Meshtastic Node Configurations
Because Lawrence features a prominent central ridge (Mt. Oread), heavy old-growth tree canopies in historic neighborhoods, and western sprawl, 900MHz Line-of-Sight (LoS) can be tricky. Standardizing our settings ensures a reliable grid for everyone.
General Network Settings
To ensure your node can communicate with the rest of the MeshLawrence grid, verify these baseline radio settings are applied in your Meshtastic app:
- Region: US (915 MHz)
- Modem Preset: LongFast (Crucial for penetrating the dense tree canopy in East Lawrence and maximizing range across the river).
- Primary Channel: Default
aq==(Leave name empty) to ensure public routing and discoverability. - Telemetry: ON (Helps the community map signal strength across the varying elevations in town).
Standard Mesh User (Phone Node)
For users walking downtown or keeping a node in their backpack. This node connects to your phone via Bluetooth.
- Hardware Examples: LILYGO T-Echo, Heltec V3, LILYGO T-Beam.
- Role:
CLIENT - Antenna: Standard 3dBi flexible (easy to carry).
- Power: Internal 18650 battery or USB bank.
- Hop Limit: 3 (Prevents local network flooding).
- Smart Position: ON
Roof Node (Infrastructure)
Crucial for expanding the network. These act as high-elevation relays to punch signals through the thick Lawrence tree canopy.
- Hardware Examples: RAK Wireless WisBlock (extremely low power, perfect for solar), Station G2.
- Role:
CLIENT - Antenna: 5.8dBi to 8dBi fiberglass omnidirectional.
- Placement: Mounted to a chimney, eave, or mast. Must be above the roofline.
- Power: 5V Solar panel + high-capacity battery.
- Bluetooth: OFF
Prime Placement Node
Dedicated high-elevation routing hardware for key topological points. Requires organization planning before deployment.
- Hardware Examples: RAK13800 Ethernet WisBlock setups, custom ESP32 installations in weatherproof enclosures.
- Role:
ROUTER - Coordination: Must be organized and planned with the MeshLawrence group to avoid routing loops.
- Hop Limit: 4 (Allows routing across wider geographical gaps like West Lawrence to Mt. Oread).
- Power: PoE (Power over Ethernet) injected mains power preferred, robust solar alternative.