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These pages provide detailed reference information for Meshtastic node configuration and advanced features.
This page provides a comprehensive reference of all node configuration options recommended for the Indiana Hoosier Mesh network.
| Option | Setting |
|---|---|
| Region | US Region 915 |
| Use Preset | ON |
| Preset | Long Range - Fast |
| Ignore MQTT | OFF |
| OK to MQTT | ON |
| Transmit Enabled | ON |
| Number of Hops | 5 |
| Frequency Slot | 20 |
| RX Boost Gain | ON |
| Frequency Override | 906.875 |
| Transmit Power | 30 |
| Option | Setting |
|---|---|
| Channel Name | Long Fast |
| PSK | AQ== |
| Uplink Enabled | ON |
| Downlink Enabled | ON |
| Position Enabled | ON |
| Precise Location | OFF |
| Distance Slider | 148 ft |
| Option | Setting |
|---|---|
| Direct Message Key (Public) | Populated* |
| Direct Message Key (Private) | Populated* |
| Log Serial Console | ON |
| Debug Log API | OFF |
| Admin Managed Mode | OFF |
| Legacy Admin Channel | OFF |
*Note: Unique to each node
| Option | Setting |
|---|---|
| Node ID | Populated |
| Long Name | Your Choice |
| Short Name | Your Choice (max 4 characters) |
| Hardware Model | Populated |
| Unmessageable | OFF (Optional ON for roof nodes) |
| Licensed Amateur Radio | OFF* |
Important: Meshtastic allows encrypted transmissions. However, US Amateur Radio licensing prohibits encryption. See FCC guidelines and our Amateur Radio & Meshtastic guide for complete details.
| Option | Setting |
|---|---|
| Device Role | CLIENT |
| Rebroadcast Mode | All |
| Node Info Broadcast Interval | Three Hours |
| LED Heartbeat | ON |
| Time Zone | Phone or GMT-5 |
| Button GPIO | 0 |
| Buzzer GPIO | 0 |
| Option | Setting |
|---|---|
| Broadcast Interval | Six Hours |
| Smart Position | OFF |
| Fixed Position Lat | User Defined (via phone) |
| Fixed Position Long | User Defined (via phone) |
| Position Flags | 3 – User Defined |
| GPS Receive GPIO | Pin 0 |
| GPS Transmit GPIO | Pin 0 |
| GPS EN GPIO | Pin 0 |
| Altitude | Enabled |
| Altitude MSL | Enabled |
| Option | Setting |
|---|---|
| Serial Enabled | ON |
| Echo Enabled | OFF |
| RX | 0 |
| TX | 0 |
| Baud Rate | BAUD_DEFAULT |
| Timeout | 0 |
This page covers advanced configuration options for MQTT (internet connectivity), Serial interfaces, and Telemetry collection.
MQTT allows you to access and control your Meshtastic nodes over the internet, integrating them with other services and creating mesh monitors.
| Option | Setting |
|---|---|
| MQTT Enabled | OFF (optional ON) |
| Address | mqtt.meshtastic.org |
| Username | meshdev |
| Password | User Defined |
| Encryption Enabled | ON |
| JSON Output | OFF |
| TLS Enabled | ON |
| MQTT Root Topic | msh/US/IN |
When you enable MQTT, you’ll receive messages from many nodes across the network and can become overwhelmed with traffic. Use this feature deliberately and carefully.
Best Practices:
Check MeshMap.net to see what root topics other users in your region are publishing to. This will help you understand the network topology and choose an appropriate topic for your node.
Telemetry allows your node to collect and broadcast device metrics like temperature, humidity, battery status, and GPS location.
| Option | Setting |
|---|---|
| Send Device Telemetry | OFF |
| Environment Metrics Module | OFF |
| Environment Metrics Update Interval | OFF |
| Environment Metrics On Screen | OFF |
The Serial interface allows you to communicate with your Meshtastic device via USB or serial connection for advanced debugging and integration with external systems.
| Option | Setting |
|---|---|
| Serial Enabled | ON |
| Echo Enabled | OFF |
| RX | 0 |
| TX | 0 |
| Baud Rate | BAUD_DEFAULT |
| Timeout | 0 |
Configure how your device alerts you to incoming messages.
| Option | Setting |
|---|---|
| External Notification Enabled | OFF |
| Alert message LED | ON |
| Alert message buzzer | OFF |
| Alert message vibration | OFF |
| Alert bell LED | OFF |
| Alert bell buzzer | OFF |
| Alert bell vibration | OFF |
These settings allow you to customize notification behavior based on message type and your preferences.
Information for licensed amateur radio (ham) operators using Meshtastic devices. Understanding the legal and technical considerations is essential for compliant operation.
US Amateur Radio licensing specifically prohibits encryption of transmitted information. While Meshtastic supports encrypted communications, licensed amateur radio operators must disable encryption when operating under their amateur radio license.
See FCC Part 97 Rules for complete regulations.
🎥 Meshtastic Overview Presentation - Community presentation on Meshtastic fundamentals and usage (slides)
For a comprehensive overview of Meshtastic specifically for amateur radio operators, including legal considerations, technical details, and best practices:
📊 Meshtastic for Amateur Radio Operators - Google Slides Presentation
This presentation covers:
When operating under an amateur radio license, configure your Meshtastic device as follows:
In your node’s User Configuration settings:
| Setting | Value | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Amateur Radio | ON | Enables ham radio mode |
| Long Name | Include callsign | Station identification (e.g., “KC1XXX - Josh”) |
Default Meshtastic channels use encryption (PSK: AQ==). For ham operation, you must configure an unencrypted channel.
Per FCC Part 97.119:
Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) = Transmitter Power + Antenna Gain - Cable Loss
Transmitter: 30 dBm (1 watt)
Antenna Gain: +3 dBi
Cable Loss: -0.5 dB
EIRP = 30 + 3 - 0.5 = 32.5 dBm (≈1.78 watts)
For unlicensed operation, this would exceed the 1-watt EIRP limit.
For licensed operators seeking high-power operation:
Always ensure your configuration complies with your license class privileges and local regulations. When in doubt, consult with your local amateur radio club or the ARRL.
Have questions about operating Meshtastic under your amateur radio license? Ask on the Indiana Mesh Discord where experienced ham operators can help guide you.