Choosing a project
Meshtastic (LoRa, off‑grid messaging — no ham license required)
Meshtastic is an open‑source project using LoRa radios for long‑range, low‑power text messaging. Great for hiking, events, and basic telemetry. Similar to MeshCore in its LoRa foundation, but focused on simple messaging apps.
Beginner path:
- Buy a supported 868 MHz device (e.g., T‑Beam, Heltec, LilyGO) and a decent antenna.
- Flash with the web flasher below (USB cable, Chrome/Edge recommended).
- Install the Meshtastic mobile app and pair your node; set region/EU868.
- Place the node near a window or high spot and send your first message.
Links: Website ↗ · GitHub ↗ · Web flasher ↗
MeshCore (LoRa, tooling & telemetry — no ham license required)
MeshCore also uses LoRa, but emphasizes tooling, telemetry, and operational robustness. If you want to experiment with data collection and coverage mapping (e.g., wardriving), MeshCore may be the better fit.
Starter steps are similar to Meshtastic: get an 868 MHz board, flash firmware, then experiment with telemetry and coverage measurements.
Links: GitHub ↗ · Web flasher ↗ · Wardriving preview ↗
MeshCom (interoperable routing — amateur radio license required)
MeshCom is not a single product but a set of efforts around interoperable mesh routing and communications. It operates on amateur radio bands and requires a valid amateur radio (ham) license to transmit.
Links: Official site ↗
Freifunk (community Wi‑Fi — no ham license required)
Freifunk builds community Wi‑Fi networks, typically on 2.4/5 GHz. In Luxembourg it’s operated by C3L. Ideal for shared internet access and neighbourhood coverage rather than LoRa messaging.
Links: freifunk.lu (C3L) ↗
Basic hardware
LoRa nodes (Meshtastic/MeshCore)
Common choices include ESP32‑ or nRF52‑based boards with LoRa transceivers (e.g., SX1262). Look for 868 MHz variants for Luxembourg. Popular device families: T‑Beam, Heltec, LilyGO, RAK, and compatible DIY builds.
Antennas and power
For LoRa, small whip antennas work to start; external elevated antennas can significantly increase range. Power with 18650 cells, USB power banks, or solar setups depending on deployment.
Wi‑Fi nodes (Freifunk)
Freifunk commonly uses supported Wi‑Fi routers flashed with community firmware. See the Freifunk Luxembourg site for device recommendations.
Flash the firmware
Meshtastic web flasher
Use the official web flasher to install the latest stable build on supported boards.
MeshCore web flasher
Use the MeshCore web flasher to install or update supported device firmware.
Troubleshooting flashing
- Use Chrome/Edge and a direct USB cable (no hubs if possible).
- Put the device in bootloader mode if it isn’t detected (check your board’s guide).
- On macOS/Linux, you may need to grant serial/USB permissions.
Licensing in Luxembourg
Make sure you operate within Luxembourgish regulations. In general:
- Meshtastic and MeshCore on EU868 LoRa ISM bands do not require an amateur radio (ham) license when used within allowed duty cycles and power limits.
- Freifunk uses license‑exempt Wi‑Fi bands and does not require a ham license.
- MeshCom operates on amateur radio bands and does require a valid ham license to transmit.
For guidance and staying compliant:
This information is provided for community guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.
Join the community
Start local: talk to neighbours and friends, place a node with a good view, and experiment. Share your group so others can find you.
- Discord: Join LuxMesh ↗
- List your group: Submit a project
- Explore: Projects directory