Initial Device Setup

Overview

You’ve flashed your device - now let’s configure it! This guide walks through the essential settings to get you connected to the Charleston mesh network.

Step 1: Download the App

Install the official Meshtastic app:

• Android: Google Play Store
• iOS: App Store

Step 2: Connect to Your Device

Enable Bluetooth

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone
2. Power on your Meshtastic device
3. Open the Meshtastic app

Pairing

1. Tap the + or Connect button
2. Look for a device named “Meshtastic_XXXX”
3. Tap to connect
4. Accept the pairing request on your phone

Can’t find your device?

• Make sure Bluetooth is on
• Restart your Meshtastic device
• Check that the device screen shows it’s advertising
• Try resetting Bluetooth on your phone

Step 3: Essential Settings

Region (Critical!)

You must set this correctly or your device may transmit illegally.

1. Go to Settings > LoRa
2. Set Region to US (United States)
3. This configures the correct frequency (915 MHz) and power limits

User Info

1. Go to Settings > User
2. Set your Long Name: Something identifiable (e.g., “Chris - Downtown”)
3. Set your Short Name: 4 characters max (e.g., “CHAS”)

Device Role

For most users:

1. Go to Settings > Device
2. Set Role to Client (default)

Role options:

• Client: Normal portable device, helps relay when awake
• Client Mute: Receives but doesn’t relay (saves battery)
• Router: Always-on relay node (for fixed installations)

Step 4: Charleston Network Settings

Primary Channel

The default “LongFast” channel works for general Charleston mesh traffic. This is pre-configured, but verify:

1. Go to Channels
2. Confirm “Primary” channel exists
3. Default settings should work

Position Sharing (Optional)

If you want to share your location:

1. Go to Settings > Position
2. Enable Position Broadcast
3. Set Position Broadcast Interval (900 seconds is a good default)
4. Enable Smart Position to reduce unnecessary broadcasts

Privacy note: Your position will be visible to others on the mesh. Only enable if comfortable.

Step 5: Verify Connection

Send a Test Message

1. Go to the Messages tab
2. Select the primary channel
3. Type “Test from [your name]”
4. Send!

If others are nearby, you might get a response. No response doesn’t mean it’s broken - you might just be out of range of other nodes.

Check Node List

1. Go to the Nodes tab
2. You should see your own node
3. Other nodes will appear as they’re discovered
4. Nodes might take several minutes to appear

Step 6: Optimize Your Setup

Battery Settings

For portable use:

1. Settings > Power
2. Enable Power Saving for better battery life
3. Set appropriate sleep intervals

Bluetooth Settings

1. Settings > Bluetooth
2. Keep Bluetooth Enabled on if using frequently
3. Consider pairing PIN for security

Display Settings (if applicable)

1. Settings > Display
2. Adjust Screen On Duration
3. Set Auto Carousel to rotate through info screens

Common Issues

”No nodes visible”

• Normal if you’re the only one nearby
• Check that region is set correctly
• Verify antenna is connected properly
• Try repositioning (near window, higher location)

“Messages not sending”

• Check channel settings
• Verify region configuration
• Ensure device isn’t in airplane mode

”Device disconnects frequently”

• Check Bluetooth stability
• Update app to latest version
• Try “forgetting” and re-pairing the device

”Position not updating”

• Ensure GPS has a fix (may take several minutes first time)
• Check that position sharing is enabled
• Verify GPS antenna connection (T-Beam and similar)

Next Steps

Congratulations! Your device is configured. Here’s what to do next:

1. Explore the area - Walk around and see who you can reach
2. Join our Discord - Connect with local users
3. Attend a meetup - Get help optimizing your setup
4. Consider antenna upgrades - Improve your range significantly