MeshCore Client Setup

This guide walks you through flashing your device with MeshCore companion firmware, pairing it with your phone, and getting on the Inland NW Mesh network for the first time.

Contents

What You Need

Step 1: Flash Companion Firmware

The Companion firmware role is for personal client devices that pair with your phone. It does not relay other users' messages — that is the job of a Repeater.

  1. Connect your device to your computer with a USB cable
  2. Open Chrome and go to flasher.meshcore.io
  3. Find your device model in the list
  4. Select role: Companion Bluetooth
  5. Select the latest version
  6. Click Flash and follow the prompts to select your serial port
  7. Wait for the flash to complete — do not disconnect the device

Tip: If the flasher does not detect your device, try a different USB cable or hold the BOOT button on your device while plugging it in.

Step 2: Install the MeshCore App

Download the official MeshCore companion app for your phone:

Step 3: Pair Your Device

  1. Power on your device and enable Bluetooth on your phone
  2. Open the MeshCore app
  3. Tap Add Device and select your device from the Bluetooth scan list
  4. The app will connect and sync — this takes about 10-15 seconds

Note: If your device does not appear, make sure it is powered on and within a few feet of your phone. There is no Bluetooth pairing PIN required.

Step 4: Configure Your Node

Once connected, set up your node:

  1. Go to Settings in the app
  2. Set your Node Name — this is how others will see you on the mesh
  3. Set Radio Preset to USA/Canada (Recommended) — this sets the correct frequency and radio parameters for the Inland Northwest (910.525 MHz, SF7, BW62.5)
  4. Optionally set your GPS position if you want to appear on the map

Important: Use the USA/Canada recommended preset to ensure you are on the same frequency as the rest of the Inland NW Mesh network.

Step 5: Send Your First Advert

An advert broadcasts your node's name, position, and public key to the mesh so others can discover you and send you messages.

  1. Tap the signal/wave icon at the top of the app
  2. Select Flood Advert to broadcast across the whole mesh
  3. Wait a few minutes — other nodes will begin to appear as they exchange adverts

Note: MeshCore nodes do not appear instantly. Discovery depends on receiving an advert from the other node. Be patient and keep the app open.

Step 6: Join the Inland NW Mesh Channel

Our main community channel is where most group communication happens. Ask for the channel invite link in our Discord — a channel QR code or meshcore:// link will add it to your app automatically.

Troubleshooting

Device not showing up in the flasher: Try a different USB cable, a different USB port, or hold the BOOT button while plugging in. Some devices require drivers — check the manufacturer's page.

Device not appearing over Bluetooth: Make sure the companion firmware was flashed (not repeater firmware, which has no Bluetooth). Try toggling Bluetooth off and on, or restarting the app.

No other nodes appearing: Nodes are discovered via adverts which are sent periodically. Send a flood advert yourself and wait 5-10 minutes. If you are indoors with no nearby repeaters you may not hear anyone until you are within range.

Delivery confirmation not appearing: A checkmark on a message means it was acknowledged. If you don't see one, the destination node may be out of range or offline. Try sending via a channel instead of direct message.

For more help, join our Discord and ask in the #help channel.