See it live
← All guides

Meshtastic on Mayo Mesh

Connect a Meshtastic device to the Mayo Mesh LongFast network and the MayoMesh telemetry channel.

Meshtastic is a free, open-source project that lets you build long-range, off-grid mesh networks using inexpensive LoRa radio devices. Devices relay messages hop-by-hop across the network so you can communicate without any internet connection, phone signal, or central infrastructure.

Meshtastic is great for:

  • Casual text messaging between friends and family off-grid
  • Group hikes, cycling trips, and outdoor events where phone coverage is patchy
  • Simple GPS position tracking and sharing
  • Getting started quickly — low-cost hardware, beginner-friendly apps

The official Meshtastic apps are available for Android, iOS, and desktop, and most devices can be configured in minutes via Bluetooth.

Connecting a new device

If you’ve just unboxed your first Meshtastic device, here’s how to get connected to the Mayo Mesh LongFast preset:

  1. Update the device — visit the Meshtastic web flasher to update your device to the latest firmware.
  2. Install the Meshtastic app — from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, or install the desktop app.
  3. Power up your device — connect it via USB or charge it if it has a built-in battery. Most devices power on automatically.
  4. Pair with your device — in the Meshtastic app, search for your device over Bluetooth or USB and select it.
  5. Apply the LongFast preset — go to Settings › Radio, select Region: EU868, choose the LongFast preset under channel settings, then save and sync.
  6. Test your connection — send a short message. If another Mayo Mesh device is nearby, you should see an acknowledgement.

If you get stuck, bring your device to a meetup and we’ll help you configure it.

The MayoMesh channel

Some of our fixed nodes use a non-default primary channel so we can monitor signal strength remotely, which means you might not see them on the default LongFast preset alone. To receive updates from those devices and join the MayoMesh channel, open this channel link or scan this QR code:

QR code to add the MayoMesh Meshtastic channel

Configuration tips

Router/repeater mode — you probably don’t need to run your node as a router. In nearly all cases, client mode will do just fine.

Smart position — if you’re tracking an activity or a group on an excursion, smart position is handy: once you’ve travelled a certain distance, your node sends a location update to the mesh. For a node at a fixed location it just drains battery and fills the mesh with needless updates — turn it off and rely on regular location updates.

Resources