dandri/MeshCore
1
0
Fork 0
mirror of https://github.com/meshcore-dev/MeshCore.git synced 2026-04-26 19:25:10 +00:00
Code Issues Packages Projects Releases Wiki Activity

refactor documentation

Browse Source
This commit is contained in:
liamcottle
2026-02-03 17:51:22 +13:00
parent 384e482052
commit 4af31e552e
8 changed files with 314 additions and 429 deletions
Download Patch File Download Diff File Expand all files Collapse all files
docs/_stylesheets/extra.css
+5
View File
@@ -9,3 +9,8 @@
.md-source__fact--version {
display: none;
}
/* underline links */
.md-typeset a {
text-decoration: underline;
}
docs/cli_commands.md
+3 -1
View File
@@ -1,4 +1,6 @@
# MeshCore Repeater & Room Server CLI Commands
# CLI Commands
This document provides an overview of CLI commands that can be sent to MeshCore Repeaters, Room Servers and Sensors.
## Navigation
docs/protocol_guide.md → docs/companion_protocol.md
+143 -405
View File
@@ -1,26 +1,42 @@
# MeshCore Device Communication Protocol Guide
# Companion Protocol
This document provides a comprehensive guide for communicating with MeshCore devices over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). It is platform-agnostic and can be used for Android, iOS, Python, JavaScript, or any other platform that supports BLE.
- **Last Updated**: 2026-01-03
- **Protocol Version**: Companion Firmware v1.12.0+
## ⚠️ Important Security Note
> NOTE: This document is still in development. Some information may be inaccurate.
**All secrets, hashes, and cryptographic values shown in this guide are EXAMPLE VALUES ONLY and are NOT real secrets.**
This document provides a comprehensive guide for communicating with MeshCore devices over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).
- The secret `9b647d242d6e1c5883fde0c5cf5c4c5e` used in examples is a made-up example value
- All hex values, public keys, and hashes in examples are for demonstration purposes only
- **Never use example secrets in production** - always generate new cryptographically secure random secrets
- This guide is for protocol documentation only - implement proper security practices in your actual implementation
It is platform-agnostic and can be used for Android, iOS, Python, JavaScript, or any other platform that supports BLE.
## Official Libraries
Please see the following repos for existing MeshCore Companion Protocol libraries.
- JavaScript: [https://github.com/meshcore-dev/meshcore.js](https://github.com/meshcore-dev/meshcore.js)
- Python: [https://github.com/meshcore-dev/meshcore_py](https://github.com/meshcore-dev/meshcore_py)
## Important Security Note
All secrets, hashes, and cryptographic values shown in this guide are example values only.
- All hex values, public keys and hashes are for demonstration purposes only
- Never use example secrets in production
- Always generate new cryptographically secure random secrets
- Please implement proper security practices in your implementation
- This guide is for protocol documentation only
## Table of Contents
1. [BLE Connection](#ble-connection)
2. [Protocol Overview](#protocol-overview)
2. [Packet Structure](#packet-structure)
3. [Commands](#commands)
4. [Channel Management](#channel-management)
5. [Secret Generation and QR Codes](#secret-generation-and-qr-codes)
6. [Message Handling](#message-handling)
7. [Response Parsing](#response-parsing)
8. [Example Implementation Flow](#example-implementation-flow)
5. [Message Handling](#message-handling)
6. [Response Parsing](#response-parsing)
7. [Example Implementation Flow](#example-implementation-flow)
8. [Best Practices](#best-practices)
9. [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting)
---
@@ -28,181 +44,111 @@ This document provides a comprehensive guide for communicating with MeshCore dev
### Service and Characteristics
MeshCore devices expose a BLE service with the following UUIDs:
MeshCore Companion devices expose a BLE service with the following UUIDs:
- **Service UUID**: `0000ff00-0000-1000-8000-00805f9b34fb`
- **RX Characteristic** (Device → Client): `0000ff01-0000-1000-8000-00805f9b34fb`
- **TX Characteristic** (Client → Device): `0000ff02-0000-1000-8000-00805f9b34fb`
- **Service UUID**: `6E400001-B5A3-F393-E0A9-E50E24DCCA9E`
- **RX Characteristic** (App → Firmware): `6E400002-B5A3-F393-E0A9-E50E24DCCA9E`
- **TX Characteristic** (Firmware → App): `6E400003-B5A3-F393-E0A9-E50E24DCCA9E`
### Connection Steps
1. **Scan for Devices**
- Scan for BLE devices advertising the MeshCore service UUID
- Filter by device name (typically contains "MeshCore" or similar)
- Note the device MAC address for reconnection
- Scan for BLE devices advertising the MeshCore Service UUID
- Optionally filter by device name (typically contains "MeshCore" prefix)
- Note the device MAC address for reconnection
2. **Connect to GATT**
- Connect to the device using the discovered MAC address
- Wait for connection to be established
- Connect to the device using the discovered MAC address
- Wait for connection to be established
3. **Discover Services and Characteristics**
- Discover the service with UUID `0000ff00-0000-1000-8000-00805f9b34fb`
- Discover RX characteristic (`0000ff01-...`) for receiving data
- Discover TX characteristic (`0000ff02-...`) for sending commands
- Discover the service with UUID `6E400001-B5A3-F393-E0A9-E50E24DCCA9E`
- Discover the RX characteristic `6E400002-B5A3-F393-E0A9-E50E24DCCA9E`
- Your app writes to this, the firmware reads from this
- Discover the TX characteristic `6E400003-B5A3-F393-E0A9-E50E24DCCA9E`
- The firmware writes to this, your app reads from this
4. **Enable Notifications**
- Subscribe to notifications on the RX characteristic
- Enable notifications/indications to receive data from the device
- On some platforms, you may need to write to a descriptor (e.g., `0x2902`) with value `0x01` or `0x02`
- Subscribe to notifications on the TX characteristic to receive data from the firmware
5. **Send AppStart Command**
- Send the app start command (see [Commands](#commands)) to initialize communication
- Wait for OK response before sending other commands
### Connection State Management
- **Disconnected**: No connection established
- **Connecting**: Connection attempt in progress
- **Connected**: GATT connection established, ready for commands
- **Error**: Connection failed or lost
5. **Send Initial Commands**
- Send `CMD_APP_START` to identify your app to firmware and get radio settings
- Send `CMD_DEVICE_QEURY` to fetch device info and negotiate supported protocol versions
- Send `CMD_SET_DEVICE_TIME` to set the firmware clock
- Send `CMD_GET_CONTACTS` to fetch all contacts
- Send `CMD_GET_CHANNEL` multiple times to fetch all channel slots
- Send `CMD_SYNC_NEXT_MESSAGE` to fetch the next message stored in firmware
- Setup listeners for push codes, such as `PUSH_CODE_MSG_WAITING` or `PUSH_CODE_ADVERT`
- See [Commands](#commands) section for information on other commands
**Note**: MeshCore devices may disconnect after periods of inactivity. Implement auto-reconnect logic with exponential backoff.
### BLE Write Type
When writing commands to the TX characteristic, specify the write type:
When writing commands to the RX characteristic, specify the write type:
- **Write with Response** (default): Waits for acknowledgment from device
- **Write without Response**: Faster but no acknowledgment
**Platform-specific**:
- **Android**: Use `BluetoothGattCharacteristic.WRITE_TYPE_DEFAULT` or `WRITE_TYPE_NO_RESPONSE`
- **iOS**: Use `CBCharacteristicWriteType.withResponse` or `.withoutResponse`
- **Python (bleak)**: Use `write_gatt_char()` with `response=True` or `False`
**Recommendation**: Use write with response for reliability, especially for critical commands like `SET_CHANNEL`.
**Recommendation**: Use write with response for reliability.
### MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit)
The default BLE MTU is 23 bytes (20 bytes payload). For larger commands like `SET_CHANNEL` (66 bytes), you may need to:
1. **Request Larger MTU**: Request MTU of 512 bytes if supported
- Android: `gatt.requestMtu(512)`
- iOS: `peripheral.maximumWriteValueLength(for:)`
- Python (bleak): MTU is negotiated automatically
- Android: `gatt.requestMtu(512)`
- iOS: `peripheral.maximumWriteValueLength(for:)`
- Python (bleak): MTU is negotiated automatically
2. **Handle Chunking**: If MTU is small, commands may be split automatically by the BLE stack
- Ensure all chunks are sent before waiting for response
- Responses may also arrive in chunks - buffer until complete
### Command Sequencing and Timing
### Command Sequencing
**Critical**: Commands must be sent in the correct sequence:
1. **After Connection**:
- Wait for GATT connection established
- Wait for services/characteristics discovered
- Wait for notifications enabled (descriptor write complete)
- **Wait 200-1000ms** for device to be ready (some devices need initialization time)
- Send `APP_START` command
- **Wait for `PACKET_OK` response** before sending any other commands
- Wait for BLE connection to be established
- Wait for services/characteristics to be discovered
- Wait for notifications to be enabled
- Now you can safely send commands to the firmware
2. **Command-Response Matching**:
- Send one command at a time
- Wait for response before sending next command
- Use timeout (typically 5 seconds)
- Match response to command by:
- Command type (e.g., `GET_CHANNEL` → `PACKET_CHANNEL_INFO`)
- Sequence number (if implemented)
- First-in-first-out queue
3. **Timing Considerations**:
- Minimum delay between commands: 50-100ms
- After `APP_START`: Wait 200-500ms before next command
- After `SET_CHANNEL`: Wait 500-1000ms for channel to be created
- After enabling notifications: Wait 200ms before sending commands
**Example Flow**:
```python
# 1. Connect and discover
await connect_to_device(device)
await discover_services()
await enable_notifications()
await asyncio.sleep(0.2) # Wait for device ready
# 2. Send AppStart
send_command(build_app_start())
response = await wait_for_response(PACKET_OK, timeout=5.0)
if response.type != PACKET_OK:
raise Exception("AppStart failed")
# 3. Now safe to send other commands
await asyncio.sleep(0.1) # Small delay between commands
send_command(build_device_query())
response = await wait_for_response(PACKET_DEVICE_INFO, timeout=5.0)
```
- Send one command at a time
- Wait for a response before sending another command
- Use a timeout (typically 5 seconds)
- Match response to command by type (e.g: `CMD_GET_CHANNEL` → `RESP_CODE_CHANNEL_INFO`)
### Command Queue Management
For reliable operation, implement a command queue:
For reliable operation, implement a command queue.
1. **Queue Structure**:
- Maintain a queue of pending commands
- Track which command is currently waiting for response
- Only send next command after receiving response or timeout
**Queue Structure**:
2. **Implementation**:
```python
class CommandQueue:
def __init__(self):
self.queue = []
self.waiting_for_response = False
self.current_command = None
async def send_command(self, command, expected_response_type, timeout=5.0):
if self.waiting_for_response:
# Queue the command
self.queue.append((command, expected_response_type, timeout))
return
self.waiting_for_response = True
self.current_command = (command, expected_response_type, timeout)
# Send command
await write_to_tx_characteristic(command)
# Wait for response
response = await wait_for_response(expected_response_type, timeout)
self.waiting_for_response = False
self.current_command = None
# Process next queued command
if self.queue:
next_cmd, next_type, next_timeout = self.queue.pop(0)
await self.send_command(next_cmd, next_type, next_timeout)
return response
```
- Maintain a queue of pending commands
- Track which command is currently waiting for a response
- Only send next command after receiving response or timeout
3. **Error Handling**:
- On timeout: Clear current command, process next in queue
- On error: Log error, clear current command, process next
- Don't block queue on single command failure
**Error Handling**:
- On timeout, clear current command, process next in queue
- On error, log error, clear current command, process next
---
## Protocol Overview
## Packet Structure
The MeshCore protocol uses a binary format with the following structure:
- **Commands**: Sent from client to device via TX characteristic
- **Responses**: Received from device via RX characteristic (notifications)
- **All multi-byte integers**: Little-endian byte order
- **Commands**: Sent from app to firmware via RX characteristic
- **Responses**: Received from firmware via TX characteristic notifications
- **All multi-byte integers**: Little-endian byte order (except CayenneLPP which is Big-endian)
- **All strings**: UTF-8 encoding
### Packet Structure
Most packets follow this format:
```
[Packet Type (1 byte)] [Data (variable length)]
@@ -283,7 +229,7 @@ Byte 1: Channel Index (0-7)
Byte 0: 0x20
Byte 1: Channel Index (0-7)
Bytes 2-33: Channel Name (32 bytes, UTF-8, null-padded)
Bytes 34-65: Secret (32 bytes, see [Secret Generation](#secret-generation))
Bytes 34-65: Secret (32 bytes)
```
**Total Length**: 66 bytes
@@ -298,7 +244,7 @@ Bytes 34-65: Secret (32 bytes, see [Secret Generation](#secret-generation))
- Padded with null bytes (0x00) if shorter
**Secret Field** (32 bytes):
- For **private channels**: 32-byte secret (see [Secret Generation](#secret-generation))
- For **private channels**: 32-byte secret
- For **public channels**: All zeros (0x00)
**Example** (create channel "YourChannelName" at index 1 with secret):
@@ -380,170 +326,33 @@ Byte 0: 0x14
### Channel Types
1. **Public Channels** (Index 0)
- No secret required
- Anyone with the channel name can join
- Use for open communication
2. **Private Channels** (Indices 1-7)
- Require a 16-byte secret
- Secret is expanded to 32 bytes using SHA-512 (see [Secret Generation](#secret-generation))
- Only devices with the secret can access the channel
1. **Public Channel**
- Uses a publicly known 16-byte key: `8b3387e9c5cdea6ac9e5edbaa115cd72`
- Anyone can join this channel, messages should be considered public
- Used as the default public group chat
2. **Hashtag Channels**
- Uses a secret key derived from the channel name
- It is the first 16 bytes of `sha256("#test")`
- For example hashtag channel `#test` has the key: `9cd8fcf22a47333b591d96a2b848b73f`
- Used as a topic based public group chat, separate from the default public channel
3. **Private Channels**
- Uses a randomly generated 16-byte secret key
- Messages should be considered private between those that know the secret
- Users should keep the key secret, and only share with those you want to communicate with
- Used as a secure private group chat
### Channel Lifecycle
1. **Create Channel**:
- Choose an available index (1-7 for private channels)
- Generate or provide a 16-byte secret
- Send `SET_CHANNEL` command with name and secret
- **Store the secret locally** (device does not return it)
2. **Query Channel**:
- Send `GET_CHANNEL` command with channel index
- Parse `PACKET_CHANNEL_INFO` response
- Note: Secret will be null in response (security feature)
1. **Set Channel**:
- Fetch all channel slots, and find one with empty name and all-zero secret
- Generate or provide a 16-byte secret
- Send `CMD_SET_CHANNEL` with name and secret
2. **Get Channel**:
- Send `CMD_GET_CHANNEL` with channel index
- Parse `RESP_CODE_CHANNEL_INFO` response
3. **Delete Channel**:
- Send `SET_CHANNEL` command with empty name and all-zero secret
- Or overwrite with a new channel
### Channel Index Management
- **Index 0**: Reserved for public channels
- **Indices 1-7**: Available for private channels
- If a channel exists at index 0 but should be private, migrate it to index 1-7
---
## Secret Generation and QR Codes
### Secret Generation
For private channels, generate a cryptographically secure 16-byte secret:
**Pseudocode**:
```python
import secrets
# Generate 16 random bytes
secret_bytes = secrets.token_bytes(16)
# Convert to hex string for storage/sharing
secret_hex = secret_bytes.hex() # 32 hex characters
```
**Important**: Use a cryptographically secure random number generator (CSPRNG). Do not use predictable values.
### Secret Expansion
When sending the secret to the device via `SET_CHANNEL`, the 16-byte secret must be expanded to 32 bytes:
**Process**:
1. Take the 16-byte secret
2. Compute SHA-512 hash: `hash = SHA-512(secret)`
3. Use the first 32 bytes of the hash as the secret field in the command
**Pseudocode**:
```python
import hashlib
secret_16_bytes = ... # Your 16-byte secret
sha512_hash = hashlib.sha512(secret_16_bytes).digest() # 64 bytes
secret_32_bytes = sha512_hash[:32] # First 32 bytes
```
This matches MeshCore's ED25519 key expansion method.
### QR Code Format
QR codes for sharing channel secrets use the following format:
**URL Scheme**:
```
meshcore://channel/add?name=<ChannelName>&secret=<32HexChars>
```
**Parameters**:
- `name`: Channel name (URL-encoded if needed)
- `secret`: 32-character hexadecimal representation of the 16-byte secret
**Example** (using example secret - NOT a real secret):
```
meshcore://channel/add?name=YourChannelName&secret=9b647d242d6e1c5883fde0c5cf5c4c5e
```
**Alternative Formats** (for backward compatibility):
1. **JSON Format**:
```json
{
"name": "YourChannelName",
"secret": "9b647d242d6e1c5883fde0c5cf5c4c5e"
}
```
*Note: The secret value above is an example only - generate your own secure random secret.*
2. **Plain Hex** (32 hex characters):
```
9b647d242d6e1c5883fde0c5cf5c4c5e
```
*Note: This is an example hex value - always generate your own cryptographically secure random secret.*
### QR Code Generation
**Steps**:
1. Generate or use existing 16-byte secret
2. Convert to 32-character hex string (lowercase)
3. URL-encode the channel name
4. Construct the `meshcore://` URL
5. Generate QR code from the URL string
**Example** (Python with `qrcode` library):
```python
import qrcode
from urllib.parse import quote
import secrets
channel_name = "YourChannelName"
# Generate a real cryptographically secure secret (NOT the example value)
secret_bytes = secrets.token_bytes(16)
secret_hex = secret_bytes.hex() # This will be a different value each time
# Example value shown in documentation: "9b647d242d6e1c5883fde0c5cf5c4c5e"
# DO NOT use the example value - always generate your own!
url = f"meshcore://channel/add?name={quote(channel_name)}&secret={secret_hex}"
qr = qrcode.QRCode(version=1, box_size=10, border=5)
qr.add_data(url)
qr.make(fit=True)
img = qr.make_image(fill_color="black", back_color="white")
img.save("channel_qr.png")
```
### QR Code Scanning
When scanning a QR code:
1. **Parse URL Format**:
- Extract `name` and `secret` query parameters
- Validate secret is 32 hex characters
2. **Parse JSON Format**:
- Parse JSON object
- Extract `name` and `secret` fields
3. **Parse Plain Hex**:
- Extract only hex characters (0-9, a-f, A-F)
- Validate length is 32 characters
- Convert to lowercase
4. **Validate Secret**:
- Must be exactly 32 hex characters (16 bytes)
- Convert hex string to bytes
5. **Create Channel**:
- Use extracted name and secret
- Send `SET_CHANNEL` command
- Send `CMD_SET_CHANNEL` with empty name and all-zero secret
- Or overwrite with a new channel
---
@@ -693,28 +502,28 @@ Use the `SEND_CHANNEL_MESSAGE` command (see [Commands](#commands)).
### Packet Types
| Value | Name | Description |
|-------|------|-------------|
| 0x00 | PACKET_OK | Command succeeded |
| 0x01 | PACKET_ERROR | Command failed |
| 0x02 | PACKET_CONTACT_START | Start of contact list |
| 0x03 | PACKET_CONTACT | Contact information |
| 0x04 | PACKET_CONTACT_END | End of contact list |
| 0x05 | PACKET_SELF_INFO | Device self-information |
| 0x06 | PACKET_MSG_SENT | Message sent confirmation |
| 0x07 | PACKET_CONTACT_MSG_RECV | Contact message (standard) |
| 0x08 | PACKET_CHANNEL_MSG_RECV | Channel message (standard) |
| 0x09 | PACKET_CURRENT_TIME | Current time response |
| 0x0A | PACKET_NO_MORE_MSGS | No more messages available |
| 0x0C | PACKET_BATTERY | Battery level |
| 0x0D | PACKET_DEVICE_INFO | Device information |
| 0x10 | PACKET_CONTACT_MSG_RECV_V3 | Contact message (V3 with SNR) |
| 0x11 | PACKET_CHANNEL_MSG_RECV_V3 | Channel message (V3 with SNR) |
| 0x12 | PACKET_CHANNEL_INFO | Channel information |
| 0x80 | PACKET_ADVERTISEMENT | Advertisement packet |
| 0x82 | PACKET_ACK | Acknowledgment |
| 0x83 | PACKET_MESSAGES_WAITING | Messages waiting notification |
| 0x88 | PACKET_LOG_DATA | RF log data (can be ignored) |
| Value | Name | Description |
|-------|----------------------------|-------------------------------|
| 0x00 | PACKET_OK | Command succeeded |
| 0x01 | PACKET_ERROR | Command failed |
| 0x02 | PACKET_CONTACT_START | Start of contact list |
| 0x03 | PACKET_CONTACT | Contact information |
| 0x04 | PACKET_CONTACT_END | End of contact list |
| 0x05 | PACKET_SELF_INFO | Device self-information |
| 0x06 | PACKET_MSG_SENT | Message sent confirmation |
| 0x07 | PACKET_CONTACT_MSG_RECV | Contact message (standard) |
| 0x08 | PACKET_CHANNEL_MSG_RECV | Channel message (standard) |
| 0x09 | PACKET_CURRENT_TIME | Current time response |
| 0x0A | PACKET_NO_MORE_MSGS | No more messages available |
| 0x0C | PACKET_BATTERY | Battery level |
| 0x0D | PACKET_DEVICE_INFO | Device information |
| 0x10 | PACKET_CONTACT_MSG_RECV_V3 | Contact message (V3 with SNR) |
| 0x11 | PACKET_CHANNEL_MSG_RECV_V3 | Channel message (V3 with SNR) |
| 0x12 | PACKET_CHANNEL_INFO | Channel information |
| 0x80 | PACKET_ADVERTISEMENT | Advertisement packet |
| 0x82 | PACKET_ACK | Acknowledgment |
| 0x83 | PACKET_MESSAGES_WAITING | Messages waiting notification |
| 0x88 | PACKET_LOG_DATA | RF log data (can be ignored) |
### Parsing Responses
@@ -1081,33 +890,6 @@ def on_notification_received(data):
send_command(tx_char, build_get_message())
```
### QR Code Sharing
```python
import secrets
from urllib.parse import quote
# 1. Generate QR code data
channel_name = "YourChannelName"
# Generate a real secret (NOT the example value from documentation)
secret_bytes = secrets.token_bytes(16)
secret_hex = secret_bytes.hex()
# Example value in documentation: "9b647d242d6e1c5883fde0c5cf5c4c5e"
# DO NOT use example values - always generate your own secure random secrets!
url = f"meshcore://channel/add?name={quote(channel_name)}&secret={secret_hex}"
# 2. Generate QR code image
qr = qrcode.QRCode(version=1, box_size=10, border=5)
qr.add_data(url)
qr.make(fit=True)
img = qr.make_image(fill_color="black", back_color="white")
# 3. Display or save QR code
img.save("channel_qr.png")
```
---
## Best Practices
@@ -1121,81 +903,37 @@ img.save("channel_qr.png")
- Always use cryptographically secure random number generators
- Store secrets securely (encrypted storage)
- Never log or transmit secrets in plain text
- Device does not return secrets - you must store them locally
3. **Message Handling**:
- Poll `GET_MESSAGE` periodically or when `PACKET_MESSAGES_WAITING` is received
- Handle message chunking for long messages (>133 characters)
- Implement message deduplication to avoid processing the same message twice
- Send `CMD_SYNC_NEXT_MESSAGE` when `PUSH_CODE_MSG_WAITING` is received
- Implement message deduplication to avoid display the same message twice
4. **Error Handling**:
4. **Channel Management**:
- Fetch all channel slots even if you encounter an empty slot
- Ideally save new channels into the first empty slot
5. **Error Handling**:
- Implement timeouts for all commands (typically 5 seconds)
- Handle `PACKET_ERROR` responses appropriately
- Log errors for debugging but don't expose sensitive information
5. **Channel Management**:
- Avoid using channel index 0 for private channels
- Migrate channels from index 0 to 1-7 if needed
- Query channels after connection to discover existing channels
---
## Platform-Specific Notes
### Android
- Use `BluetoothGatt` API
- Request `BLUETOOTH_CONNECT` and `BLUETOOTH_SCAN` permissions (Android 12+)
- Enable notifications by writing to descriptor `0x2902` with value `0x01` or `0x02`
### iOS
- Use `CoreBluetooth` framework
- Implement `CBPeripheralDelegate` for notifications
- Request Bluetooth permissions in Info.plist
### Python
- Use `bleak` library for cross-platform BLE support
- Handle async/await for BLE operations
- Use `asyncio` for command-response patterns
### JavaScript/Node.js
- Use `noble` or `@abandonware/noble` for BLE
- Handle callbacks or promises for async operations
- Use `Buffer` for binary data manipulation
- Handle `RESP_CODE_ERR` responses appropriately
---
## Troubleshooting
### Connection Issues
- **Device not found**: Ensure device is powered on and advertising
- **Connection timeout**: Check Bluetooth permissions and device proximity
- **GATT errors**: Ensure proper service/characteristic discovery
### Command Issues
- **No response**: Verify notifications are enabled, check connection state
- **Error responses**: Verify command format, check channel index validity
- **Timeout**: Increase timeout value or check device responsiveness
- **Error responses**: Verify command format and check error code
- **Timeout**: Increase timeout value or try again
### Message Issues
- **Messages not received**: Poll `GET_MESSAGE` command periodically
- **Duplicate messages**: Implement message deduplication using timestamps/hashes
- **Message truncation**: Split long messages into chunks
### Secret/Channel Issues
- **Secret not working**: Verify secret expansion (SHA-512) is correct
- **Channel not found**: Query channels after connection to discover existing channels
- **Channel index 0**: Migrate to index 1-7 for private channels
---
## References
- MeshCore Python implementation: `meshcore_py-main/src/meshcore/`
- BLE GATT Specification: Bluetooth SIG Core Specification
- ED25519 Key Expansion: RFC 8032
---
**Last Updated**: 2025-01-01
**Protocol Version**: Based on MeshCore v1.36.0+
- **Duplicate messages**: Implement message deduplication using timestamp/content as a unique id
- **Message truncation**: Send long messages as separate shorter messages
docs/docs.md
+13
View File
@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
# Local Documentation
This document explains how to build and view the MeshCore documentation locally.
## Building and viewing Docs
```
pip install mkdocs
pip install mkdocs-material
```
- `mkdocs serve` - Start the live-reloading docs server.
- `mkdocs build` - Build the documentation site.
docs/faq.md
+10 -15
View File
@@ -1,12 +1,7 @@
**MeshCore-FAQ**<!-- omit from toc -->
# Frequently Asked Questions
A list of frequently-asked questions and answers for MeshCore
The current version of this MeshCore FAQ is at https://github.com/meshcore-dev/MeshCore/blob/main/docs/faq.md.
This MeshCore FAQ is also mirrored at https://github.com/LitBomb/MeshCore-FAQ and might have newer updates if pull requests on Scott's MeshCore repo are not approved yet.
author: https://github.com/LitBomb<!-- omit from toc -->
---
- [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)
@@ -112,15 +107,15 @@ Anyone is able to build anything they like on top of MeshCore without paying any
### 1.2. Q: What do you need to start using MeshCore?
**A:** Everything you need for MeshCore is available at:
Main web site: [https://meshcore.co.uk/](https://meshcore.co.uk/)
Firmware Flasher: https://flasher.meshcore.co.uk/
Phone Client Applications: https://meshcore.co.uk/apps.html
MeshCore Firmware GitHub: https://github.com/ripplebiz/MeshCore
NOTE: Andy Kirby has a very useful [intro video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1qne8uJBAc) for beginners.
- Main web site: [https://meshcore.co.uk](https://meshcore.co.uk)
- Firmware Flasher: [https://flasher.meshcore.co.uk](https://flasher.meshcore.co.uk)
- MeshCore Firmware on GitHub: [https://github.com/meshcore-dev/MeshCore](https://github.com/meshcore-dev/MeshCore)
- MeshCore Companion App: [https://meshcore.nz](https://meshcore.nz)
- MeshCore Map: [https://meshcore.co.uk/map.html](https://meshcore.co.uk/map.html)
- Andy Kirby has a very useful [intro video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1qne8uJBAc) for beginners.
You need LoRa hardware devices to run MeshCore firmware as clients or server (repeater and room server).
You need LoRa hardware devices to run MeshCore firmware as clients or server (repeater and room server).
#### 1.2.1. Hardware
MeshCore is available on a variety of 433MHz, 868MHz and 915MHz LoRa devices. For example, Lilygo T-Deck, T-Pager, RAK Wireless WisBlock RAK4631 devices (e.g. 19003, 19007, 19026), Heltec V3, Xiao S3 WIO, Xiao C3, Heltec T114, Station G2, Nano G2 Ultra, Seeed Studio T1000-E. More devices are being added regularly.
@@ -535,7 +530,7 @@ MeshCore clients would need to reset path constantly and flood traffic across th
This could change in the future if MeshCore develops a client firmware that repeats.
[Source](https://discord.com/channels/826570251612323860/1330643963501351004/1354780032140054659)
### 5.12. Q: How do I add a node to the [MeshCore Map]([url](https://meshcore.co.uk/map.html))
### 5.12. Q: How do I add a node to the [MeshCore Map](https://meshcore.co.uk/map.html)
**A:**
To add a BLE Companion radio, connect to the BLE Companion radio from the MeshCore smartphone app. In the app, tap the `3 dot` menu icon at the top right corner, then tap `Internet Map`. Tap the `3 dot` menu icon again and choose `Add me to the Map`
docs/index.md
+10 -8
View File
@@ -1,13 +1,15 @@
# Welcome
# Introduction
Welcome to the MeshCore documentation.
## Building and viewing Docs
Below are a few quick start guides.
```
pip install mkdocs
pip install mkdocs-material
```
- [Frequently Asked Questions](./faq.md)
- [CLI Commands](./cli_commands.md)
- [Companion Protocol](./companion_protocol.md)
- [Packet Structure](./packet_structure.md)
- [QR Codes](./qr_codes.md)
* `mkdocs serve` - Start the live-reloading docs server.
* `mkdocs build` - Build the documentation site.
If you find a mistake in any of our documentation, or find something is missing, please feel free to open a pull request for us to review.
- [Documentation Source](https://github.com/meshcore-dev/MeshCore/tree/main/docs)
docs/qr_codes.md
+34
View File
@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
# QR Codes
This document provides an overview of QR Code formats that can be used for sharing MeshCore channels and contacts. The formats described below are supported by the MeshCore mobile app.
## Add Channel
**Example URL**:
```
meshcore://channel/add?name=Public&secret=8b3387e9c5cdea6ac9e5edbaa115cd72
```
**Parameters**:
- `name`: Channel name (URL-encoded if needed)
- `secret`: 16-byte secret represented as 32 hex characters
## Add Contact
**Example URL**:
```
meshcore://contact/add?name=Example+Contact&public_key=9cd8fcf22a47333b591d96a2b848b73f457b1bb1a3ea2453a885f9e5787765b1&type=1
```
**Parameters**:
- `name`: Contact name (URL-encoded if needed)
- `public_key`: 32-byte public key represented as 64 hex characters
- `type`: numeric contact type
- `1`: Companion
- `2`: Repeater
- `3`: Room Server
- `4`: Sensor
docs/terminal_chat_cli.md
+96
View File
@@ -0,0 +1,96 @@
# Terminal Chat CLI
Below are the commands you can enter into the Terminal Chat clients:
```
set freq {frequency}
```
Set the LoRa frequency. Example: set freq 915.8
```
set tx {tx-power-dbm}
```
Sets LoRa transmit power in dBm.
```
set name {name}
```
Sets your advertisement name.
```
set lat {latitude}
```
Sets your advertisement map latitude. (decimal degrees)
```
set lon {longitude}
```
Sets your advertisement map longitude. (decimal degrees)
```
set af {air-time-factor}
```
Sets the transmit air-time-factor.
```
time {epoch-secs}
```
Set the device clock using UNIX epoch seconds. Example: time 1738242833
```
advert
```
Sends an advertisement packet
```
clock
```
Displays current time per device's clock.
```
ver
```
Shows the device version and firmware build date.
```
card
```
Displays *your* 'business card', for other to manually _import_
```
import {card}
```
Imports the given card to your contacts.
```
list {n}
```
List all contacts by most recent. (optional {n}, is the last n by advertisement date)
```
to
```
Shows the name of current recipient contact. (for subsequent 'send' commands)
```
to {name-prefix}
```
Sets the recipient to the _first_ matching contact (in 'list') by the name prefix. (ie. you don't have to type whole name)
```
send {text}
```
Sends the text message (as DM) to current recipient.
```
reset path
```
Resets the path to current recipient, for new path discovery.
```
public {text}
```
Sends the text message to the built-in 'public' group channel