What is MeshCore?
MeshCore is open-source firmware that turns small LoRa radios into an off-grid messaging network. Messages hop between radios across miles of Appalachian terrain, so the network keeps working when the power or the towers don't.
Works when nothing else does
No cell towers, internet, or accounts. If the radios have power, messages get through.
Smarter routing
Fixed repeaters carry the traffic. Phones and handhelds don't rebroadcast everything, so the mesh stays quiet and scales as it grows.
Private by default
Direct messages are end-to-end encrypted. Public and private channels are there for group chat.
Cheap to start
A starter radio is about $20–40. Flash it from your browser, pair it with your phone, and you're on.
How the mesh fits together
MeshCore radios each have a job. Most people only need a companion, but every repeater on a high spot makes the whole network better.
Companion
Your personal radio. It pairs with the MeshCore app on your phone or computer over Bluetooth or USB so you can send messages.
Repeater
An always-on relay on a roof, tower, or ridge. Repeaters are the backbone that carries messages across the Tri-Cities.
Room Server
A small bulletin board on the mesh. It stores posts so people can catch up on what they missed while they were offline.
Get on the air in four steps
Most people are sending their first message within an hour.
Pick a radio
Heltec V3/V4, RAK WisMesh, Seeed, or LilyGO. Plenty of supported options at around $20–40.
Flash MeshCore
Plug in over USB and use the web flasher. Nothing to install.
Set the US preset
In the app, choose USA/Canada (Recommended) so you can hear the local mesh.
Say hello
Send an advert, check the Public channel, and see which repeaters you can hear.
Featured nodes
Sites that help anchor coverage across the region. Running a fixed node? Tell us about it.
Have a high spot?
A water tower, steeple, tall building, or ridge-top could fill a coverage gap for the whole region. We'll help with gear and setup.
Help build the mesh Join the Discord