MeshCore Repeater
Extend the range of your MeshCore network with a solar repeater
What is a MeshCore Repeater?
A MeshCore repeater is a device that automatically forwards messages to other devices in the mesh network. This allows messages to travel much further than would be possible with a single device.
Repeaters are essential for a well-functioning mesh network. The more repeaters there are, the more reliable and greater the range of the network becomes.
The best MeshCore repeaters are solar repeaters – devices with a built-in solar panel and battery that you can hang outside. They are completely self-sufficient and work day and night.
Why a MeshCore Repeater?
Extend the Range
A repeater at a high point can forward messages up to 30-40 km. This connects areas that would otherwise be unreachable.
Automatic Forwarding
Repeaters forward messages automatically. You don't have to do anything – the device works completely autonomously.
Self-Sufficient
Solar repeaters run on solar energy. Hang them up and forget about them – they keep working without maintenance.
Strengthen the Network
Every repeater makes the network stronger and more reliable. Together we build a nationwide mesh network.
Buy MeshCore Repeater
Check out our recommended solar repeaters for MeshCore below. All devices are tested and work with MeshCore firmware.
Seeed Studio SenseCAP P1 Pro
From €90
The best choice for outdoor MeshCore repeaters. High quality, robust and weatherproof. Built-in solar panel and battery, completely self-sufficient.
- High-quality build
- Weatherproof (IP65)
- Built-in solar panel
- Large battery capacity
WisMesh Solar Repeater
From €95
Compact solar repeater from RAK Wireless. Built-in solar panel and battery for outdoor use. Good alternative for expanding your mesh network.
- Compact size
- RAK Wireless quality
- Solar powered
- Easy to mount
D5 Solar LoRa Node Repeater
From €89
Cheaper option for outdoor use with RAK board. Lower build quality than SenseCAP, but good for experimenting.
- Sharp price
- RAK board inside
- Solar + battery
- Good for experimenting
Setting Up Your MeshCore Repeater
Before hanging your repeater, you need to configure the correct firmware and settings. This is essential to connect to the MeshCore network in the Netherlands.
Flash Firmware
Most repeaters come with Meshtastic firmware. To use MeshCore, flash the MeshCore firmware via the online flasher. This works directly from your browser, no software installation needed.
Go to MeshCore webflasher →Choose Preset
Choose the correct preset so your repeater joins the MeshCore network. The wrong preset means nobody can reach your repeater!
Choose this preset in the MeshCore app for use in the Netherlands
Frequency
In Europe we use the 868 MHz frequency band. With the preset Netherlands, the correct settings for that are applied automatically.
Note: 915 MHz devices are for the US only and not allowed in Europe
Important
Always buy an 868 MHz device for use in the Netherlands. Devices with 915 MHz (intended for the US) do not work on the European network and are not legal to use.
Keep firmware up to date
If you place a repeater in the network, make sure you also update it whenever a new MeshCore repeater version becomes available. New firmware often includes important bug fixes, stability improvements and network improvements. A repeater running an outdated version can cause problems for you and for other users on the network.
Loop detection and duty cycle
On repeaters running MeshCore firmware 1.15 or newer, also enable loop detection and use an appropriate duty cycle setting. This helps prevent your repeater from getting stuck in noisy repeat behaviour and putting unnecessary load on the network.
Enable loop detection
minimalLoop detection is mainly there to protect the network. If something goes wrong somewhere, for example because of a faulty node or a bad path, a repeater can otherwise keep forwarding the same traffic over and over. When that happens, your repeater starts chattering and can create a lot of unnecessary load for everyone else.
The minimal setting is a safe starting point. It catches obvious problems without getting in the way of normal traffic too easily.
Available levels: off, minimal, moderate, strict. On many devices the default is still off.
CLI command
set loop.detect minimalSet duty cycle to 10%
Duty cycle limits how much your repeater is allowed to transmit. That matters because a repeater that keeps talking too much does not just crowd the air, it can also get in the way of other nodes and repeaters. Within MeshCore, set dutycycle 10 is often used as a practical limiter on repeaters so they do not keep transmitting if something goes wrong.
CLI command
set dutycycle 10This replaces the older set af 9 command. Treat it mainly as a practical MeshCore repeater setting to reduce unnecessary load, not as a one-line summary of every European sub-band rule.
Technical Settings
For advanced users: these are the key technical parameters of MeshCore. With the preset Netherlands, these are automatically configured correctly.
BW (Bandwidth)
62.5 kHzBandwidth determines how wide the radio signal is. A narrower bandwidth (like BW62.5) provides better range but lower data speed. MeshCore uses BW62.5 for optimal range in Europe.
SF (Spreading Factor)
7Spreading Factor determines how robust the signal is against noise. Higher SF = longer range but slower transmission. For this configuration, the SF setting is 7.
CR (Coding Rate)
5Coding Rate adds error correction to the signal. Higher CR = better error correction but more overhead. For this configuration, the CR setting is 5.
Forwarding
AutomaticMeshCore handles message forwarding automatically. On this repeater page, there is no separate setting you need to configure manually for this.
Advertisements (Adverts)
Repeaters automatically broadcast "advertisements" to announce their presence. This contains name, location, and public encryption key.
- Interval: every 49 hours
- Zero hop = 240 minutes
- Flood = forwarded by other repeaters
Where to place a MeshCore Repeater?
The location of your repeater determines the range. The higher, the better!
On the roof
Ideal location with clear view in all directions. Range up to 30-40 km possible.
On a balcony
Good alternative if the roof is not an option. Choose the side with the most clear view.
In a tree
Creative option for the garden. Make sure there is enough sunlight for the solar panel.
On a mast
For maximum range. With a 5-10 meter mast you get the best results.
Frequently asked questions about MeshCore Repeaters
How far does a MeshCore repeater reach?
Do I need to maintain the repeater?
Which repeater is the best?
Can I build my own repeater?
How many repeaters are needed?
Help the network grow
By placing a MeshCore repeater you help the mesh network grow. Together we build a reliable emergency communication network in the Netherlands.