📵 No bars? No problem.

To get started, you'll need:

• A MeshCore-compatible LoRa radio, like the SenseCap T1000-E. Check out the hardware guide for other recommended device options.
• A Chrome-based browser to flash MeshCore firmware onto the device using the online web flasher.
• A MeshCore client app installed on your smartphone or computer.

Most devices costs between $30-80 depending on what you choose. There are no subscription fees and participation in the network and community is completely free.

Yes. MeshCore uses AES-128 encryption for all messages by default. Even public channels encrypt messages in transit.

For added privacy:

• Create private channels for groups of friends or family.
• Send direct messages between individual devices. Only the intended recipient can read them.

No license is needed. Unlike ham radio, which needs an FCC amateur radio license, Meshcore runs on unlicensed ISM bands (typically 915 MHz in North America) that are legal for anyone to use.

That said, we encourage members to learn about responsible radio use and make sure their devices are configured with appropriate power settings to avoid interference with other services.

Absolutely! There are several ways to support the network even if you're not into tech:

• Donate to help fund public infrastructure like repeaters and node hardware.
• Volunteer your time, skills, or location (e.g. rooftop or property) for node installations.
• Spread the word. Tell your neighbors, share on social media, or invite others to join.

MeshCore (launched January 2025) is a fresh take on mesh networks, built on years of lessons learned from earlier systems like Meshtastic®. It emphasizes simplicity, scalability, and reliable message delivery. With just a small set of device roles, it's hard to misconfigure, and the defaults (including a 64-hop limit and minimal flood broadcasts) are tuned to keep messages flowing smoothly without clogging the airwaves.

Meshtastic® (started in 2020) helped pioneer open LoRa mesh networking, and still shines in areas such as sensor metrics and ATAK integration. But its more complex role system with 12 options and a default hop limit of just three can make scaling more difficult and setup more error-prone. While recent updates have improved direct message routing behavior, long-standing design decisions can make broad improvements harder to roll out. MeshCore, by contrast, benefits from a clean slate and delivers more flexibility, usability, and efficiency out of the box.

Beyond the tech, the MeshCore community is fast-moving, collaborative, and welcoming. Development is open, feedback is valued, and new features are introduced thoughtfully to protect network performance. If you're looking for a modern mesh that works at scale, MeshCore is well worth a try.