What is MeshCore?

Secure, off‑grid text messaging over LoRa.

MeshCore is a multi‑platform system for secure, text‑based communication using low‑power LoRa radio hardware. It shines for off‑grid communication, emergency response & disaster recovery, outdoor activities, tactical/security use (e.g., law enforcement and private security), and IoT sensor networks. Individual devices are called nodes.

Messages can be sent privately (one‑to‑one) or broadcast on a public “flood” channel that works like a large group chat across the mesh

Find out more at meshcore.co.uk

What is MeshCore Cumbria?

MeshCore Cumbria currently operates on the EU/UK (Narrow) radio frequency.

MeshCore Cumbria is a volunteer-led project creating a simple, resilient, community-powered mesh network across our fells, valleys, and towns. Using low-power, long-range LoRa radios, we’re building an open, free, off-grid messaging system for Cumbria — designed to work when the internet & mobile networks don’t.

Our aim is to grow a respectful, community-run network. At the moment there are no permanent repeaters in Cumbria and no link to the wider UK mesh — yet. A small group of volunteers is scouting inconspicuous sites for future nodes, always mindful of the natural beauty of the landscape. Nodes have a tiny footprint and are often camouflaged (yes, even disguised as a “rock with a solar panel”!).

We hope that if walkers or locals come across a node, they’ll see it for what it is: part of a shared effort to make Cumbria more connected, more resilient, and more self-reliant.

Anyone can help. Hosting a simple repeater on your roof, loft, or shed makes a huge difference and the beauty of mesh created networks is they will all interlink automatically. Together we can create a mesh that connects communities, supports safety, and strengthens communication in our remote and rural areas.

Check the map for current Meshcore nodes in our area

Companion Radios, Repeaters & Room Servers

What’s the difference?

Companion Radios

Companion Radios are the everyday devices you use to send/receive messages. They can be stationary or mobile, and talk directly if they’re in range.

Repeaters

Repeaters exist to extend coverage—ideally placed high up or with a clear view to at least one other repeater. They forward messages to bridge longer distances across the mesh. (Repeaters should always be stationary and preferably powered on 24/7)

Room Servers

Room servers combine roles: they can store messages for later retrieval when a node comes back into range, and can also be configured to act like a repeater that forwards traffic for other radios.

Quick Start

Join MeshCore in 3 steps.

Pick a device (e.g., Heltec V3, LilyGo T‑Echo, or XIAO + radio).

Beginner‑friendly kits:

Heltec V3 (ESP32 LoRa dev board)

LILYGO T-Deck Plus

Diymore SX1262 LoRa V3

Flash MeshCore

MeshCore Cumbria currently operates on the EU/UK (Narrow) radio frequency. To connect to our repeaters, please make sure your device is configured to use the same setting.

To flash meshcore or see a list of compatible devices visit the official MeshCore Web Flasher

Check for local nodes

Once setup send out an advert and see if you get any responses. Don't be afraid to say hi in the public channel

Common questions.

Is MeshCore free to use?

Yes. It’s community‑run and open source. You’ll only need to buy your own small radio.

How far can it reach?

Depends on terrain and antenna. Line‑of‑sight can be many miles; valleys may need repeaters.

What about privacy?

Private, one‑to‑one messages in MeshCore are encrypted. Broadcast “flood” channel messages are public to anyone on that channel. Keep content community‑friendly and avoid sharing sensitive information.

Project news & field notes.

DIY Solar Rock Nodes for deployment

This is the first prototype solar-powered node I’ve built. The rock enclosure is 3D-printed, and it’s powered by an off-the-shelf 5W solar panel originally designed for outdoor security cameras. I’ll be sharing more details about this project soon.

Knock Murton Repeater

I’ve deployed a Seeed XIAO nRF52840 solar-powered node on Knock Murton. Early results are very promising — this repeater provides coverage across much of Lamplugh, Workington, and Frizington. In short, if you have line of sight to Knock Murton, you should be able to connect.

Lank Rigg Repeater

I’ve deployed a Heltec T114 solar-powered node on Lank Rigg. This repeater significantly extends the mesh, providing new coverage for Egremont, parts of Whitehaven, Beckermet, and Seascale. As with our other nodes, if you have a clear view of Lank Rigg, you should be able to connect.

Barnholm Repeater

I’ve deployed a Seeed XIAO nRF52840 solar-powered node on Barnholm in Scotland. The goal was to establish a link with our friends over in Bangor, Northern Ireland — but unfortunately, it still can’t quite reach them. All isn’t lost though; it connects cleanly into the existing Cumbrian mesh, giving the coastline a better chance to pick up the signal.

Experemental Solar Light Repeater

I picked up some cheap solar lights from Amazon to experiment with. They include a built-in 18650 battery and charging circuitry, so all I had to do was solder two wires to the XIAO nRF52840 & Wio-SX1262 kit from AliExpress — which, conveniently, just fits inside the housing. There haven’t been any full-sun days since I set it up, and the battery level has been slowly dropping, but even on cloudy days it seems to hold its own. I’ll report back once I’ve seen how it performs over time.

Project news:

We currently operate 6 repeaters, two of which are located in Workington. These use an IoT-optimised 6 dBi 868 MHz omni-directional antenna from McGillMicrowave.com and run on the Heltec V3 boards, The solar nodes deployed around the surrounding hills use the Paradar 868Mhz LoraWAN whip antenna & operte predomenantly on the low power XIAO nRF52840.

As of 28th September 2025, activity in Cumbria remains limited, with only a handful of visible nodes. However, this morning we achieved a major milestone — first contact with Northern Ireland. We received a message from a node in Bangor, over 88 miles away — an impressive feat for the mesh.
As of 11th October 2025, the mesh continues to expand. CumbriaCQ.com have joined our efforts, and together we’re seeing strong growth across the North West. There’s been a surge of messages coming in from all over the country, though we’re still unable to transmit beyond our local mesh for now. With more repeaters appearing over time, we’re hopeful that will soon change.