¶ MeshCore Settings for Brisbane and SEQ
Yes, we have MeshCore here as well, and it's growing fast.
You should now find the default preset for Australia/QLD during setup. Here are the settings being successfully used:
| Frequency: | 923.125MHz |
| SF: | 8 |
| BW: | 62.5 |
| CR: | 6 |
(The CR - correction rate - is just a recommendation here, and some presets will set this to CR 5. You can use other settings: higher numbers mean more reliable communications, but use more airtime. While we are building the mesh, you may wish to use a higher number, and reduce it as you gain more direct neighbours: the mesh allows for different settings).
Please consider adding your rough location (most people choose an open area near them) to help others understand the size of the mesh as we grow. However, caution - MeshCore does not obfuscate your location - so don't set your exact location in the MeshCore location settings unless you want people to know the exact location of your node.
¶ Channels
The “Public” channel should be auto-subscribed.
You might also wish to join the #test channel, if you'd like to do tests. (Best to use this channel just for that, and to keep chatter and discussions in the main Public channel). To add the #test channel in the official MeshCore app, go to the Channels screen, and choose menu > add channel > join a hashtag channel > #test
Other channels include #ping (just for pings); #jokes , #weather and #quotes. Finally, there is a #secret channel as well, although we can't tell you what's in that one.
MeshCore Public Key: izOH6cXN6mrJ5e26oRXNcg==
You probably won't need this, but this is the standard key for public channels if your client software asks for it. (Tip: The third character is the number zero.)
¶ More links
There is a MeshCore section on the MBUG Discord with more information and help.
Other Discord servers you might wish to join:
- MeshCore Australia 's QLD area
- The main MeshCore discord has a Brisbane thread
Here's the MeshCore Packet Analyzer for Brisbane, showing some of the traffic in the area, and a look into the public channel. This is an incomplete view (it's based on only two “observers”), and you will see more activity on the ground.
The EastMesh.au map for Queensland is another map of MeshCore, and the one used for the map below.
¶ Firmware
Here's the official Meshcore web flasher.
If you want to make your companion work with your home wifi via TCP, this page patches the official firmware with your wifi settings. This allows you to use your MeshCore companion wherever you are in the house; and, if you use Tailscale or a similar VPN, anywhere in the world - as long as you have an internet connection.
¶ Our network
Here's a partial map (as at Mar 8, 2026) showing some of the 65 repeaters and “companions” (people) in the mesh - there are many close to the CBD, but an increasing amount outside it. Particularly, we could do with help to extend the mesh to Ipswich, and further up the coast: as well as in-filling parts of Brisbane that aren't yet covered. Come join us on Discord to help.
Repeaters are visible to everyone on MeshCore, and are the building-blocks of making the mesh work.
Companion nodes don't automatically share their contact details unless you “advert” them; they don't repeat messages.
An ideal MeshCore setup is a companion (probably in your house), and a repeater (ideally on the roof or somewhere close by) so that your messages have a good chance of getting out, and so that you build the mesh. Accordingly, you might choose something like a cheap Heltec v3 for your companion, and a bigger, more powerful device for your repeater.
