Meshtastic Channel Setup Guide
A guide to setting up private and other channels on your Meshtastic node.
Each channel includes its name, key, and purpose.
Use this to configure your node to connect with local or community networks.
🧭 Table of Contents
- Primary Channel (General Freq51 Mesh)
- Utah Channels
- Idaho Channels
- Emergency Communications Channels
🔹 Primary Channels (General Mesh)
| Channel Name | Role | PSK/Key | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Freq51 | Primary | 1A== | Main Freq51 mesh network for general users. Enables broad communication across regions. |
MediumFast | Secondary | AQ== | Default Channel: This is used for testing your node on the mesh by sending ping/test messages. |
💡 These are the main channels most users start with. It connects you to the general Freq51 mesh, and provides another channel to test with
🏔️ Utah Channels
Special channels for Utah-based groups and initiatives.
These can be added as secondary or tertiary channels for local coordination and alerts.
| Channel Name | Role | PSK/Key | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
BBBB-Alerts | Secondary | empty | Alerts from FEMA iPAWS/EAS, NOAA, USGS Volcano Alerts, and more. |
DC801 | Secondary | MHHa9wlKe4chJ01SuTKt1RnqbSXv4UJNAP+ONcKfa0c= | DC801 - 801 Labs |
SAINTCON | Secondary | dFa5cC4GuZ9AnFgPKzBjzqO6Ch8doQdOMqzwlmEff0Q= | SAINTCON |
💬 These channels help Utah users receive local alerts and coordinate within their communities.
🌲 Idaho Channels
Special channels for Idaho-based users and organizations.
These can be added as secondary channels to support local groups, alerts, and coordination.
| Channel Name | Role | PSK/Key | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
2ndStarLabs | Secondary | BRdqPvLgcJKPN5BBCHUVxU6YavR11R3HAoy5wSZdSqc= | Channel for members of Second Star Labs Hackerspace in Twin Falls, ID. |
IDAlerts | Secondary | EdYPaoEzYapldDMwSIeYaLuOVhEqAj5S0Hm5owRoWEg= | Alerts from FEMA iPAWS/EAS, NOAA, USGS Volcano Alerts, and more. |
IDEmergency | Secondary | z/N/1qMBO9LubPEQ7tjOZfUrFuRCmni2OosuNgHpgJM= | Monitors public channels for emergency keywords (911, fire, rescue) and relays info here. |
💬 These Idaho-specific channels extend the mesh to local emergency and community networks.
🚨 Emergency Communications Channels (Coming Soon)
These channels are intended for emergency coordination, disaster response, and critical communications. They should only be used for legitimate emergency traffic, drills, or official coordination.
⚠️ Keep messages clear, concise, and relevant. Avoid general chat on these channels.
| Channel Name | Role | PSK/Key | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| `` | Secondary | empty | `` |
💬 These emergency channels provide structured communication during incidents while keeping the primary mesh available for general traffic.
⚙️ How to Add Channels
- Open the Meshtastic App or use the CLI (
meshtastic --setcommands). - Navigate to Channels → Add Channel.
- Enter the Channel Name and PSK/Key from the table above.
- Choose the Role (Primary or Secondary).
- Save and sync your settings.
💡 Be sure all devices in your group use the same channel name and PSK.