Getting started

Meshtastic is the software that runs on different devices and allows the nodes to communicate with each other sending encrypted messages over great distances.

To get started you'll firstly need to get a hardware board and install the Meshtastic firmware.

Getting a device

There's a wide range of devices you can purchase from complete units that work out of the box, or boards to which you can 3D print a case and add your battery, sensors and antenna. Different devices have their own advantages and disadvantages.

For New Zealand you want to ensure your board and antenna support the 915Mhz frequency.

Browse the list of supported devices on the official Meshtastic site to find one that suits your needs. One popular model is the Heltec LoRa V3.

Installing the Meshtastic firmware

Once your device has arrived it's time to install the firmware and join the mesh. The office Meshtastic site has a great Getting started guide.

Configuring your device for New Zealand

Your device needs to be configured to work in New Zealand and your town. The relevant options can be found on our Settings page.