MeshCore is an open-source system (often firmware + software) that lets devices communicate without the internet or a cellular network.
It primarily uses LoRa radio hardware (long range + low power).

Key features:

• You don’t need a central server or network provider — it’s decentralized.

• Devices (nodes) send messages and can also help relay messages for others (multi-hop).

• Aimed at scenarios like off-grid communication, emergencies, and outdoor activities.

How does it work?

Here’s a simple step-by-step intro:

Hardware

• You need devices with LoRa radios that are compatible with MeshCore.

• Choose a firmware variant: for example, a “Companion” (for chatting) and/or a “Repeater” (to forward messages).

Setting up the network

• One device broadcasts a message.

• Another device can receive that message and forward it (“hop”) to devices farther away that couldn’t catch the original signal directly.

• Because multiple devices help each other, this increases range and makes the network more resilient.

Communication & encryption

• Messages are encrypted, so they aren’t readable by just anyone.

• There’s no central infrastructure; if one node fails, others can still route around it — the network “self-heals.”

Usage

• You can send text messages via your device (companion).

Why would you use it?

• In areas without mobile internet or phone service (e.g., remote locations, during disasters).

• For outdoor activities like hiking and camping, when you still want to stay in touch.

• For hobbyists interested in mesh networks and radio communications.

• For anyone tired of Big Tech who wants to chat quietly outside the internet, without “eavesdroppers” or censorship.

• For people who want to set up an off-grid private chat group.

Limitations to know

• It’s best for small messages (text, small data points) — not for large data streams or video.

• LoRa is slow compared to Wi-Fi or mobile internet — so speed and bandwidth are limited (nice and quiet, though).

• You’ll need some technical know-how to choose hardware, flash firmware, and configure the network… BUT…

…that knowledge will be explained on this site crystal-clear, step by step, in delightfully simple language. 🙂

I ordered my TDeck Plus here:

https://www.lilygo.cc/utb1aw

868 Mhz is for Europe

I will try to make more video’s to explain how things work. I now have almost my TDeck up and running. In the afternoon I installed a repeater on my roof.(*)

The repeaters are very important if we want to make an good network of people who can reach eachother besides the internet.

(*)