Meshtastic FAQ

Welcome to the Meshtastic community in South San Francisco! This FAQ aims to help newcomers understand what Meshtastic is and how to get started with mesh networking.

What is Meshtastic?

Q: What is Meshtastic?
A: Meshtastic is an open-source, decentralized, off-grid mesh network that uses inexpensive LoRa radios for long-range communication. It enables text messaging, GPS location sharing, and telemetry without requiring internet, cellular service, or any existing infrastructure. (There are other mesh solutions using LoRa radios [like Meshcore], but they do not quite have the mass adoption and community support that Meshtastic currently has) 

Q: How does Meshtastic work?
A: Meshtastic devices (called "nodes") automatically rebroadcast messages they receive, creating a mesh network. This means your message can reach someone far away by "hopping" through multiple devices, even if you can't directly communicate with that person.

Q: What can I do with Meshtastic?
A: You can:

Getting Started

Q: What equipment do I need?
A: You need three basic things:

Q: Which devices are recommended for beginners?
A: Popular beginner-friendly devices include:

Q: How much does it cost to get started?
A: Basic Meshtastic devices start around $30-50 (possibly more depending on tariffs). The software and mobile apps are completely free. You only pay for the hardware.

Q: Is technical knowledge required?
A: No! While technical knowledge can be helpful, anyone can use Meshtastic. The documentation and community are designed to help beginners learn easily, and where things might be confusing, we can help.

Q: This is all very confusing!  Can you help me?
A: Sure! Just email us at hello@southcitymesh.com and we can guide you through the process.  

Setting Up Your Device

Q: How do I flash firmware to my device?
A: The easiest way is using the Meshtastic Web Flasher in Chrome or Edge browsers. Simply connect your device via USB, select your device model, choose the latest stable firmware, and click "Flash".

Q: What's the first thing I need to configure?
A: You must set your region correctly for legal operation and compatibility with other local nodes. For the US (including South San Francisco), select "US" as your region.

Q: How do I connect my device to my phone?
A: Download the Meshtastic app for Android or iOS, then connect to your device via Bluetooth. If prompted for a PIN, it will be displayed on your device's screen (default is often 123456 for devices without screens).

Bay Area Specific Information

Q: Is there an active Meshtastic community in the Bay Area?
A: Yes! The Bay Area has a vibrant Meshtastic community called "Bay Area Mesh" (BayMesh). Visit http://bayme.sh/ for local information, Discord community access, and Bay Area-specific guides.

Q: What settings should I use for the Bay Area?
A: According to local recommendations:

Q: How can I connect with other local users?
A:

Technical Questions

Q: What frequency does Meshtastic use?
A: In the US, Meshtastic operates in the 902-928 MHz ISM band (915 MHz region). This is license-free and doesn't require a ham radio license (although there are extra ISM bands available to ham operators).

Q: What's the range of Meshtastic devices?
A: Direct communication range (line of sight with no obstancles) could be 3-5 miles in good conditions, but the mesh network can extend this significantly through relay nodes. The record for a single hop is over 330km!  Realistically, however, the most reliable connection you'll have in most circumstances will be connecting with everyone on your neighborhood block who has a Meshtastic device.

Q: Can I use Meshtastic without internet?
A: Yes! Meshtastic works completely off-grid. However, you can optionally use MQTT over internet to connect distant mesh networks. (But MQTT is not needed for neighbors to talk to each other) 

Q: How long does the battery last?
A: Battery life varies by device, but Meshtastic is designed for excellent power efficiency. 

Q: Is Meshtastic secure?
A: Yes, Meshtastic uses encryption for private communications. The default public channel is unencrypted, but you can create encrypted private channels to talk with your family.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Q: I can't see any other nodes. What should I do?
A:

Q: My device won't connect to the app. Help!
A:

Q: Can I communicate with people using different device types?
A: Yes! All Meshtastic devices can communicate with each other regardless of manufacturer, as long as they're using compatible LoRa settings.

Emergency and Practical Uses

Q: Can I use Meshtastic during disasters?
A: Absolutely! Meshtastic is designed for emergency communications when traditional networks fail. It's been used during natural disasters, power outages, and remote emergency situations.

Q: Is Meshtastic useful for hiking and outdoor activities?
A: Yes! Meshtastic is perfect for staying connected with your group during outdoor activities, sharing locations, and emergency communication in areas without cell coverage.

Q: How many people can use this?
A: There’s no fixed “user limit.” Everyone on a Meshtastic channel shares the same air time—so it works best for tens of casual users sending short messages every few minutes. If lots of people are chatting (dozens), expect some delay (you can split into multiple channels and turn down auto-beacons to keep things smooth).  You can find some great AARs (after action reports) after events such as Burning Man, DefCon, and Ham Radio conventions.  These AARs show some of the advance settings to allow many people to use at once. 

Community Resources

Q: Where can I find local help and information?
A:

Q: How can I contribute to the local mesh network?
A:

Q: Are there regular community meetings?
A: Yes! The Bay Area Mesh community holds weekly net meetings. Check http://bayme.sh/ and join their Discord for schedules and updates.

Q: Where can I buy devices locally?
A: While many devices are available online, check with local electronics stores or ham radio retailers. The community Discord may also have recommendations for local suppliers or group purchases.

Legal and Regulatory

Q: Do I need a license to use Meshtastic?
A: No license is required for normal Meshtastic operation in the US, as it operates in the unlicensed ISM band under Part 15 regulations.

Q: Are there power limitations?
A: Yes, ISM band regulations limit power output. Most consumer Meshtastic devices operate well within legal limits, but high-power devices may require additional considerations.

Q: Can I modify antennas or increase power?
A: Be careful! Modifying RF equipment can violate FCC regulations. Stick to approved antennas and power levels unless you have proper licensing and knowledge.  If you have a question, just ask us (via email or on the Discord) 

Q: What other places in the United States have one something similar?
A: Here is a partial list of the major ones: 


How to get started? 


I set this up. Where can I test this in SSF? 

Need More Help?


Welcome! The South San Francisco Meshtastic community looks forward to having you as part of our growing network.


This FAQ was created for the South San Francisco Meshtastic community.

For the most up-to-date information, always check the official Meshtastic documentation and the Bay Mesh website.  If you have questions on where ot find something, feel free to email us at hello@southcitymesh.com