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SoDakMesh.org Mesh Settings

A brief guide to ensuring your device functions in the community

The TLDR;

***Members of the community are responsible for their own configurations.*** Unfortunately, some settings that members make could have potential to have negative impacts on the mesh as a whole. As we grow the mesh, we would like to keep congestion to a minimum if possible. Please be aware of the below best practices:

Building out RF is the main focus, however, in the interim MQTT can be utilized as a backbone to the infrastructure and useful for map reporting. Settings are provided in the table below if you wish to utilize MQTT.

  • Device Role: Client or Client Mute (NOT Router or Repeater)
  • OK to MQTT
  • Hop Count: 3-7
  • Broadcast intervals (telemetry for info, positioning, etc): 1 hour or longer

    • Settings

    Category Setting Value Notes
    LoRa Config Region United States Required for US frequencies and compliance.
    LoRa Config Preset Long Range - Fast Default "LongFast" that most users operate on.
    LoRa Config Ok to MQTT True (optional) Enables data sharing online for maps and extended reach.
    LoRa Config Number of Hops 3-7 Lower (3) if your node is stationary. Higher (7) if your node is mobile.
    Channels – Primary (0) Preset LongFast Balances range and speed for rural areas; enable Positions for GPS sharing.
    Channels – Primary (0) Position Enabled (Optional) This enables position sharing on the Public channel. The approximate location can be adjusted for privacy.
    Channels – Primary (0) MQTT Uplink/Downlink Enabled True (optional) For contributing to the public map and sending messages via MQTT where available.
    User Long Name Descriptive (e.g., Your preferred handle) Identifies your node clearly. If the node is stationary, adding a description (e.g., Tower, etc.) is helpful.
    User Short Name Unique abbreviation (e.g., MESH) For quick identification in the mesh and may contain limited emojis.
    User Licensed Operator False Required unless you have a ham license and may impact your ability to communicate to others. This will disable encryption and broadcast your call sign periodically.
    Position Broadcast Interval 6 Hours Portable nodes will use smart position that will update more often than 6 hours. This is just a maximum setting.
    Position Smart Position Depends Enabled for mobile nodes, Disabled for stationary nodes.
    Position Device GPS Depends For mobile Enable, for stationary use Disabled and fixed position.
    Module: MQTT Enabled True (Optional) For internet-connected nodes.
    Module: MQTT Map Report Enabled True (Optional) Shares node positions publicly. If connected to sodakmesh map report will be sent to three map sites for visibility. This is helpful for stationary nodes to report their location so others can view potential coverage.
    Module: MQTT Root Topic msh/sodakmesh Use server address: mqtt.sodakmesh.org , Username: sodakmesh , Password: meshwereonit , Encryption: Enable , Port: 1883
    Telemetry Broadcast Device Metrics Depends Mobile nodes Disabled, and Stationary nodes should only use this if solar powered. If enabled, this should be set to intervals of 6 hours or longer to reduce congestion.