diff --git a/docs/faq.md b/docs/faq.md index d1aa7a10..6da77f9a 100644 --- a/docs/faq.md +++ b/docs/faq.md @@ -3,86 +3,86 @@ A list of frequently-asked questions and answers for MeshCore - [Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions) - - [1. Introduction](#1-introduction) - - [1.1. Q: What is MeshCore?](#11-q-what-is-meshcore) - - [1.2. Q: What do you need to start using MeshCore?](#12-q-what-do-you-need-to-start-using-meshcore) - - [1.2.1. Hardware](#121-hardware) - - [1.2.2. Firmware](#122-firmware) - - [1.2.3. Companion Radio Firmware](#123-companion-radio-firmware) - - [1.2.4. Repeater](#124-repeater) - - [1.2.5. Room Server](#125-room-server) - - [2. Initial Setup](#2-initial-setup) - - [2.1. Q: How many devices do I need to start using MeshCore?](#21-q-how-many-devices-do-i-need-to-start-using-meshcore) - - [2.2. Q: Does MeshCore cost any money?](#22-q-does-meshcore-cost-any-money) - - [2.3. Q: What frequencies are supported by MeshCore?](#23-q-what-frequencies-are-supported-by-meshcore) - - [2.4. Q: What is an "advert" in MeshCore?](#24-q-what-is-an-advert-in-meshcore) - - [2.5. Q: Is there a hop limit?](#25-q-is-there-a-hop-limit) - - [3. Server Administration](#3-server-administration) - - [3.1. Q: How do you configure a repeater or a room server?](#31-q-how-do-you-configure-a-repeater-or-a-room-server) - - [3.2. Q: Do I need to set the location for a repeater?](#32-q-do-i-need-to-set-the-location-for-a-repeater) - - [3.3. Q: What is the password to administer a repeater or a room server?](#33-q-what-is-the-password-to-administer-a-repeater-or-a-room-server) - - [3.4. Q: What is the password to join a room server?](#34-q-what-is-the-password-to-join-a-room-server) - - [3.5. Q: Can I retrieve a repeater's private key or set a repeater's private key?](#35-q-can-i-retrieve-a-repeaters-private-key-or-set-a-repeaters-private-key) - - [3.6. Q: The first byte of my repeater's public key collides with an existing repeater on the mesh. How do I get a new private key with a matching public key that has its first byte of my choosing?](#36-q-the-first-byte-of-my-repeaters-public-key-collides-with-an-existing-repeater-on-the-mesh-how-do-i-get-a-new-private-key-with-a-matching-public-key-that-has-its-first-byte-of-my-choosing) - - [3.7. Q: My repeater may be suffering from deafness due to high power interference near my mesh's frequency, it is not hearing other in-range MeshCore radios. What can I do?](#37-q-my-repeater-may-be-suffering-from-deafness-due-to-high-power-interference-near-my-meshs-frequency-it-is-not-hearing-other-in-range-meshcore-radios-what-can-i-do) - - [3.8. Q: How do I make my repeater an observer on the mesh?](#38-q-how-do-i-make-my-repeater-an-observer-on-the-mesh) - - [3.9. Q: What is multibyte support? What do 1-byte, 2-byte, 3-byte adverts and messages mean?](#39-q-what-is-multibyte-support-what-do-1-byte-2-byte-3-byte-adverts-and-messages-mean) - - [3.9.1. Q: **What path hash sizes will my repeater forward?**](#391-q-what-path-hash-sizes-will-my-repeater-forward) - - [3.9.2. Q: **What determines a packet's path hash size?**](#392-q-what-determines-a-packets-path-hash-size) - - [3.9.3. Q: **How do I change my companion's path hash size?**](#393-q-how-do-i-change-my-companions-path-hash-size) - - [3.9.4. Q: **What does the CLI command `path.hash.mode` do on a repeater?**](#394-q-what-does-the-cli-command-pathhashmode-do-on-a-repeater) - - [3.9.5. Q: **Why use 2- or 3-byte path hash for adverts?**](#395-q-why-use-2--or-3-byte-path-hash-for-adverts) - - [3.9.6. Q: **When can we move away from 1-byte path hash for channel and direct messages?**](#396-q-when-can-we-move-away-from-1-byte-path-hash-for-channel-and-direct-messages) - - [4. T-Deck Related](#4-t-deck-related) - - [4.1. Q: Is there a user guide for T-Deck, T-Pager, T-Watch, or T-Display Pro?](#41-q-is-there-a-user-guide-for-t-deck-t-pager-t-watch-or-t-display-pro) - - [4.2. Q: What are the steps to get a T-Deck into DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode?](#42-q-what-are-the-steps-to-get-a-t-deck-into-dfu-device-firmware-update-mode) - - [4.3. Q: Why is my T-Deck Plus not getting any satellite lock?](#43-q-why-is-my-t-deck-plus-not-getting-any-satellite-lock) - - [4.4. Q: Why is my OG (non-Plus) T-Deck not getting any satellite lock?](#44-q-why-is-my-og-non-plus-t-deck-not-getting-any-satellite-lock) - - [4.5. Q: What size of SD card does the T-Deck support?](#45-q-what-size-of-sd-card-does-the-t-deck-support) - - [4.6. Q: What is the public key for the default public channel?](#46-q-what-is-the-public-key-for-the-default-public-channel) - - [4.7. Q: How do I get maps on T-Deck?](#47-q-how-do-i-get-maps-on-t-deck) - - [4.8. Q: Where do the map tiles go?](#48-q-where-do-the-map-tiles-go) - - [4.9. Q: How to unlock deeper map zoom and server management features on T-Deck?](#49-q-how-to-unlock-deeper-map-zoom-and-server-management-features-on-t-deck) - - [4.10. Q: How to decipher the diagnostics screen on T-Deck?](#410-q-how-to-decipher-the-diagnostics-screen-on-t-deck) - - [4.11. Q: The T-Deck sound is too loud?](#411-q-the-t-deck-sound-is-too-loud) - - [4.12. Q: Can you customize the sound?](#412-q-can-you-customize-the-sound) - - [4.13. Q: What is the 'Import from Clipboard' feature on the t-deck and is there a way to manually add nodes without having to receive adverts?](#413-q-what-is-the-import-from-clipboard-feature-on-the-t-deck-and-is-there-a-way-to-manually-add-nodes-without-having-to-receive-adverts) - - [4.14. Q: How to capture a screenshot on T-Deck?](#414-q-how-to-capture-a-screenshot-on-t-deck) - - [5. General](#5-general) - - [5.1. Q: What are BW, SF, and CR?](#51-q-what-are-bw-sf-and-cr) - - [5.2. Q: Do MeshCore clients repeat?](#52-q-do-meshcore-clients-repeat) - - [5.3. Q: What happens when a node learns a route via a mobile repeater, and that repeater is gone?](#53-q-what-happens-when-a-node-learns-a-route-via-a-mobile-repeater-and-that-repeater-is-gone) - - [5.4. Q: How does a node discover a path to its destination and then use it to send messages in the future, instead of flooding every message it sends like Meshtastic?](#54-q-how-does-a-node-discover-a-path-to-its-destination-and-then-use-it-to-send-messages-in-the-future-instead-of-flooding-every-message-it-sends-like-meshtastic) - - [5.5. Q: Do public channels always flood? Do private channels always flood?](#55-q-do-public-channels-always-flood-do-private-channels-always-flood) - - [5.6. Q: What is the public key for the default public channel?](#56-q-what-is-the-public-key-for-the-default-public-channel) - - [5.7. Q: Is MeshCore open source?](#57-q-is-meshcore-open-source) - - [5.8. Q: How can I support MeshCore?](#58-q-how-can-i-support-meshcore) - - [5.9. Q: How do I build MeshCore firmware from source?](#59-q-how-do-i-build-meshcore-firmware-from-source) - - [5.10. Q: Are there other MeshCore related open source projects?](#510-q-are-there-other-meshcore-related-open-source-projects) - - [5.11. Q: Does MeshCore support ATAK](#511-q-does-meshcore-support-atak) - - [5.12. Q: How do I add a node to the MeshCore Map](#512-q-how-do-i-add-a-node-to-the-meshcore-map) - - [5.13. Q: Can I use a Raspberry Pi to update a MeshCore radio?](#513-q-can-i-use-a-raspberry-pi-to-update-a-meshcore-radio) - - [5.14. Q: Are there projects built around MeshCore?](#514-q-are-there-projects-built-around-meshcore) - - [5.15. Q: Are there client applications for Windows or Mac?](#515-q-are-there-client-applications-for-windows-or-mac) - - [5.16. Q: Are there any resources that compare MeshCore to other LoRa systems?](#516-q-are-there-any-resources-that-compare-meshcore-to-other-lora-systems) - - [6. Troubleshooting](#6-troubleshooting) - - [6.1. Q: My client says another client or a repeater or a room server was last seen many, many days ago.](#61-q-my-client-says-another-client-or-a-repeater-or-a-room-server-was-last-seen-many-many-days-ago) - - [6.2. Q: A repeater or a client or a room server I expect to see on my discover list (on T-Deck) or contact list (on a smart device client) are not listed.](#62-q-a-repeater-or-a-client-or-a-room-server-i-expect-to-see-on-my-discover-list-on-t-deck-or-contact-list-on-a-smart-device-client-are-not-listed) - - [6.3. Q: How to connect to a repeater via BLE (Bluetooth)?](#63-q-how-to-connect-to-a-repeater-via-ble-bluetooth) - - [6.4. Q: My companion isn't showing up over Bluetooth?](#64-q-my-companion-isnt-showing-up-over-bluetooth) - - [6.5. Q: I can't connect via Bluetooth, what is the Bluetooth pairing code?](#65-q-i-cant-connect-via-bluetooth-what-is-the-bluetooth-pairing-code) - - [6.6. Q: My Heltec V3 keeps disconnecting from my smartphone. It can't hold a solid Bluetooth connection.](#66-q-my-heltec-v3-keeps-disconnecting-from-my-smartphone-it-cant-hold-a-solid-bluetooth-connection) - - [6.7. Q: My RAK/T1000-E/xiao\_nRF52 device seems to be corrupted, how do I wipe it clean to start fresh?](#67-q-my-rakt1000-exiao_nrf52-device-seems-to-be-corrupted-how-do-i-wipe-it-clean-to-start-fresh) - - [6.8. Q: WebFlasher fails on Linux with failed to open](#68-q-webflasher-fails-on-linux-with-failed-to-open) - - [7. Other Questions:](#7-other-questions) - - [7.1. Q: How to update nRF (RAK, T114, Seeed XIAO) companion, repeater and room server firmware over the air using the new simpler DFU app?](#71-q-how-to-update-nrf-rak-t114-seeed-xiao-companion-repeater-and-room-server-firmware-over-the-air-using-the-new-simpler-dfu-app) - - [7.1.1 Q: Can I update Seeed Studio Wio Tracker L1 Pro using OTA?](#711-q-can-i-update-seeed-studio-wio-tracker-l1-pro-using-ota) - - [7.2. Q: How to update ESP32-based devices over the air?](#72-q-how-to-update-esp32-based-devices-over-the-air) - - [7.3. Q: Is there a way to lower the chance of a failed OTA device firmware update (DFU)?](#73-q-is-there-a-way-to-lower-the-chance-of-a-failed-ota-device-firmware-update-dfu) - - [7.4. Q: are the MeshCore logo and font available?](#74-q-are-the-meshcore-logo-and-font-available) - - [7.5. Q: What is the format of a contact or channel QR code?](#75-q-what-is-the-format-of-a-contact-or-channel-qr-code) - - [7.6. Q: How do I connect to the companion via Wi-Fi, e.g. using a Heltec V3?](#76-q-how-do-i-connect-to-the-companion-via-wi-fi-eg-using-a-heltec-v3) - - [7.7. Q: I have a Station G2, or a Heltec V4, or an Ikoka Stick, or a radio with an EByte E22-900M30S or an EByte E22-900M33S module, what should their transmit power be set to?](#77-q-i-have-a-station-g2-or-a-heltec-v4-or-an-ikoka-stick-or-a-radio-with-an-ebyte-e22-900m30s-or-an-ebyte-e22-900m33s-module-what-should-their-transmit-power-be-set-to) +- [1. Introduction](#1-introduction) + - [1.1. Q: What is MeshCore?](#11-q-what-is-meshcore) + - [1.2. Q: What do you need to start using MeshCore?](#12-q-what-do-you-need-to-start-using-meshcore) + - [1.2.1. Hardware](#121-hardware) + - [1.2.2. Firmware](#122-firmware) + - [1.2.3. Companion Radio Firmware](#123-companion-radio-firmware) + - [1.2.4. Repeater](#124-repeater) + - [1.2.5. Room Server](#125-room-server) +- [2. Initial Setup](#2-initial-setup) + - [2.1. Q: How many devices do I need to start using MeshCore?](#21-q-how-many-devices-do-i-need-to-start-using-meshcore) + - [2.2. Q: Does MeshCore cost any money?](#22-q-does-meshcore-cost-any-money) + - [2.3. Q: What frequencies are supported by MeshCore?](#23-q-what-frequencies-are-supported-by-meshcore) + - [2.4. Q: What is an "advert" in MeshCore?](#24-q-what-is-an-advert-in-meshcore) + - [2.5. Q: Is there a hop limit?](#25-q-is-there-a-hop-limit) +- [3. Server Administration](#3-server-administration) + - [3.1. Q: How do you configure a repeater or a room server?](#31-q-how-do-you-configure-a-repeater-or-a-room-server) + - [3.2. Q: Do I need to set the location for a repeater?](#32-q-do-i-need-to-set-the-location-for-a-repeater) + - [3.3. Q: What is the password to administer a repeater or a room server?](#33-q-what-is-the-password-to-administer-a-repeater-or-a-room-server) + - [3.4. Q: What is the password to join a room server?](#34-q-what-is-the-password-to-join-a-room-server) + - [3.5. Q: Can I retrieve a repeater's private key or set a repeater's private key?](#35-q-can-i-retrieve-a-repeaters-private-key-or-set-a-repeaters-private-key) + - [3.6. Q: The first byte of my repeater's public key collides with an existing repeater on the mesh. How do I get a new private key with a matching public key that has its first byte of my choosing?](#36-q-the-first-byte-of-my-repeaters-public-key-collides-with-an-existing-repeater-on-the-mesh-how-do-i-get-a-new-private-key-with-a-matching-public-key-that-has-its-first-byte-of-my-choosing) + - [3.7. Q: My repeater may be suffering from deafness due to high power interference near my mesh's frequency, it is not hearing other in-range MeshCore radios. What can I do?](#37-q-my-repeater-may-be-suffering-from-deafness-due-to-high-power-interference-near-my-meshs-frequency-it-is-not-hearing-other-in-range-meshcore-radios-what-can-i-do) + - [3.8. Q: How do I make my repeater an observer on the mesh?](#38-q-how-do-i-make-my-repeater-an-observer-on-the-mesh) + - [3.9. Q: What is multibyte support? What do 1-byte, 2-byte, 3-byte adverts and messages mean?](#39-q-what-is-multibyte-support-what-do-1-byte-2-byte-3-byte-adverts-and-messages-mean) + - [3.9.1. Q: **What path hash sizes will my repeater forward?**](#391-q-what-path-hash-sizes-will-my-repeater-forward) + - [3.9.2. Q: **What determines a packet's path hash size?**](#392-q-what-determines-a-packets-path-hash-size) + - [3.9.3. Q: **How do I change my companion's path hash size?**](#393-q-how-do-i-change-my-companions-path-hash-size) + - [3.9.4. Q: **What does the CLI command `path.hash.mode` do on a repeater?**](#394-q-what-does-the-cli-command-pathhashmode-do-on-a-repeater) + - [3.9.5. Q: **Why use 2- or 3-byte path hash for adverts?**](#395-q-why-use-2--or-3-byte-path-hash-for-adverts) + - [3.9.6. Q: **When can we move away from 1-byte path hash for channel and direct messages?**](#396-q-when-can-we-move-away-from-1-byte-path-hash-for-channel-and-direct-messages) +- [4. T-Deck Related](#4-t-deck-related) + - [4.1. Q: Is there a user guide for T-Deck, T-Pager, T-Watch, or T-Display Pro?](#41-q-is-there-a-user-guide-for-t-deck-t-pager-t-watch-or-t-display-pro) + - [4.2. Q: What are the steps to get a T-Deck into DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode?](#42-q-what-are-the-steps-to-get-a-t-deck-into-dfu-device-firmware-update-mode) + - [4.3. Q: Why is my T-Deck Plus not getting any satellite lock?](#43-q-why-is-my-t-deck-plus-not-getting-any-satellite-lock) + - [4.4. Q: Why is my OG (non-Plus) T-Deck not getting any satellite lock?](#44-q-why-is-my-og-non-plus-t-deck-not-getting-any-satellite-lock) + - [4.5. Q: What size of SD card does the T-Deck support?](#45-q-what-size-of-sd-card-does-the-t-deck-support) + - [4.6. Q: What is the public key for the default public channel?](#46-q-what-is-the-public-key-for-the-default-public-channel) + - [4.7. Q: How do I get maps on T-Deck?](#47-q-how-do-i-get-maps-on-t-deck) + - [4.8. Q: Where do the map tiles go?](#48-q-where-do-the-map-tiles-go) + - [4.9. Q: How to unlock deeper map zoom and server management features on T-Deck?](#49-q-how-to-unlock-deeper-map-zoom-and-server-management-features-on-t-deck) + - [4.10. Q: How to decipher the diagnostics screen on T-Deck?](#410-q-how-to-decipher-the-diagnostics-screen-on-t-deck) + - [4.11. Q: The T-Deck sound is too loud?](#411-q-the-t-deck-sound-is-too-loud) + - [4.12. Q: Can you customize the sound?](#412-q-can-you-customize-the-sound) + - [4.13. Q: What is the 'Import from Clipboard' feature on the t-deck and is there a way to manually add nodes without having to receive adverts?](#413-q-what-is-the-import-from-clipboard-feature-on-the-t-deck-and-is-there-a-way-to-manually-add-nodes-without-having-to-receive-adverts) + - [4.14. Q: How to capture a screenshot on T-Deck?](#414-q-how-to-capture-a-screenshot-on-t-deck) +- [5. General](#5-general) + - [5.1. Q: What are BW, SF, and CR?](#51-q-what-are-bw-sf-and-cr) + - [5.2. Q: Do MeshCore clients repeat?](#52-q-do-meshcore-clients-repeat) + - [5.3. Q: What happens when a node learns a route via a mobile repeater, and that repeater is gone?](#53-q-what-happens-when-a-node-learns-a-route-via-a-mobile-repeater-and-that-repeater-is-gone) + - [5.4. Q: How does a node discover a path to its destination and then use it to send messages in the future, instead of flooding every message it sends like Meshtastic?](#54-q-how-does-a-node-discover-a-path-to-its-destination-and-then-use-it-to-send-messages-in-the-future-instead-of-flooding-every-message-it-sends-like-meshtastic) + - [5.5. Q: Do public channels always flood? Do private channels always flood?](#55-q-do-public-channels-always-flood-do-private-channels-always-flood) + - [5.6. Q: What is the public key for the default public channel?](#56-q-what-is-the-public-key-for-the-default-public-channel) + - [5.7. Q: Is MeshCore open source?](#57-q-is-meshcore-open-source) + - [5.8. Q: How can I support MeshCore?](#58-q-how-can-i-support-meshcore) + - [5.9. Q: How do I build MeshCore firmware from source?](#59-q-how-do-i-build-meshcore-firmware-from-source) + - [5.10. Q: Are there other MeshCore related open source projects?](#510-q-are-there-other-meshcore-related-open-source-projects) + - [5.11. Q: Does MeshCore support ATAK](#511-q-does-meshcore-support-atak) + - [5.12. Q: How do I add a node to the MeshCore Map](#512-q-how-do-i-add-a-node-to-the-meshcore-map) + - [5.13. Q: Can I use a Raspberry Pi to update a MeshCore radio?](#513-q-can-i-use-a-raspberry-pi-to-update-a-meshcore-radio) + - [5.14. Q: Are there projects built around MeshCore?](#514-q-are-there-projects-built-around-meshcore) + - [5.15. Q: Are there client applications for Windows or Mac?](#515-q-are-there-client-applications-for-windows-or-mac) + - [5.16. Q: Are there any resources that compare MeshCore to other LoRa systems?](#516-q-are-there-any-resources-that-compare-meshcore-to-other-lora-systems) +- [6. Troubleshooting](#6-troubleshooting) + - [6.1. Q: My client says another client or a repeater or a room server was last seen many, many days ago.](#61-q-my-client-says-another-client-or-a-repeater-or-a-room-server-was-last-seen-many-many-days-ago) + - [6.2. Q: A repeater or a client or a room server I expect to see on my discover list (on T-Deck) or contact list (on a smart device client) are not listed.](#62-q-a-repeater-or-a-client-or-a-room-server-i-expect-to-see-on-my-discover-list-on-t-deck-or-contact-list-on-a-smart-device-client-are-not-listed) + - [6.3. Q: How to connect to a repeater via BLE (Bluetooth)?](#63-q-how-to-connect-to-a-repeater-via-ble-bluetooth) + - [6.4. Q: My companion isn't showing up over Bluetooth?](#64-q-my-companion-isnt-showing-up-over-bluetooth) + - [6.5. Q: I can't connect via Bluetooth, what is the Bluetooth pairing code?](#65-q-i-cant-connect-via-bluetooth-what-is-the-bluetooth-pairing-code) + - [6.6. Q: My Heltec V3 keeps disconnecting from my smartphone. It can't hold a solid Bluetooth connection.](#66-q-my-heltec-v3-keeps-disconnecting-from-my-smartphone-it-cant-hold-a-solid-bluetooth-connection) + - [6.7. Q: My RAK/T1000-E/xiao\_nRF52 device seems to be corrupted, how do I wipe it clean to start fresh?](#67-q-my-rakt1000-exiao_nrf52-device-seems-to-be-corrupted-how-do-i-wipe-it-clean-to-start-fresh) + - [6.8. Q: WebFlasher fails on Linux with failed to open](#68-q-webflasher-fails-on-linux-with-failed-to-open) +- [7. Other Questions:](#7-other-questions) + - [7.1. Q: How to update nRF (RAK, T114, Seeed XIAO) companion, repeater and room server firmware over the air using the new simpler DFU app?](#71-q-how-to-update-nrf-rak-t114-seeed-xiao-companion-repeater-and-room-server-firmware-over-the-air-using-the-new-simpler-dfu-app) + - [7.1.1 Q: Can I update Seeed Studio Wio Tracker L1 Pro using OTA?](#711-q-can-i-update-seeed-studio-wio-tracker-l1-pro-using-ota) + - [7.2. Q: How to update ESP32-based devices over the air?](#72-q-how-to-update-esp32-based-devices-over-the-air) + - [7.3. Q: Is there a way to lower the chance of a failed OTA device firmware update (DFU)?](#73-q-is-there-a-way-to-lower-the-chance-of-a-failed-ota-device-firmware-update-dfu) + - [7.4. Q: are the MeshCore logo and font available?](#74-q-are-the-meshcore-logo-and-font-available) + - [7.5. Q: What is the format of a contact or channel QR code?](#75-q-what-is-the-format-of-a-contact-or-channel-qr-code) + - [7.6. Q: How do I connect to the companion via Wi-Fi, e.g. using a Heltec V3?](#76-q-how-do-i-connect-to-the-companion-via-wi-fi-eg-using-a-heltec-v3) + - [7.7. Q: I have a Station G2, or a Heltec V4, or an Ikoka Stick, or a radio with an EByte E22-900M30S or an EByte E22-900M33S module, what should their transmit power be set to?](#77-q-i-have-a-station-g2-or-a-heltec-v4-or-an-ikoka-stick-or-a-radio-with-an-ebyte-e22-900m30s-or-an-ebyte-e22-900m33s-module-what-should-their-transmit-power-be-set-to) ## 1. Introduction