Join the MTMesh Network

Connect to Montana's resilient communication network in three simple steps

1. Get Connected

Join our online community and get support from fellow mesh enthusiasts.

Join Discord

2. Get Hardware

Purchase or build a Meshtastic radio to connect to the network.

View Devices

3. Start Messaging

Download the app, pair your device, and start communicating.

Setup Guide

Ready to Get Started?

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Join the Community

Connect with fellow mesh enthusiasts and stay updated on network developments

Primary Community Hub

Join our active Discord server for real-time support, technical discussions, and community updates.

Join Discord Server

Stay Informed

Follow us for updates and join our mailing list for in-person meetings in Montana.

Reddit Community Email Us

Also follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

Connect to the Network

Follow these simple steps to get your device connected and start messaging

Step 1: Get a Meshtastic Radio

Budget Option (~$35): Build your own using the official Meshtastic hardware list.

Ready-to-Go (~$70): LILYGO T-Echo - just flash the firmware and start using.

Pre-built (~$50-$100): Battery-powered radios with 3D printed cases available on Etsy or eBay.

Solar-Powered (~$100-$200): Best for permanent outdoor installations - mount as high as possible for maximum coverage.

View Device Guide

Steps 2-4: Setup & Connect

  1. Download the Meshtastic App on your iPhone or Android device
  2. Pair your radio to your phone using Bluetooth
  3. Open the Meshtastic app and say hello to the network!
Download Meshtastic App

Network Best Practices

Follow these guidelines to ensure optimal performance for everyone on the network

Quick Reference - TL;DR

  • MQTT: Disabled/Ignore
  • Role: Client (NOT Router & Client)
  • Hop Count: 3
  • Broadcast Intervals: 3 hours

Following these guidelines ensures the best experience for everyone as we grow. (Credit: @Nick, @AdvJosh (TEX#) - KJ5FZD, @edsai KI5OSB)

MQTT Settings

We've chosen not to use MQTT to build a stronger RF-based mesh network instead of relying on internet connections.

Why disable MQTT? Busy MQTT servers can overwhelm nodes and flood the network, making local communications difficult. It can also give false confidence in network robustness.

Recommendation: Disable MQTT and set nodes to ignore MQTT traffic

Device Role

Use "Client" role for best results. While "Client/Router" may seem better, extensive testing shows "Client" works best for users and the network.

For device-connected nodes not contributing to the network, use "Client Mute" to reduce airtime.

Recommendation: Start with "Client" role even for well-placed nodes

Hop Count

Start with 3 hops and use the minimum needed to reach your destination.

Home + Relay setup: Use 4 hops if your client goes through a roof-mounted relay.

Network edge: 5 hops may help, but optimize hardware and placement first.

Recommendation: Start with 3, optimize placement before increasing

Broadcast Intervals

Reduce channel utilization with these recommended settings:

Device Config:

Node Info Broadcast: 3 Hours

Position:

Broadcast: 1 Hour, Smart Position: Enabled, Min Interval: 1 Min, Min Distance: 100m

Telemetry:

Device Metrics: 3 Hours, Sensor Metrics: 1 Hour