Get a companion
Choose a supported 868 MHz LoRa device with Bluetooth. Flash stock Companion firmware and install the MeshCore phone app.
MeshCore • Yorkshire
Connecting Yorkshire,
one node at a time.
A community-built MeshCore network for resilient, off-grid messaging across Yorkshire.
Community-led
Off-grid ready
Yorkshire-wide
Off-grid. Community-led.
Local messages.
No mobile signal needed.
MeshCore uses small LoRa radios to carry short messages between people. Repeaters extend coverage across Yorkshire.
Start with a phone companion, use the shared radio profile, and join #yorkshire. Coverage depends on terrain and the nodes nearby.
Get connected
Your first message in three steps.
Match the radio profile
Connect by Bluetooth and apply every setting below. Frequency, bandwidth, SF and coding rate must match.
Join #yorkshire
Add the main channel, set its region scope to yorkshire and say hello with your name and area.
Yorkshire radio profile
UK frequency settings
- Preset
- UK (Narrow)
- Frequency
- 869.618 MHz
- Bandwidth
- 62.5 kHz
- Spreading factor
- SF8
- Coding rate
- 8
This is the shared profile used by MeshCore Yorkshire. Stay within the UK licence-exempt power and duty-cycle limits for your equipment and installation.
Meet the local network
Join #yorkshire
#yorkshire is the main public community channel for local chat, coverage reports, testing and getting help from other node operators.
- Open Channels in the companion app.
- Add the public channel named #yorkshire.
- Set its Region Scope to
yorkshireusing the mobile guide below. - Send a short introduction with your name and area.
Public channel messages can be read by other community members.
Start here
From unopened box to first message.
1
Flash your device
Install the correct Companion, Repeater or Room Server firmware.
2
Get the iPhone app
Install MeshCore from the UK Apple App Store.
2
Get the Android app
Install the companion application from Google Play.
3
Open the web client
Use a compatible device through a supported browser.
Mobile setup · iPhone & Android
Choose a region for each channel.
#yorkshire is our main channel. Leave the client’s Default Region unset; choose the scope inside each channel instead.
New to the mesh? If you hear others but your channel messages aren’t reaching them, check your channel scope first. Nearby users may still hear your unscoped messages directly and help you get set up. If you cannot reach anyone, email us for help. Official region guide →
Repeater configuration
Keep it simple. Keep it regional.
Use stock Repeater firmware from meshcore.io and the Yorkshire radio profile above. Leave other settings at their stock defaults. Every Yorkshire repeater must add these three regions, set its default to yorkshire and add region denyf * to block unscoped flood traffic. The older special configuration tweaks are no longer needed for this setup.
yorkshire
Our main community region.
northwest
Routes across the Pennines.
eng-ne
North East England routes.
Six commands. One simple setup.
Apply to every Yorkshire repeater
On current stable stock firmware (v1.15.0 or later), log in and enter each CLI command separately. Check the responses, then save.
Required: add region denyf *
Run this command on every Yorkshire repeater, then run region save. It blocks unscoped flood traffic to reduce unwanted bot and spam traffic while keeping the three named regions available.
region put yorkshire
region default yorkshire
region put eng-ne
region put northwest
region denyf *
region save
Everyone’s repeater matters: consistent region settings help keep the network useful. Enter names exactly as shown, without #. The * means unscoped traffic; spam sent within an allowed region can still pass.
Quick help
Something not working?
Start with these checks. If you’re still stuck, ask in #yorkshire or email us.
Ask for helpI can’t see any nodes
Check Companion firmware, Bluetooth, the antenna and all five radio settings. Leave the device powered for a few minutes near a window or outdoors.
I receive chat but mine doesn’t reach others
Check the channel’s Region Scope first: yorkshire, northwest or eng-ne. Then try a clearer location and test with a nearby contact. Reception alone does not prove a return path.
The flasher can’t find my board
Use Chrome or Edge on a computer, a USB data cable and the correct board model. A charging-only cable won’t work.
My repeater has poor coverage
Check antenna connections, power and nearby electrical noise. A clear, high position usually helps more than extra transmit power.
Useful extras
A few basics. When you need them.
Which device should I choose?
Phone companion: the easiest starting point; a supported Heltec, LilyGo or Seeed board connects over Bluetooth. Choose the 868 MHz version.
Standalone: a screen and keyboard device can work without a phone. Repeater: a fixed node extends coverage; it is not your personal chat device.
How do I test a new device?
Start with two companions a few metres apart. Match the radio profile, wait for discovery, exchange direct messages, then test #yorkshire with its region set. Increase distance only after that works.
RSSI measures signal strength; SNR compares signal with noise. Actual message delivery is the useful test.
Where should I put a repeater?
Choose a high, clear location with permission to install and maintain it. Use a suitable antenna, short feed cable and separation from electrical noise. Outdoor nodes need weatherproofing and reliable power.
What are adverts?
An advert introduces your node so others can discover it. Zero-hop adverts stay within direct range; flood adverts travel through repeaters. Send them sparingly and give the mesh time to respond.
How do I look after a repeater?
Record the board, firmware, radio profile, regions and power setup. Change the default admin password, keep access details secure and check weatherproofing and batteries. After updates, retest settings and two-way delivery.
Privacy and responsible use
Public channels are public: avoid personal or confidential information. Share precise locations deliberately and protect your node’s private key.
Use equipment within the UK licence-exempt power and duty-cycle rules. Antenna gain counts towards radiated power. This community network is not an emergency service or a replacement for 999.
Read Ofcom IR 2030 →What do the terms mean?
Companion: your messaging device. Repeater: forwards packets. Room Server: stores messages for collection. Region: limits where flood traffic is forwarded. Hop: one radio leg. Path: the route between nodes.
Join the community
Build it. Test it.
Make it useful.
Chat in #yorkshire, share a coverage report or help someone get connected. Walkers, Scouts, radio enthusiasts and curious newcomers are welcome.
[email protected]