Swiss Mesh

MeshCore Tutorial

MeshCore infrastructure and networking for Swiss Mesh. Complete guide to setup, configuration, and recommended settings for MeshCore repeaters and room servers in Switzerland.

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Resilient LoRa backbone infrastructure for regional coverage

MeshCore focuses on reliable long-range routing and infrastructure. It is designed for fixed nodes, gateways, and backbone links that connect regions and communities.

Key features:

Long-range LoRa backbone nodes and gateways
Regional routing and relay infrastructure
Optimized for fixed, always-on installations
Interconnects multiple local meshes
Shared deployment guides and best-practice playbooks

Basic setup

Install the antenna.
Warning: if you power on your board before the antenna is mounted it may burn out.
Plug it into the USB port.

Flash the firmware

Go to https://flasher.meshcore.co.uk
Select your board.
Choose a role
Select the firmware.
Put your board into flash mode (google search)
Press flash.
Select the USB port.
Flash the firmware.

Swiss MeshCore settings

These values follow the current recommendations of MeshCore Switzerland (October 2026). Settings change as the network grows — check that page before deploying infrastructure.

Radio (all nodes)

Setting	Recommended value	Why
Frequency	869.618 MHz	Inside the 869.400–869.650 MHz sub-band, the only 868 MHz band in Switzerland that allows 500 mW ERP. Shared with most of Europe and the UK.
Bandwidth	62.5 kHz	The European “Narrow” preset.
Spreading factor	8
Coding rate	8
TX power	22 dBm	Default. Reduce it with high-gain antennas or amplifiers — see the ERP calculator.
Region scope	set to your region	Very important on repeaters and companions so floods stay regional. See meshcore.ch/regions.
Path hash mode	2-byte	On companions: Experimental settings in the app. On repeaters: `get path.hash.mode` to check.

Repeaters and room servers

Setting	Recommended value	Why
Admin password	change the default `password`	Otherwise anyone can reconfigure your node remotely.
Zero-hop advert	0 (off)	The flood advert already announces the node.
Flood advert	49 hours (minimum 24)	Adverts are the biggest source of background airtime.
Duty cycle	10 (`set dutycycle 10`)	The legal maximum of 10 % airtime per hour in this sub-band.
RX delay	0.0 s	Default.
TX delay	0.5 s local · 1.0 s regional · 2.0 s backbone	Longer delays on long-range repeaters let closer repeaters relay first and reduce collisions.
Time	must be correct	Set it with Remote Management from the companion app. RAK-based repeaters benefit from an RTC module.

Repeaters only: leave the guest password empty and keep repeating enabled. Repeaters within range of a map-updater are added to the MeshCore map automatically.

Room servers only: the default guest password is hello — keep it for an open room or change it to restrict posting. Room servers can also repeat (off by default); if you enable it, apply the repeater settings above. Add room servers to the map from the MeshCore app.

Where to put a repeater

Height beats power. A 22 dBm repeater on a ridge outperforms a 30 dBm one in a valley. Swiss topography makes line of sight the deciding factor.
Backbone repeaters belong on locations with wide views (hilltops, high buildings) and should use the longer TX delay.
Indoor nodes are companions, not repeaters. A repeater inside a flat adds airtime without adding coverage.
Power: nRF52-based repeaters such as the RAK4631 need very little energy, so a small solar panel with a battery works well. Size the battery for several days without sun — in the winter fog of the Mittelland that is the deciding factor.
Permission: ask the owner before mounting on someone else’s building, and check with your Gemeinde for larger outdoor antennas.