Meshtastic is an open system for exchanging text messages, location and telemetry through low-power LoRa radios.
Each device works as an independent radio node. A phone connects to the node through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, while messages travel between nodes over LoRa radio.
Communication does not require a cellular network, SIM card or permanent internet connection.
Nearby nodes can retransmit received packets. A message can therefore cross several intermediate nodes and reach devices outside the sender's direct radio range.
Hop Limit restricts the number of relays, while packet identifiers prevent the same message circulating forever.
A node can use up to eight channels. The primary channel has index 0 and secondary channels use indexes 1–7.
Members of a private channel need the same channel name and PSK. Packet contents are encrypted, although the radio network should not be considered completely anonymous.
MQTT links geographically separated LoRa segments through the internet. A gateway uploads radio packets to the server and transmits server messages back into its local radio area.
Separate districts or towns can therefore operate as parts of one distributed network.
Narva Raadioklubi operates its own MQTT server and Meshtastic gateways to connect local coverage areas in Narva and Ida-Virumaa.
Meshtastic does not replace official emergency services. Message delivery is not guaranteed and depends on terrain, antennas, interference, settings and available relay nodes.
LoRa has limited capacity, so the network is designed for short messages rather than continuous high-volume chat.
To join, use the ready-made channel configuration and MQTT settings published in our connection guide.