Meshcore Groningen

About Our Local LoRa Mesh Network

Welcome to our community-driven, decentralized radio network. We operate an open, resilient LoRa (Long Range) mesh infrastructure designed to provide off-grid, low-power text messaging, telemetry, and emergency communications across the region.

📡 What is MeshCore?

MeshCore is a lightweight, decentralized routing protocol and firmware ecosystem designed specifically for constrained LoRa transceivers.

Unlike traditional cellular or internet-based networks that rely on centralized towers and internet service providers:

  • Zero Central Dependency: Nodes communicate directly peer-to-peer.
  • Dynamic Multi-Hop Routing: Messages automatically “hop” across intermediate nodes (repeaters and companion devices) until they reach their destination, effectively extending network coverage far beyond line-of-sight.
  • Resilient & Off-Grid: The network remains fully operational during internet blackouts, severe weather events, or infrastructure failures.
  • Low Power Consumption: Devices can run for days on small lithium cells or indefinitely with compact solar setups.

⚙️ Radio & Network Parameters

To connect your node to the regional mesh, configure your hardware radio settings to match the regional standard outlined below:

Parameter Setting Details
Preset / Region Netherlands EU868 Band Allocation
Carrier Frequency 869.618 MHz Primary Regional Channel
Bandwidth (BW) 62.5 kHz Narrowband (Optimized for SNR & Reach)
Spreading Factor (SF) 7 Balanced Airtime & Link Margin
Coding Rate (CR) 5 Forward Error Correction

Note on Compliance: Operating within these settings ensures duty-cycle compliance and optimal interoperability with all active local repeaters and companion nodes.

🛠️ Getting Connected

Follow these steps to flash, configure, and onboard your hardware onto the local mesh:

1. Supported Hardware

Common compatible LoRa boards (868 MHz variants):

  • Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 (v3)
  • LilyGO T-Beam / T-Echo / T-Deck
  • RAKwireless WisBlock (RAK4631 / RAK19007)
  • Seeed Studio SenseCAP Card Tracker / T1000-E

2. Device Configuration

  1. Connect to your device via your configuration interface (Web Flasher, Bluetooth App, or Serial CLI).
  2. Set your Region to Netherlands (or select custom radio frequency if entering manual offsets).
  3. Update your Radio Frequency to 869.618 MHz.
  4. Configure modulation parameters:
    • Bandwidth: 62.5
    • Spreading Factor: 7
    • Coding Rate: 5
  5. Save changes and reboot your device.

3. Verify Connection

  • Send a Ping: Broadcast a short test message (e.g., Hello Mesh from [Your Call/Handle]).
  • Check Node List: Look for neighbouring repeaters and base stations in your device’s routing table to confirm incoming packets.

🤝 Best Practices & Network Etiquette

  • Keep Broadcasts Concise: Radio spectrum is shared. Long, continuous broadcasts consume airtime and cause packet collisions.
  • Telemetry Interval: If running sensor nodes or battery monitors, set telemetry broadcast intervals to at least 15–30 minutes.
  • Role Assignment: Use Client or Companion mode for personal handsets. Reserve Router / Repeater modes for fixed nodes installed at elevated, permanent sites with uninterrupted power.

💬 Community & Support

Have questions, need help flashing firmware, or want to deploy a solar repeater in your neighborhood?