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Created March 13, 2025 00:26
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Meshtastic Repeaters

Setting Up a Meshtastic Repeater Node (Android App)

Prerequisites

  • Android Device: Running Android 5.0 or higher
  • Meshtastic Device: Powered on with firmware flashed
  • Bluetooth Enabled: To connect to the device
  • Meshtastic App Installed: Download from the Google Play Store

Steps

  1. Open the Meshtastic App

    • Launch the Meshtastic app on your Android device.
  2. Connect to Your Meshtastic Device

    • Tap the "+" icon to add a new device.
    • Select your device from the list and pair via Bluetooth.
  3. Access Device Settings

    • Tap on your connected device.
    • Navigate to Radio Settings.
  4. Enable Repeater Mode

    • Find the Repeater Mode toggle.
    • Turn ON the repeater mode.
  5. Set Hop Limit (Optional)

    • Adjust the hop limit to determine how far messages can propagate.
    • Example: Set the hop limit to 5.
  6. Save and Reboot

    • Tap Save Settings.
    • Restart the device to apply changes.

Deployment Recommendations

  • Elevation: Place the repeater at a high point (rooftop, pole, tree, or tower) for better range.
  • Power Supply: Use a solar panel with a battery pack for continuous uptime.
  • Weatherproofing: Ensure the device is housed in a waterproof case if placed outdoors.

Troubleshooting

  • Ensure Bluetooth is enabled and your device is within range.
  • If settings don’t save, restart the Meshtastic app and try again.
  • If no nodes connect, verify that other Meshtastic devices are within range.

For more details, refer to the Meshtastic Repeater Guide.

Setting Up a Meshtastic Repeater Node (Python CLI)

Prerequisites

  • Python Installed: Version 3.x
  • Pip Installed: Required for package management
  • Meshtastic Python CLI Installed: pip install meshtastic
  • Meshtastic Device: Connected via USB

Steps

  1. Verify Device Connection

    • Open a terminal or command prompt.
    • Run the following command to check if the device is detected:
      meshtastic --info
      
  2. Set Device as a Repeater

    • Enable repeater mode with the following command:
      meshtastic --set repeater true
      
  3. Adjust Hop Limit (Optional)

    • You can limit the number of hops a message can take using:
      meshtastic --set hop_limit [number]
      
    • Example for a 5-hop limit:
      meshtastic --set hop_limit 5
      
  4. Restart Device to Apply Changes

    • Run the following command to reboot the device:
      meshtastic --reboot
      
  5. Verify Repeater Mode is Active

    • Run the following command to check the settings:
      meshtastic --get repeater
      
    • If successful, it should return true.

Deployment Recommendations

  • Elevation: Place the repeater at a high point (rooftop, pole, tree, or tower) for better range.
  • Power Supply: Use a solar panel with a battery pack for continuous uptime.
  • Weatherproofing: Ensure the device is housed in a waterproof case if placed outdoors.

Troubleshooting

  • If the device is not recognized, try a different USB port or restart your computer.
  • If repeater mode does not activate, ensure you are running the latest firmware.

For more details, visit the [Meshtastic Repeater Guide](https://meshtastic.org

Setting Up a Meshtastic Repeater Node (Web Client)

Prerequisites

  • Meshtastic Device: Running the latest firmware
  • Web Browser: Chromium-based (e.g., Chrome, Edge)
  • USB Cable: For direct connection (optional)
  • Web Client Access: Meshtastic Web Client

Steps

  1. Open the Meshtastic Web Client

  2. Connect Your Device

    • Click New Connection.
    • Select Serial (USB) or Bluetooth, depending on your setup.
    • Choose your Meshtastic device and click Connect.
  3. Access Radio Settings

    • Navigate to Settings > Radio.
    • Locate the Repeater Mode option.
  4. Enable Repeater Mode

    • Toggle Repeater Mode to ON.
    • Adjust optional settings such as hop limit or message retention if needed.
  5. Save and Reboot

    • Click Save Settings.
    • Reboot the device to apply changes.
  6. Deployment Recommendations

    • Elevation: Place the repeater at a high point (rooftop, pole, tree, or tower) for better range.
    • Power Supply: Use a solar panel with a battery pack for continuous uptime.
    • Weatherproofing: Ensure the device is housed in a waterproof case if placed outdoors.

Troubleshooting

  • If the device is not recognized, try a different USB port or restart the browser.
  • If no nodes connect, verify that other Meshtastic devices are within range.
  • For more details, refer to the Meshtastic Repeater Guide.
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