Get Connected to TennMesh

Joining in and communicating with the mesh is easy! Follow these steps to get your device set up and communicating on the mesh network.

Step 1a: Get a Companion Device

To get started, you’ll need a portable mesh radio that runs MeshCore firmware. Pre-built devices typically cost between $30 and $100 and pair to your phone over Bluetooth, letting you send and receive texts in the MeshCore app. These radios are called Companions, and we’ve listed a few beginner-friendly recommendations below.

Recommended Companion Device Options

Seeed Studio Wio Tracker L1 Pro

This is a great option for most people starting out. It's well-supported, reasonably priced, and includes an antenna and battery.

Where to buy: Seeed Studio

RAK WisMesh Tag

This is another great option for people starting out who venture out in the outdoors a lot. This device is a pocket-sized mesh radio in a card form factor that is durable and waterproof with an IP66 rating.

Where to buy: Rokland

SenseCAP T1000-E Card Tracker

This device is another pocket-sized mesh radio in a card form factor that is durable and ready for the outdoors with an IP65 rating. This one is a little smaller than the WisMesh Tag with a smaller pricetag as well. The smaller size means a smaller battery however, but you still get multiple days of general use with it.

Where to buy: Seeed Studio

Not sure what to buy? Check out our Devices page for detailed recommendations, DIY options, and solar-powered repeater builds.

Step 1b: Get a Solar repeater

If you just have a companion device and you're a bit out of range from others, you may need a device somewhere high up and outdoors acting as a repeater. There is currently a great solar powered option for repeaters thats easy to setup and use. See our recommendation below for this.

Recommended Solar Repeater

SenseCAP Solar Node P1-Pro

This is a great option for an outdoor solar mesh repeater. It's easy to put together and then it's just a matter of mounting it outside with the solar panel facing the sun and it will help extend your range as well as help other mesh users within range of your repeater.

Where to buy: Seeed Studio

Not sure what to buy? Check out our Devices page for detailed recommendations, DIY options, and solar-powered repeater builds.

Step 2: Flash Your Device

Note: To flash your device, you must use a Chromium-based browser such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

Open the Web Flasher

Go to: https://flasher.meshcore.co.uk

From the device list, select your specific radio model.

On the next page, choose Companion Bluetooth as the firmware type.

Enter DFU Mode

  1. Click Enter DFU Mode. A device-selection window will appear.
  2. Plug your MeshCore device into your computer using a USB cable.
  3. When a new device appears in the list, select it and click Connect.
  4. Wait until the button changes to DFU Mode Active.

Erase Flash

Click Erase Flash. This wipes any existing firmware and prepares the device for MeshCore.

Wait until the erase process completes.

Flash Firmware

Click Flash to install the MeshCore firmware.

When flashing completes, your device is ready to be paired.

Step 3: Pair and Configure Your Device

Pair with Phone

  1. Open the MeshCore app on your phone.
  2. Tap Connect in the top-right corner.
  3. Select your MeshCore device from the list.
  4. When prompted for the Bluetooth PIN:
    • If the device has a screen → use the PIN shown on the device.
    • If the device has no screen → enter 123456.

Your device should now be paired and connected.

Configure Basic Settings

Tap the gear icon in the top-right corner.

Set Device Name

In the Public Info section, enter a name for your device (callsign, handle, or anything you like).

Set Radio Preset

  1. Scroll to the Radio Settings section.
  2. Tap Choose Preset.
  3. Select USA Canada Recommended from the list.

Save Settings

  1. Tap the checkmark in the top-right corner to save.
  2. Tap Back to return to the main screen.

Say Hello to the Mesh

  1. Tap Channels at the bottom of the app.
  2. Open the Public channel and send a message.
  3. Check your message status:
    • You may see Heard 1 Repeat, Heard 2 Repeats, etc.
    • This shows how many repeaters received and rebroadcast your message.

Your MeshCore device is now live and talking on the mesh.

Step 4 (Optional): Flash and Configure a MeshCore Repeater

This step is optional and only for those who are setting up a repeater device. If you've completed Steps 1-3 with a companion device, you're all set to use the mesh!

These steps are for setting up a device to run Repeater firmware.

Flash Repeater Firmware

Open a Chromium-based browser such as Chrome or Edge.

Go to: https://flasher.meshcore.co.uk

Select your device model from the list.

On the next page, choose Repeater as the firmware type.

Enter DFU Mode

  1. Click Enter DFU Mode.
  2. Plug your device into your computer using a USB cable.
  3. When the new device appears, select it and click Connect.
  4. Wait for the button to change to DFU Mode Active.

Erase and Flash

  1. Click Erase Flash and wait for it to finish.
  2. Click Flash to install the repeater firmware.
  3. When flashing is complete, leave the device connected.

Configure the Repeater

Open: https://config.meshcore.dev

  1. Click Connect in the top-right corner.
  2. Select your repeater device and click Connect.

Set Device Name

Enter a name for your repeater (callsign, location, or anything descriptive).

Set Location

Set the Latitude and Longitude.

  • You may enter coordinates manually, or
  • Click the map button and choose a spot.

Tip: If you don't want your exact home location shown, choose a nearby park, airport, or general area.

Access Settings

Guest Password

Optional. Leave blank unless you want others to view status info like battery level.

Admin Password

Required. Enter the password you'll use to manage the repeater remotely.

Radio Settings

Set Preset to: USA Canada Recommended

Set Coding Rate to: 8

Leave all other values unchanged:

  • Frequency: 910.525
  • Bandwidth: 62.5
  • Spreading Factor: 7

Save and Reboot

Click Save Settings.

Your repeater will reboot automatically and come online.

Need Help?

Getting started with mesh networking can be confusing at first. Don't hesitate to ask for help! Connect with the TennMesh community for support, tips, and troubleshooting.

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