Meshcore Repeaters¶

MeshCore is designed to grow through a network of fixed-location nodes installed at homes, businesses, and other permanent sites. These always-on repeaters automatically relay messages between users, extending coverage throughout the community and creating a stronger local network.

Each new fixed node helps fill coverage gaps, connect neighborhoods, and expand the reach of the mesh. By placing nodes in strategic locations around the Roanoke Valley, the community can build a communications network that becomes more capable as more participants join.

The Roanoke Meshcore network is still very new and more repeaters are needed to help improve coverage. If you would like to add a repeater to the network, please review the following information so we can coordinate our repeater settings.

Local Repeater Settings¶

Please contact us if there are questions or corrections.

The sections below are the same sections you see in the meshcore app when configuring a repeater.

Public Info¶

Name: Please name your repeater after the mountain, neighborhood, or nearby landmark where it is located.

Radio Settings¶

Setting	Value	Note
Frequency	910.525 Mhz	(default)
Bandwidth	62.5 kHz	(default)
Spreading Factor	7	(default)
Coding Rate	5 or 8	Default is 5, use 8 to improve noise tolerance *

*Several other mesh networks recommend setting the coding rate to 8 for repeaters. I have noticed a slightly improved success rate when using CR8 in some situations.

Owner Info¶

Enter contact info, such an email address or call sign. This will be visible to guest logins.

Setting	Value	Note
Auto-Advert (Zero Hop)	0	Reduces local airtime
Auto-Advert (Flood)	47	24 hours minimum*

*Auto adverts are detrimental to large mesh networks, please use as few as possible.

Position¶

Use the map to set exact or nearby position. This will help other operators determine where new repeaters are needed.

Guest Password¶

Keep the default password blank. This allows guests to lookup owner info and neighbors from the repeater.

Manage Regions¶

If you are installing a repeater in or nearby the following regions, please install these regions into your repeater:

Region	Options
us	Flood Allowed
us-va	Flood Allowed
southwestva	Flood Allowed
roanokeva	Flood Allowed
cavespringva	Flood Allowed

References:

Command Line Reference on Repeater Region Management

Boston Mesh Regions

Pacific Northwest MeshCore Region Strategy

ripplebiz blog post on region filtering

Command Line¶

Use the 'Command Line' tab in the meshcore app. Copy each line here and paste into the app, then press enter.

Set tx power to maximum. This setting applies to the radio before any hardware amplifier.

set tx 22

This improves packet timing randomization so repeaters avoid transmitting simultaneously.

txdelay adds a small random delay before sending. This is important so that repeaters which receive the same packet don't attempt to retransmit at the same time.