGO T-Deck ($40-100)
Solar / Infrastructure Radio Repeater
- More time than money: DIY Build ($30-???)
- More money than time: WisMesh Repeater Mini ($109)
- Money is really no object: AtlaVox Beacon ($235-300)
- You just love to tinker: DIY build ($30-???)
2) Software Setup
- Flash the MeshCore firmware to your radio using flasher.meshcore.co.uk.
- Download the MeshCore app to your phone.
- Connect to your radio via bluetooth.
- Select the USA/Canada (Recommended) preset.
- Do not adjust frequency, bandwidth, spreading factor, or coding rate.
- Set your name. This will be visible to others on the network.
- Having trouble? View our full Getting Started with MeshCore guide or join our Discord server.
3) Channels and Use
- Austin Mesh uses the default Public channel that is automatically configured.
- Optionally, you may add #testing and #meetup.
- Send your first message in Public. Does it say "Heard {x} repeat(s)"? If so, that means you're connected!
- If not, try moving your radio. The higher/fewer obstructions the better.
- Send away! It's very unlikely you'll bother anyone by being chatty or saying hello a bunch.
- Consider joining the Discord server for more advice.
Getting started using Meshtastic
1) Hardware/Radio
You'll need a radio to get started. Prices range from $13 - hundreds. Most sit in the $30-80 range.
Companion Radio
- More time than money: Seeed XIAO nRF52 ($13)
- More money than time, tiny package: Seeed SenseCAP T1000-E ($35-50)
- More money than time, better performance: WisMesh Pocket V2 ($90)
- Phone-free/All in one: LILYGO T-Deck ($40-100)
Solar / Infrastructure Radio Repeater
- More time than money: DIY Build ($30-???)
- More money than time: WisMesh Repeater Mini ($109)
- Money is really no object: AtlaVox Beacon ($235-300)
- You just love to tinker: DIY build ($30-???)
2) Software Setup
- Flash the Meshtastic firmware to your radio using flasher.meshtastic.org.
- Download the Meshtastic app to your phone.
- Connect to your radio via bluetooth.
- Select the United States region.
- Select the Long Range - Fast preset.
- Turn on: Ignore MQTT, OK to MQTT
- Do not adjust frequency slot, frequency override.
- Set your Long Name and Short Name. These will be visible to others on the network.
3) Channels and Use
- Austin Mesh uses the default Primary Channel that is automatically configured.
- Send your first message in Public. Does it say "Acknowledged"? If so, that means you're connected!
- If it says "Max Retransmission Reached" try moving your radio. The higher/fewer obstructions the better.
- Send away! It's very unlikely you'll bother anyone by being chatty or saying hello a bunch.
- Consider joining the Discord server for more advice.