Setup Instructions
These instructions are mostly intended for MeshCore repeaters. Some elements will be the same or similar to Meshtastic. If you intend to use your MESHPEATER for Meshtastic, we recommend that you consult the Meshtastic documentation.
First Steps
Prerequisites
- You will need a functioning "Companion" node to communicate with your repeater.
- You will need either the iOS or Android MeshCore app installed on your phone.
- To communicate with your repeater, you will also need to "upgrade" the MeshCore app to the paid version. You can use the in app purchase system built into the app. The cost is a one-time fee of $8. It's well worth the expense.
Tools You Will Need (Allen wrenches are included with your MESHPEATER)
- 2 mm HEX driver or Allen Wrench
- 2.5 mm HEX driver or Allen Wrench
- 3 mm HEX driver or Allen Wrench
- 5/32 HEX driver or Allen Wrench
Information You Will Need
Think of a name for your repeater. It can be anything you want. Some people use their location in the name, others come up with totally crazy names. Just remember that other users will refer to your repeater by name. So making it memorable is a plus. You will also need to gather the following information:
- Frequency (Check your local MeshCore group.)
- Bandwidth (Usually 62.5 kHz)
- Spreading Factor (Usually 7 or 8. Check your local group.)
- Coding Rate (Check your local group.)
- Latitude and Longitude where the repeater in going to be installed)
Note: If you have already ordered your MESHPEATER and submitted our Build Request Form, all of your settings will be pre-programmed for you prior to shipping.
Deploying Your MESHPEATER
Low Profile Model
Connecting The Battery - Low Profile Model
Note: Once the battery is hooked up it will begin receiving and transmitting. It is always a good practice to make sure an antenna is attached when transmitting. We recommend you attach your antenna or a 50 ohm dummy load before proceeding.
Your MESHPEATER is shipped with the battery unplugged from the circuit board and is only partially charged. To connect the battery, follow these instructions:
Remove the 6 M3 screws securing the back plate of the MESHPEATER using a 2.5mm hex driver or the included Allen wrench as indicated below. Remove the plate to gain access to the internal part of the device. Make sure the gasket is back in place before reattaching.
At the top left corner, there is a JST ZH 1.2 connector for the solar panel connection. It should already be attached.
The battery leads terminate with a male JST PH 2.0 connector. There is a corresponding female connector at the top right corner of the board. POLARITY is important! The circuit board is not well marked. For the battery connection, looking straight on, the + (positive red wire) is in the left. The - (negative black wire) is on the right.
Go ahead and plug the battery into the open JST PH 2.0 connector on the board.
The Solar Panel is already attached to the radio on the left corner as shown above.
You can now reassemble the MESHPEATER and finish up.
If you had us set this up before shipping, you are ready to go. It is now working. Just mount it in your desire location, and you should start to see messages coming in within a few minutes.
If we did not pre-program is for you, you will need to perform the remaining configuration and set it up with your local settings. On the back (Low Profile model) or bottom (Super Rugged model) you will find a sticker with the default configuration we ship new units with. You will need these to access the device for programming.
You will need to set your Companion, via your smartphone app to the following settings:
Tap the Gear icon at the top.
Under Radio Settings, make sure you have set the initial values to these below.
Frequency: 927.875
Bandwidth: 62.5
Spreading Factor: 7
Coding Rate: 5
Once you have these in, tap on the check mark in the upper right hand corner to save.
Then tap on the 3 dots in the upper right hand corner.
Choose Tools
Choose Discover Nearby Nodes
Choose Discover Repeaters
Give it a minute or two…
Look for the following name:
Name: MP Repeater
Tap on MP Repeater and log in with the following password:
Password: 12345678
You can then finish programming your new MESHPEATER to your local settings.
Before you get out of the repeater settings, scroll down to Sync Clock and tap that.
Lastly, scroll down and select Reboot to make sure everything comes back in the new mode.
Remember to change your Companion settings back to your original values.
Super Rugged Model
Connecting The Battery - Super Rugged Model
Note: Once the battery is hooked up it will begin receiving and transmitting. It is always a good practice to make sure an antenna is attached when transmitting. We recommend you attach your antenna or a 50 ohm dummy load before proceeding.
Your MESHPEATER is shipped with the battery unplugged from the circuit board and is only partially charged. To connect the battery, follow these instructions:
On the back of your MESHPEATER loosen the 6 screws that attach the backctronics carrier in place. This requires a 2mm hex driver or Allen wrench. You don't need to completely remove it. Just back it out approximately 2mm until you can lift the cap up and slide the electronics carrier out easily.
Be careful! The screw is small and easy to lose. We provide an extra one if ever needed.
At the top left corner, there is a JST ZH 1.2 connector for the solar panel connection. It should already be attached to the USB-C connector on the right. The solar panel will connect there.
The battery leads terminate with a male JST PH 2.0 connector. There is a corresponding female connector at the top right corner of the board. POLARITY is important! The circuit board is not well marked. For the battery connection, looking straight on, the + (positive red wire) is in the left. The - (negative black wire) is on the right.
Go ahead and plug the battery into the open JST PH 2.0 connector on the board.
The Solar Panel is plugged into the USB port on the bottom of the device. Internally, it is already attached to the radio on the left corner as shown above.
You can now reassemble the MESHPEATER and finish up.
If you had us set this up before shipping, you are ready to go. It is now working. Just mount it in your desire location, and you should start to see messages coming in within a few minutes.
If we did not pre-program is for you, you will need to perform the remaining configuration and set it up with your local settings. On the back (Low Profile model) or bottom (Super Rugged model) you will find a sticker with the default configuration we ship new units with. You will need these to access the device for programming.
You will need to set your Companion, via your smartphone app to the following settings:
Tap the Gear icon at the top.
Under Radio Settings, make sure you have set the initial values to these below.
Frequency: 927.875
Bandwidth: 62.5
Spreading Factor: 7
Coding Rate: 5
Once you have these in, tap on the check mark in the upper right hand corner to save.
Then tap on the 3 dots in the upper right hand corner.
Choose Tools
Choose Discover Nearby Nodes
Choose Discover Repeaters
Give it a minute or two…
Look for the following name:
Name: MP Repeater
Tap on MP Repeater and log in with the following password:
Password: 12345678
You can then finish programming your new MESHPEATER to your local settings.
Before you get out of the repeater settings, scroll down to Sync Clock and tap that.
Lastly, scroll down and select Reboot to make sure everything comes back in the new mode.
Remember to change your Companion settings back to your original values.