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Node Configuration

Beanfield April 10, 2025 2 min read Guide

Recommendations for configuring your node and contributing to the mesh.

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Below are configuration recommendations for optimizing your Meshtastic nodes.

MQTT Gateway

If you would like to connect your nodes to the MQTT broker and provide telemetry to the Florida Mesh Map, you will need to configure the following settings:

Radio Configuration

Channels:

  • LongFast (primary)
    • Uplink Enabled: Checked
    • Downlink Enabled: Unchecked
    • Position enabled: Checked
    • Precise Location: user preference
    • Precision Slider: user preference

Device:

  • Role: Client, unless you have a different use case. *Never set this to ROUTER*

LoRa:

  • Hop limit: 3, except in specific use cases (user preference: but do not set to higher than 5)
  • Ignore MQTT: Unchecked
  • OK to MQTT: Checked
  • Note: Modem Preset should be LONG_FAST everywhere in Florida, except:
    • As of 2025/09, Miami/Palm Beach area is switching to MEDIUM_FAST

Module Configuration

MQTT:

  • Enabled: Checked
  • MQTT Server Address: mqtt.areyoumeshingwith.us
  • MQTT Username: uplink
  • MQTT Password: uplink
  • Encryption Enabled: Checked
  • JSON Enabled: Unchecked
  • TLS Enabled: user preference *
  • Root topic: msh/US/FL

* Note: If you followed the above MQTT steps in order, then you need to hit “Send” to update the device at this point before you proceed to the below four steps. Otherwise the send button will be grayed out.

  • Map reporting: Checked
  • Map reporting interval (seconds): 10800
  • Precise location: user preference
  • Precision Slider: user preference

* Note: TLS encrypts data transmitted between MQTT clients and the broker for increased security, but it is not supported on all platforms.

Neighbor Info:

  • Neighbor Info enabled: Checked
  • Update interval (seconds): 14400
  • Transmit over LoRa: Unchecked

Verifying Your Configuration

After configuring your device, you can verify that your telemetry is being properly reported:

  1. Check the Florida Mesh Map - your node should appear within 15-30 minutes
  2. Review your device logs for successful MQTT connection messages
  3. Confirm your device is sending position updates at the expected intervals

Troubleshooting

If your node is not appearing on the map:

  • Verify internet connectivity on the device
  • Check that your MQTT credentials are entered correctly
  • Ensure the precision settings meet the minimum requirements (1194ft / 363m)
  • Confirm the root topic is set exactly to msh/US/FL
  • Verify the MQTT module is enabled and properly configured
Installations