MESHTASTIC MANIFEST – Recommended Settings (DRAFT)

BASIC PRINCIPLES

Operation in the ISM Band

The Meshtastic network operates in the ISM band under a general license. Users MUST adhere to the following binding rules:

The operation must not significantly restrict other users of the band.

The Meshtastic network is not the only technology in the ISM band and must respect other networks and communication channels.

If you do not modify the default settings and have the EU_868 profile selected in the Czech Republic, you comply with these conditions.

Primary Purpose of the Network

The primary function of the Meshtastic network is to provide communication when the regular communication infrastructure in a given location is unavailable. Therefore:

The network must be reliable and independent of traditional infrastructure.

Network operations should always remain in a ready state.

Community Character

The Meshtastic network is a community-driven project reliant on user contributions. Mutual respect among users and adherence to recommended settings are crucial for maintaining network stability and functionality.

KEY OPERATION FACTORS

Understanding these factors is essential for evaluating network performance and troubleshooting issues.

Reliability

Reliability refers to the percentage of sent messages that are successfully delivered. For example, if you send 10 messages, how many are received? Factors affecting reliability include:

Following recommended settings.

Using a suitable antenna.

Network Capacity Utilization

Network capacity utilization determines how many messages the network can handle before reliability degrades due to collisions or interference. Factors influencing utilization include:

Excessive telemetry transmission overloading the network.

Inclusion of remote nodes that do not contribute to local communication but increase overhead traffic.

Simultaneous transmissions (MF/LF traffic colliding).

High transmission power (TX=27 dBm) causing interference over long distances instead of efficiently relaying messages to nearby nodes.

Frequency Band Utilization

The ISM band is shared with other communication systems like LoRaWAN. Ensuring network efficiency requires:

Adhering to ISM band operation conditions.

Analyzing frequency band utilization via SDR diagnostics.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EFFICIENT NETWORK USE

1. Use the Network Responsibly

Limit unnecessary or frequent message transmissions.

Optimize multiple device settings in the same location:

Primary device (proxy): Set HOP=3+1, Tx Power=21 dBm, and CLIENT role.

Secondary devices (for testing/home use): Set HOP=0, Tx Power=5 dBm, and CLIENT_MUTE role.

2. Minimize Telemetry Data

Only share location or sensor data when absolutely necessary.

Reduce sensor data transmission to hourly or less.

3. Avoid Unnecessary MQTT Usage

Use MQTT only if required.

Avoid dependencies on MQTT in critical situations.

4. Prioritize Local Network Development

Foster local clusters instead of connecting to distant nodes, which unnecessarily increases network overhead.

The ideal local cluster size is:

Up to 30 km for LF nodes.

Up to 10 direct nodes or 50 nodes at HOP=2 in densely covered areas.

5. Optimize Transmission Power

Set power levels to ensure reliable communication with nearby nodes without interfering with distant ones.

RECOMMENDED COMMUNITY SETTINGS

USER CONFIGURATION

Network Identification

Short Name: 4-character unique identifier (e.g., ABCD, NODE).

Long Name: Descriptive name (e.g., 🏠 Home Node 🔋 Battery).

Node ID: Unique hexadecimal identifier (e.g., !E0F748D4).

Amateur Radio Operation: Messages are unencrypted in this mode.

COMMUNICATION CHANNEL SETTINGS

1. Private Channel

Encryption enabled (Pre-Shared Key required).

Use for family, friends, or private groups.

Limit telemetry transmissions within the group.

2. General Channel (Meshtastic)

Used for public communication.

Standardized PSK key: c3FWZHpWUWRtTlNsQlFORg== (Brno standard).

No excessive MQTT traffic.

Limit location sharing to necessary situations.

3. Default Network Channel (LongFast / MediumFast)

PSK Key: AQ== (widely known, do not change).

Default for large-scale communication.

Location sharing frequency should be set conservatively to avoid network overload.

FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS

By following these guidelines, users contribute to a stable, reliable, and efficient Meshtastic network. Ensuring community adherence to these principles helps maintain high reliability and performance while avoiding unnecessary congestion in the ISM band.

For further details on troubleshooting and advanced settings, refer to the “What to Do When Things Go Wrong” chapter.